A beautiful custom, one in the sme vein as St Louis Marie de Montfort adding phrases to the Hail Mary to focus attention on the Mysteries.
From Aleteia
By Philip Kosloski
This alternative prayer is used saying the Rosary, and focuses our minds on the somber reality of the Passion.The"Glory Be" prayer is usually said after praying each decade of the Rosary. This has been the custom for many centuries in most countries throughout the world and is the most common way to pray the Rosary.
It has not always been part of the Rosary, as originally there were a variety of prayers said. It took many years before the Rosary was formulated into what it is today.
Replacing the Glory Be
However, during Holy Week, and in some places starting from the 5th Sunday of Lent, the following prayer will be prayed in its place. The prayer highlights the Passion and death of Jesus and is meant to help Catholics meditate more on the suffering of Jesus.
V. Christ became obedient for us unto death.
R. Even to death on a cross.
These two verses are straight from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, "he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).
This tradition is popular in the Philippines, and among Filipino Catholics spread throughout the world. It is a custom that they developed, and have been faithful to over the years.
While not a mandatory custom, it reflects the somber mood of Holy Week and is in line with similar practices in the Church, such as omitting the Gloria or Alleluia during Lent. It fit thematically, as Holy Week is not typically a week where we lift up our hearts in joyful jubilation. We tend to save that for Jesus' Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
For those looking for a new way to enter into Jesus' Passion, try replacing the Glory Be with this prayer this year.
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