Prayer of the Rosary in Mandarin Chinese

Chinese Prayer to the Virgin

The prayer of the Holy Rosary in Mandarin has been one of the most widespread devotional practices among Chinese Catholics. The translation of the rosary into mandarin was a milestone in the inculturation of the Catholic faith in China, made by the first Jesuit missionaries and perfected over the centuries.

The Avemaria in Mandarin

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Praise be to you among women, and to your son Jesus. Pray to God for our sinners now and when we die. Amen.

The translation of the Avemaría into the Mandarin was made by the first Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century. The current version, accepted by the Church in China, is the result of a long tradition of translation and adaptation.

The Father in Mandarin

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, and thy kingdom cometh, and thy will be done in man, as in heaven. Give us today the daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive others. Do not tempt us, but save us from evil. Amen.

The Father in Mandarin was first translated by Father Matteo Ricci in the 17th century. The current version is the result of the work of many generations of Chinese missionaries and laity.

The Glory in Mandarin

Glory be upon the Lord in heaven, and peace be upon those whom He loves. The Lord, the Lord, the King in heaven, the Father of the Almighty, praise thee, praise thee, worship thee, raise thee up, and thank thee. The Lord Jesus Christ and the One Child, the Lord, the Lord, the Lamb of the Lord, the Son of the Father, and those who are saved from the sins, have mercy on us." And hear our prayer, except those who are saved. And let those who sit on the right hand of the Father have mercy on us, for you are only the Holy, and you are the Lord, and you are the Supreme." Jesus Christ, you and God, share the glory of the Holy Father of God. Amen.

The prayer of the rosary in Chinese life

The prayer of the rosary in mandarin has been a constant in the life of Chinese Catholics. During the persecutions, the rosary was secretly prayed, sometimes without accounts, using the fingers of the hands. The Chinese faithful have developed their own ways of praying the rosary, adapting it to Chinese cultural sensitivity.

At present, the rosary is praying in Mandarin in all parishes of China. The months of May and October are especially dedicated to this devotion, with community prayers in churches and in homes.