The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Rosary is a powerful prayer that helps us meditate on the life of Jesus and His mother, Mary. It is divided into four sets of Mysteries, each focusing on different moments in salvation history. By praying these Mysteries, we grow closer to Christ and reflect on His love and sacrifice for us.

The Joyful Mysteries Prayed on Mondays & Saturdays, also Sundays (during Advent)

The Joyful Mysteries invite us to reflect on the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood. They remind us of the joy of God’s plan unfolding in the world.

1. The Annunciation – The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she will be the Mother of Jesus.
2. The Visitation – Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who recognizes Mary as the Mother of the Lord.
3. The Nativity – Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
4. The Presentation in the Temple – Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple, dedicating Him to God.
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple – Jesus, at age 12, is found in the Temple, teaching and discussing Scripture.

The Sorrowful Mysteries Prayed on Tuesdays & Fridays, also Sundays (during Lent)

The Sorrowful Mysteries help us reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death. They remind us of His immense love and sacrifice for our salvation.

1. The Agony in the Garden – Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, accepting the suffering to come.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar – Jesus is brutally whipped by Roman soldiers.
3. The Crowning with Thorns – Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns.
4. The Carrying of the Cross – Jesus carries His cross to Calvary.
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus – Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies for our sins.

The Glorious Mysteries Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays (outside of Advent and Lent)

The Glorious Mysteries celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death and remind us of the hope we have in Him.

1. The Resurrection – Jesus rises from the dead.
2. The Ascension – Jesus ascends into Heaven.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles at Pentecost.
4. The Assumption of Mary – Mary is taken into Heaven, body and soul.
5. The Coronation of Mary – Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

The Luminous Mysteries (Prayed on Thursdays)

The Luminous Mysteries, introduced by St. John Paul II, focus on Jesus’ public ministry and His teachings.

1. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan – Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, beginning His ministry.
2. The Wedding at Cana – Jesus performs His first miracle, turning water into wine.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God – Jesus preaches about repentance and the coming of God’s Kingdom.
4. The Transfiguration – Jesus is transfigured in glory before Peter, James, and John.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist – Jesus gives us His Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

How the Mysteries Fit into the Week

• Mondays & Saturdays → Joyful Mysteries
• Tuesdays & Fridays → Sorrowful Mysteries
• Wednesdays & Sundays (outside of Advent and Lent) → Glorious Mysteries
• Thursdays → Luminous Mysteries
• Sundays during Advent → Joyful Mysteries
• Sundays during Lent → Sorrowful Mysteries

Praying the Rosary helps us reflect on Christ’s life, grow in faith, and seek the intercession of Mary, who always leads us closer to her Son. Whether you are new to the Rosary or have prayed it for years, meditating on these Mysteries can deepen your relationship with God and bring peace to your heart.