Mysteries of the Rosary

Mysteries of the Rosary

The Church has used three sets of mysteries for many centuries. In 2002 Pope John Paul II proposed a fourth set of mysteries—the Mysteries of Light, or Luminous Mysteries. According to his suggestion, the four sets of mysteries might be prayed on the following days: the Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Saturday, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday, the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesday and Sunday, and the Luminous Mysteries on Thursday.

The Joyful Mysteries

  1. The Annunciation
    Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
  2. The Visitation
    Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered.
  3. The Nativity
    Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem.
  4. The Presentation
    Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God.
  5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
    Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.

The Mysteries of Light

  1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
    God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son.
  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
    At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle.
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
    Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom.
  4. The Transfiguration of Jesus
    Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John.
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist
    Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

  1. The Agony in the Garden
    Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies.
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar
    Jesus is lashed with whips.
  3. The Crowning With Thorns
    Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns.
  4. The Carrying of the Cross
    Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him.
  5. The Crucifixion
    Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.

The Glorious Mysteries

  1. The Resurrection
    God the Father raises Jesus from the dead.
  2. The Ascension
    Jesus returns to his Father in heaven.
  3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
    The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples.
  4. The Assumption of Mary
    At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven.
  5. The Coronation of Mary
    Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Our Lady of Fatima and the Rosary

Our Lady asked the children of Fatima to pray the Rosary every day for peace in the world. Learn more about the Rosary with these activity suggestions for the classroom or family.

Rosary Prayer Cloths

Praying the Rosary

Mary Prays for Us

Activity Center: Making a Rosary

Creative Ways to Pray the Rosary

Deepen your understanding of the Rosary by reading The Rosary: A Path into Prayer by Elizabeth M. Kelly and The Complete Rosary: A Guide to Praying the Mysteries by William G. Storey.