How to pray “The Crown of Twelve Stars” devotion

Written by St. Joseph Calasanz and inspired by the book of Revelation.

In the book of Revelation St. John records seeing “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1). Traditionally this image is linked to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and throughout history she has been depicted in art with a crown of 12 stars.

In the 17th century, Spanish priest St. Joseph Calasanz had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and composed “The Crown of Twelve Stars.” It is a prayer in honor of the Blessed Mother and is a direct reference to this passage in Revelation. Often these prayers are prayed on a special chaplet designed for it, though a chaplet is not required.

Below is a description of how to pray it from The Raccolta, a collection of prayers that dates to the early 19th century.

Let us offer praise and thanksgiving to the Most Holy Trinity, Who hath shown us the Virgin Mary, clothed with the sun, the moon between her feet, and on her head a mystic crown of twelve stars.
R. For ever and ever. Amen.

Let us praise and thank the Divine Father, Who elected her for His daughter.
R. Amen.
Our Father.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who predestined her to be the Mother of His Divine Son.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who preserved her from all stain in her conception.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who adorned her at birth with His most excellent gifts.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who gave her Saint Joseph to be her companion and most pure spouse.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary and Glory be.

Let us praise and thank the Divine Son, Who chose her for His mother.
R. Amen.
Our Father.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who became incarnate in her bosom and there abode for nine months.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who was born of her and was nourished at her breast.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who in His childhood willed to be taught by her.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who revealed to her the mystery of the Redemption of the world.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary and Glory be.

Let us praise and thank the Holy Spirit, Who took her for His spouse.
R. Amen.
Our Father.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, Who, revealed first to her His Name of Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, by Whose operation she was at once Virgin and Mother.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, by Whose power she was the living-temple of the ever-blessed Trinity.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, by Whom she was exalted in Heaven above every living creature.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary and Glory be.