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How to Pray the Rosary

pray the rosary

While holding a Catholic Rosary, recite the prayers as indicated in the step-by-step instructions below. On the Pater (Our Father) beads, click to reflect on the appropriate Divine Mystery. When recited at a Vigil Service, include the Optional Eternal Rest prayer where indicated. 🙏

1. The Sign of the Cross and The Apostles’ Creed

In the name of the Father, † and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

2. The Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

3. The Hail Mary (three times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Optional: Eternal Rest – Added at a Vigil Service (Wake)

4. A Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer followed by the First Divine Mystery, ending with the Our Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.” Amen. (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917)

First Joyful Mystery – The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary (Monday, Saturday)

First Luminous Mystery – The Baptism of Jesus (Thursday)

First Sorrowful Mystery – The Agony of Jesus in the garden (Tuesday, Friday)

First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Wednesday, Sunday)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

5. The Hail Mary (ten times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Optional: Eternal Rest – Added at a Vigil Service (Wake)

6. A Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer followed by The Second Divine Mystery, ending with The Our Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.” Amen. (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917)

Second Joyful Mystery – The visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth (Monday, Saturday)

Second Luminous Mystery – The wedding of Cana (Thursday)

Second Sorrowful Mystery – The scourging of Jesus at the pillar (Tuesday, Friday)

Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven (Wednesday, Sunday)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

7. The Hail Mary (ten times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Optional: Eternal Rest – Added at a Vigil Service (Wake)

8. A Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer followed by The Third Divine Mystery, ending with The Our Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.” Amen. (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917)

Third Joyful Mystery – The nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem (Monday, Saturday)

Third Luminous Mystery – The proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Thursday)

Third Sorrowful Mystery – The Crowning with Thorns (Tuesday, Friday)

Third Glorious Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Wednesday, Sunday)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

9. The Hail Mary (ten times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Optional: Eternal Rest – Added at a Vigil Service (Wake)

10. A Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer followed by The Fourth Divine Mystery, ending with The Our Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.” Amen. (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917)

Fourth Joyful Mystery – The presentation of Jesus to the Temple (Monday, Saturday)

Fourth Luminous Mystery – The Transfiguration (Thursday)

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery – The Carrying of the Cross (Tuesday, Friday)

Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven (Wednesday, Sunday)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

11. The Hail Mary (ten times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Optional: Eternal Rest – Added at a Vigil Service (Wake)

12. A Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer followed by The Fifth Divine Mystery, ending with The Our Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.” Amen. (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917)

Fifth Joyful Mystery – The finding of Jesus in the Temple (Monday, Saturday)

Fifth Luminous Mystery – The institution of the Eucharist (Thursday)

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery – The crucifixion and death of Jesus (Tuesday, Friday)

Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth (Wednesday, Sunday)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

13. The Hail Mary (ten times)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Optional: Eternal Rest – Added at a Vigil Service (Wake)

14. A Glory Be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer, ending with Hail Holy Queen and the Sign of the Cross

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.” (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917) Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate Thine eyes of mercy toward us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of Thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray, O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father, † and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Eternal Rest

Eternal rest grant unto <name>, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.

May <name’s> soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

The First Joyful Mystery

The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary

“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)

Fruit of the Mystery: Humility

Oh Mary with Your “yes” You have opened Heaven’s ways, You have achieved the will of the Father. You will be blessed for ever: Your intercession is heard in Heaven, because You have accepted God’s plan. Let us pray that we can say “yes” to the Father in every instance He asks it of us. Mary help us to be humble and obedient to God’s will.

 

The First Luminous Mystery

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

Fruit of the Mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit

The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of light. Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became sin for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out.

 

The First Sorrowful Mystery

The Agony of Jesus in the Garden

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Mat 26:36-39). He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. (Luke 22:44)

Fruit of the Mystery: Sorrow for Sin

In the forsaking prayer to the Father, Jesus found strength, trust, and an angel was sent to comfort Him. So Jesus will be our comforting angel. It’s as He said to us: “Why do you worry in your difficulties? Be strong in me; look to your God in your most troubled hour, and you will be triumphant.” Let us ask to forsake ourselves to God, to always do His will.

 

The First Glorious Mystery

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:1-6)

Fruit of the Mystery: Faith

The risen Jesus has proved that man, together with Him, can have power over sin and therefore death. Jesus, help raise us, deliver us from sin, from evil, give us Your light, give us Your joy. Rekindle inside us the love, the faith, the hopefulness, and the gift of prayer. Let us ask Mary for the gift of an unshaken faith.

 

The Second Joyful Mystery

The Visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of our womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For He has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is his name. (Luke 1:39-49)

Fruit of the Mystery: Love of Neighbor

Mary goes to visit Elizabeth: She carries God to Her cousin, for the love of Her brothers and neighbors. Lord help us to carry Christ to others, like Mary did. Let us ask Mary the gift of burning charity.

 

The Second Luminous Mystery

The Wedding of Cana

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” [And] Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told him, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. After this, he and his mother, [his] brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there only a few days. (John 2:1-12)

Fruit of the Mystery: To Jesus through Mary

Another mystery of light is the fist of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1-12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers.

 

The Second Sorrowful Mystery

The Scourging of Jesus at The Pillar

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. And Jesus stood before the governor and the governor asked him, saying: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said unto him: “Thou sayest.” And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him: “Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?” and he answered him to never a word. Pilate saith unto them: “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” They all say unto him: “Let him be crucified!” And the governor said: “Why, what evil hath he done?” But they cried out the more, saying: “Let him be crucified!” (Mat 27). And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. (Mark 15:15)

Fruit of the Mystery: Purity

How many pains, how many torments, and how many wounds on the body of Jesus? How much blood falls to the ground, while His tormenters laugh, insult him, and gather their strength to hit the innocent body of Jesus again? Let us ask to accept every insult for the love of our Lord, and also a true regret for our sins.

 

The Second Glorious Mystery

The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them,” Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And [behold] I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. (Luke 24:36-51)

Fruit of the Mystery: Hope

Jesus, You have not deserted Your apostles in anguish, but have given them the joy of knowing Jesus “glorified” over 40 days. After Your Ascension, You granted to all those who seek You the gift of receiving You in the Eucharist. Through Mary we trust in you. Mary, give us the gift of hope.

 

The Third Joyful Mystery

The Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I procaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:6-12)

Fruit of the Mystery: Poverty

Infant Jesus in the manger, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds adore Him. Let us also adore Christ, the Son of God, in the silence of our soul and from the depth of our heart. Let us ask Mary to make us love Jesus more, and also the gift of povery of spirit.

 

The Third Luminous Mystery

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

Fruit of the Mystery: Repentance and Trust in God

The preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to Him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47-48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23).

 

The Third Sorrowful Mystery

The Crowning with Thorns

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. (Matthew 27:27-31)

Fruit of the Mystery: Courage

Think of the indignity, outrage, pain, and humiliation that Jesus suffered. They stripped Him of every dignity. He was treated as the guilt of our worst sins. He seems to say yes to us: “Why do you despair when you suffer? Is that the way you love me? Meditate about my passions and find in them great riches.” Let us ask the gift of patience to accept all humiliations, thinking of how Jesus suffered for us.

 

The Third Glorious Mystery

The Descent of the Holy Ghost

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:1-4)

Fruit of the Mystery: Love of God

Jesus, infuse us with the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, enlighten us with the light of Your Spirit, with His strength enter in the deepest parts of our hearts and heal us. Deliver us, fill up our hearts with Your love. Make us apostles of Yours, dear Lord. Let us ask Mary the gift of true love, the gift of prayer from the heart.

“Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your well-beloved Spouse.”

 

The Fourth Joyful Mystery

The Presentation of Jesus to the Temple

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said abbout him, and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:22-35)

Fruit of the Mystery: Obedience

We need to pay attention to the voice of God, to discern His call and accept the mission He gave us. After the Simeon prophecy, Mary takes into Her Heart the wound of sorrow, but in the silence She accepts the will of Her Father.

 

The Fourth Luminous Mystery

The Transfiguration

About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. (Luke 9:28-35)

Fruit of the Mystery: Desire for Holiness

The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to listen to him (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.

 

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery

The Carrying of the Cross

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed (Luke 23:26-32)

Fruit of the Mystery: Patience

Even if He had suffered just for you, Jesus would have accepted such pains, great is His love for you. Along the road to Calvery Jesus sees Mary, His Mother. Can we imagine the moment when Their eyes met? Oh how Her Heart must have ached. Let us pray to Mary for the grace to always accept our cross, so that she and Jesus may bear it.

 

The Fourth Glorious Mystery

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven

Arise, LORD, come to your resting place, you and your mighty ark. (Psalm 132:8)

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a violent hailstorm. A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelations 11:19, 12:1)

Fruit of the Mystery: Grace of a Happy Death

Now that Mary is raised into heaven, She prays for Her sons and daughters, those sons and daughters Jesus left Her when He was on the cross. Mary, pray for us, You know our fears, take us into Your Heart, the Heart of a Mother. Help us now and in the time of our death to be with You in Heaven. We ask of you a devotion to Your Immaculate Heart, where we may take refuge in times of trouble. 

 

The Fifth Joyful Mystery

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:41-51)

Fruit of the Mystery: Joy in Finding Jesus

Let us think of how many times we have been far from Jesus; from that Jesus, who with so much love has died for us. Let us meditate that in the difficulties of life the only safety is finding Jesus and never again leaving his great love.

 

The Fifth Luminous Mystery

The Institution of the Eucharist

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to the them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22-25)

Fruit of the Mystery: Adoration

A final mystery of light is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end: his love for humanity (John 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice.

 

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27)

Fruit of the Mystery: Perseverance

Jesus wishes to see us close to His Mother; He wishes that, like children, we keep our hand in the hand of Mary. That is what He wants. He asks us to look to the heavenly Mother, that is depend on Her. He asks that we accept Our Lady as our true Mother, who will ignite in us a fervent love of Her Son. Mary, we trust in You, take us and put us in the refuge of Your Immaculate Heart, heal with Your humility our pride, that so often takes us far from God.

 

The Fifth Glorious Mystery

The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelations 12:1)

Fruit of the Mystery: Trust in Mary’s Intercession

Let us trust in Mary, let us call to Her, let us love Her, let us confide in Her, because She gives Her all to us. We have a Mother in Heaven who is also a Queen; thus we need to turn to Her with full faith and hopefulness. If we ask for something while praying the Holy Rosary, it will be granted to us. Ask her for the gift of prayer, a prayer of the heart, said only for love, a love for Her and Jesus. Let us also ask for a consistency of prayer, to always be joined to Her Heart, and therefore to the Heart of Jesus.