The devotion of the holy Rosary has been treasured in the Church for centuries.  It is a summary of Christian faith in language and prayers inspired by the Bible.  It calls to mind the most important events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.  These events are called Mysteries and are divided into groups of decades.  The Mysteries are:  the five Joyful, the five Sorrowful, the five Luminous, the five Glorious Mysteries.  Each decade consists of one "Our Father," ten "Hail Marys," and one "Glory be to the Father."

How to Pray the Rosary

1. Begin on the crucifix and Make the Sign of the Cross

2. Say the Apostles' Creed.

3. On the 1st bead, pray 1 Our Father

4. On each of the next 3 beads pray the Hail Mary for an increase of faith, hope and love

5. Next pray 1 Glory Be to the Father. 

6. Announce the first Mystery and think of what it means.

7. On the large bead, pray 1 Our Father.

8. Pray a Hail Mary on each of the following ten beads. 

9. Finish the decade with 1 Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer.

10. On the next large bead, announce the next Mystery and continue in the same way until each of the five decades is completed.

11. Finish with the Hail Holy Queen and the Prayer after the Rosary

12. Make the Sign of the Cross

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The Five Joyful Mysteries

(Monday and Saturday)

The Joyful Mysteries direct our mind to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Who took human nature from a human mother, Mary.

1. The Annunciation

2. The Visitation

3. The Birth of Jesus

4. The Presentation in the Temple

5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

(Tuesday and Friday)

The Sorrowful Mysteries recall to our mind the mysterious events surrounding Christ's sacrifice of His life in order that sinful humanity might be reconciled with God.

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

The Five Luminous Mysteries

(Thursday)

1. Christ's Baptism in the Jordan

2. Wedding at Cana

3. Proclamation of the Kingdom

4. Transfiguration

5. Institution of the Eucharist

The Five Glorious Mysteries

(Wednesday, Sunday)

The Glorious Mysteries recall to our mind the ratification of Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of the world, and our sharing in the fruits of His sacrifice.

1. The Resurrection

2. Ascension into Heaven

3. Descent of the Holy Spirit

4. Assumption of the Blessed Mother

5. Crowning of Our Blessed Lady