5 Mysteries of the Rosary to Pray | Catholic Guide

Each of the 5 Mysteries of the Rosary are designed to help us focus our prayers on Our Lord's life, ministry, and Passion. The rosary prayer was described by Pope Pius XII as "the compendium of the entire Gospel."

What are the 5 Mysteries of the Rosary?

There are four rosary mystery types (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous), each with 5 sections that correspond to the five decades of the rosary.

The Joyful Mysteries are concerned with the joyful events surrounding Jesus Christ's Incarnation. The Sorrowful Mysteries are concerned with the sorrowful events surrounding Jesus Christ's Passion and Death. The Glorious Mysteries center on the glorious events surrounding the Resurrection and Christ's reign in heaven with Our Lady. The Luminous Mysteries, or mysteries of light (added by Pope St. John Paul II), center on Jesus Christ's life and ministry.

It is suggested that you meditate on the rosary mysteries according to the days of the week. On Mondays, for example, you will pray the Joyful Mysteries. You will concentrate on one of the five events that comprise the Joyful mysteries with each of the five decades of the rosary. You will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday, and so on for the rest of the week. Pope St. John Paul II advised the faithful to use this method.

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

(Prayed on Mondays and Saturdays)

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.

More about the Joyful Mysteries.

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

(Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays)

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.)

More about the Sorrowful Mysteries.

The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

(Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays)

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.

More about the Glorious Mysteries.

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

(Prayed on Thursdays)

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.

More on the Luminous Mysteries.

Printable PDF - The Mysteries of the Rosary

Download the Mysteries of the Rosary.

Praying with the Mysteries of the Rosary.

The Mysteries of the Rosary cards are an ideal way to carry this practice with you wherever you go. Get them for free when you purchase a Rosary Card.

Meditating on the life of Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a sure way to grow in faith and understanding of the faith, deepen your relationship with Christ, increase in holiness and virtue, and avoid sin.

Go deeper? Learn how to meditate with the 5 mysteries of the Rosary.

Connect

Please let me know how your journey with the Rosary is going, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a message an email at: brennan@everydayprayerco.com

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