Devotional · Marian
How to Pray the Rosary
The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer centered on the life of Christ. Each decade invites you to meditate on a mystery from the Gospels while repeating the Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and the Glory Be. The rhythm of the beads frees the mind to contemplate rather than invent words.
Step by Step
One complete Rosary is five decades, one set of mysteries. Hold the crucifix to begin.
- 1
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
- 2
- 3
- 4
Three Hail Marys
Next three small beads
On each of the three small beads, pray a Hail Mary for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.
Read prayer → - 5
- 6
Announce the Mystery
Name the mystery you will meditate on (see the four sets below). Some begin: “O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
Read prayer → - 7
Each Decade× 5
For each of the five decades in a set: 1. Announce the mystery 2. Our Father on the large bead 3. Ten Hail Marys on the ten small beads, meditate on the mystery with each bead 4. Glory Be 5. Fatima Prayer (optional but traditional)
- 8
Closing
After the fifth decade, pray the Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina). Many also pray the Prayer to St. Michael and a concluding prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Read prayer →
The Twenty Mysteries
Meditate on one mystery per decade. The Church prays different sets on different days of the week.
Joyful Mysteries
Traditionally Monday & Saturday · also Sundays of Advent
- 1.
The Annunciation
The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear the Son of God.
- 2.
The Visitation
Mary visits Elizabeth; John the Baptist leaps for joy in the womb.
- 3.
The Nativity
Jesus is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.
- 4.
The Presentation
Mary and Joseph present the Child Jesus in the Temple.
- 5.
Finding in the Temple
The boy Jesus is found teaching in the Temple after three days.
Luminous Mysteries
Traditionally Thursday · added by St. John Paul II, 2002
- 1.
Baptism of the Lord
Jesus is baptized in the Jordan; the Spirit descends like a dove.
- 2.
Wedding at Cana
Jesus performs his first sign, turning water into wine at Mary's request.
- 3.
Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus preaches repentance and the coming of God's kingdom.
- 4.
The Transfiguration
Jesus is revealed in glory on the mountain before Peter, James, and John.
- 5.
Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper, Christ gives himself in the Bread and Wine.
Sorrowful Mysteries
Traditionally Tuesday & Friday · also Sundays of Lent
- 1.
Agony in the Garden
Jesus prays in Gethsemane and accepts the Father's will.
- 2.
Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is brutally whipped by Roman soldiers.
- 3.
Crowning with Thorns
Soldiers mock Jesus with a crown of thorns and a purple robe.
- 4.
Carrying of the Cross
Jesus falls under the weight of the Cross on the way to Calvary.
- 5.
Crucifixion
Jesus dies on the Cross for the salvation of the world.
Glorious Mysteries
Traditionally Wednesday & Sunday
- 1.
The Resurrection
Jesus rises from the dead on the third day.
- 2.
The Ascension
Jesus ascends to the Father forty days after Easter.
- 3.
Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit comes upon the Apostles at Pentecost.
- 4.
Assumption of Mary
Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory.
- 5.
Coronation of Mary
Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.