According to the book of Revelation (Rev. 12:1), 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”.
Due to tradition, this image is linked to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and throughout history she has been portrayed in art with a crown of 12 stars.
During the 17th century, St. Joseph who was a Spanish priest had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, so he composed “The Crown of Twelve Stars.”
Crown of Twelve Stars is a prayer in honor of the Blessed Mother and it is a direct reference to this passage in Revelation.
These prayers are often prayed on a special chaplet designed for it, though a chaplet is not required.
So, below is a description of how to pray it, according to a collection of prayers called the Racolta, that dates back to the early 19th century.
Let us give 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.
Praise and thank be the Divine Father, Who chose her for His daughter.
R. Amen.
Our Father.
Let us praise the Divine Father, Who predestined her to be the Mother of His Divine Son.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.
Let us praise the Divine Father, Who preserved her from all stain in her conception.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.
Let us praise the Divine Father, Who adorned her at birth with His most excellent gifts.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.
Let’s praise 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.
Let us praise 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
Let’s praise the Holy Spirit, by Whose power she was the living-temple of the ever-blessed Trinity.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary.
Let us paise the Holy Spirit, by Whom she was exalted in Heaven above every living creature.
R. Amen.
Hail Mary and Glory be
