The Holy Rosary

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St Dominic was given the task, by Pope Innocent III, of converting the people of southern France who had succumbed to the Albigensian heresy. He asked Our Blessed Lady to help him in this difficult task. Our Lady gave him the Rosary and taught him to use it in all his difficulties. He preached this devotion, wherever he traveled. Our Blessed Mother rewarded his devotion and helped him convert these wayward Christians.

How to pray the Rosary

The Rosary is divided into twenty decades. Each decade represents a mystery in the life of Jesus. These twenty decades are divided into four “Mysteries of the Rosary”, The Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious, said on specific days of the week, each containing 5 decades.

The Joyful Mysteries are said on Mondays and Saturdays. The Sorrowful Mysteries are said on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Glorious Mysteries are said on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Luminous Mysteries are said on Thursday.

We begin the Rosary by blessing ourselves with the Sign of the Cross. Then we recite the Apostle’s Creed. Then, following the small beads above the crucifix, say one Our Father, three Hail Mary’s and one Glory Be to the Father. We then begin to meditate on the mysteries by saying one Our Father, then ten Hail Mary’s, which correspond to the ten smaller beads in each decade. Each decade concludes with the Glory be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer. At the end of the Rosary, say the Hail, Holy Queen.

Let’s begin…

Sign of the Cross

  • Apostles CreedI believe in God the Father Almighty,
    Creator of Heaven and earth.
    I believe in Jesus Christ,
    His only Son, our Lord.

    He was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
    and born of the Virgin Mary,
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
    crucified, died and was buried:

    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day He rose again.
    He ascended into heaven, and seated at the right
    hand of God, the Father Almighty,
    from thence 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.
  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 3Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.

Joyful Mysteries

Sorrowful Mysteries

Luminous Mysteries

Glorious Mysteries

The Annunciation — First Joyful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in 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, full of grace, The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled by 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 favour with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will 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 unto me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.

Luke 1: 26-38

I Desire the Love Of Humility

Think of…
The humility of the Blessed Virgin when the Angel Gabriel greeted her with these words: “Hail full of grace”.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Visitation — Second Joyful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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 in her womb 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 your 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.”

Luke 1: 39-45

I Desire Charity Toward My Neighbour

Think of…
Mary’s charity in visiting her cousin Elizabeth and remaining with her for three months before the birth of John the Baptist.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Nativity — Third Joyful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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 manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. And 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 proclaim 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.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host. With the angels, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those upon whom his favour rests.”

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Luke 2: 6-19

I Desire the Love of God

Think of…
The poverty, so lovingly accepted by Mary when she placed the Infant Jesus, our God and Redeemer, in a manger in the stable of Bethlehem.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Presentation in the Temple — Fourth Joyful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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 turtle doves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate of 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. 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 the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and the 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.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the Temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favour of God was upon him.

Luke 2: 22-40

I Desire a Spirit of Sacrifice

Think of…
Mary’s obedience to the law of God in presenting the Child Jesus in the Temple.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Finding in the Temple — Fifth Joyful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favour before God and man.

Luke 2: 41-52

I desire Zeal For The Glory Of God

Think of…
The deep sorrow with which Mary sought the Child Jesus for three days, and the joy with which she found Him in the midst of the Teachers of the Temple.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Agony in the Garden — First Sorrowful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.” After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.

When he arose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.” While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?”

And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and Temple guards and elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the Temple area and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”

Luke 22: 39-53

I Desire True Repentance for My Sins

Think of…
Our Lord Jesus in the garden of Gethsemani, suffering a bitter agony for our sins.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

Scourging at the Pillar — Second Sorrowful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.

John 19:1

I Desire a Spirit of Mortification

Think of…
The cruel scourging at the pillar that our Lord suffered; the heavy blows that tore His flesh.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

Crowning of Thorns — Third Sorrowful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

And they struck him repeatedly.

John 19: 2-3

I Desire Moral Courage.

Think of…
The crown of sharp thorns that was forced upon our Lord’s Head and the patience with which He endured the pain for our sins.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

Carrying of the Cross — Fourth Sorrowful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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 your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and 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?”

Luke 23: 26-32

I Desire the Virtue of Patience

Think of…
The heavy Cross, so willingly carried by our Lord, and ask Him to help you to carry your crosses without complaint.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Crucifixion — Fifth Sorrowful Mystery

Optional Meditation:

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, and the other on his left.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]

They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him.

As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we recieved corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the Veil of the Temple was torn down the middle.

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit;” and when he had said this he breathed his last.

Luke 23: 33-46

I Desire the Grace of Final Perseverance

Think of…
The love which filled Christ’s Sacred Heart during His three hours’ agony on the Cross, and ask Him to be with you at the hour of death.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan — First Luminous Mystery

Optional Meditation:

Each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus. 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 spirit descended like a dove on Him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; and with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1: 10

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Self-manifestation at the Wedding of Cana — Second Luminous Mystery

Optional Meditation:

Another mystery of light is the first 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.

Jesus changed water into wine, the first of His signs, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

John 2: 11

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Announcement of the Kingdom of God, with His call to Conversion — Third Luminous Mystery

Optional Meditation:

Another mystery of light is 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 time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Mark 1: 15

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Transfiguration — Fourth Luminous Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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.

And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like sun, and His clothes became dazzling white.

Matthew 17: 2

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Institution of the Eucharist — Fifth Luminous Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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 (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice.

He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Luke 22: 19

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Resurrection — First Glorious Mystery

Optional Meditation:

But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were puzzling over this, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.”

And they remembered his words.

Luke 24: 1-8

I Desire a Strong Faith

Think of…
Christ’s glorious triumph when, on the third day after His death, He arose from the tomb and for forty days appeared to His Blessed Mother and to His disciples.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Ascension — Second Glorious Mystery

Optional Meditation:

When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

Acts 1: 6-12

I Desire the Virtue of Hope

Think of…
The Ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days after His glorious Resurrection, in the presence of Mary and His disciples.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit — Third Glorious Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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

I Desire Zeal for the Glory of God

Think of…
The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles, under the form of tongues of fire, in fulfillment of Christ’s promise.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Assumption — Fourth Glorious Mystery

Optional Meditation:

The queen takes her place at your right hand in the gold of Ophir.

All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters; her raiment is threaded with spun gold.

In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king.

Psalms 45: 10,14,15

I Desire the Grace of a Holy Death

Think of…
The glorious Assumption of Mary into Heaven, when she was united with her Divine Son.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Fifth Glorious Mystery

Optional Meditation:

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. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as her labored to give birth.

She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.

Her child was caught up to God and his throne.

Revelation 12: 1-2, 5

I Desire a Greater Love for the Blessed Virgin Mary

Think of…
The glorious crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven by her Divine Son, to the great joy of all the Saints.

  • 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.
  • Hail Mary x 10
    Hail, Mary, full of grace,
    the Lord is with thee,
    blessed art thou among women,
    and blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

    Holy Mary, Mother of God,
    pray for us sinners,
    now and at the hour of our death.

    Amen.
  • Glory Be
    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.
  • Fatima Prayer
    O My Jesus,
    Forgive us our sins,
    Save us from the fires of hell,
    Take all souls to Heaven,
    especially those in most
    need of Thy mercy.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail! Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto is the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary!

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy or the promises of Christ.

Prayer After the Rosary

O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.