Mysteries of the Rosary

Mysteries of the Rosary

The Rosary

The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel's words announcing Christ's birth and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and––added by Saint John Paul II in 2002––the Luminous.


The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells. The Rosary can be said privately or with a group.

Learn More about Praying the Rosary

Mondays, Saturdays, & Sundays during Advent

  1. The Annunciation
  2. The Visitation
  3. The Nativity
  4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
  5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Tuesdays, Fridays, and, during the season of Lent, on Sundays

  1. The Agony in the Garden
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar
  3. The Crowning With Thorns
  4. The Carrying of the Cross
  5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Thursdays

  1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
  4. The Transfiguration of Jesus
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist

Wednesdays and, outside the seasons of Advent and Lent, on Sundays

  1. The Resurrection
  2. The Ascension
  3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
  4. The Assumption of Mary
  5. The Coronation of Mary

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