The rosary is not just a series of recited prayers. It is also an opportunity to contemplate salvation history by meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death and resurrection which brings us closer to Him and His Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are four sets of five mysteries that are prayed on specific days of the week follows:
- The Joyful Mysteries
Prayed onMondays and Saturdays during Ordinary Time & Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays during advent
- The Annunciation
Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. - The Visitation
Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered. - The Nativity
Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. - The Presentation
Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. - The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.
- The Sorrowful Mysteries
Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays during Ordinary Time & Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays during Lent
- The Agony in the Garden
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies. - The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is lashed with whips. - The Crowning With Thorns
Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns. - The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him. - The Crucifixion
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.
- The Glorious Mysteries
Prayed Wednesdays and Sundays During Ordinary Time & Wednesdays only during Advent and Lent
- The Resurrection
God the Father raises Jesus from the dead. - The Ascension
Jesus returns to his Father in heaven. - The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples. - The Assumption of Mary
At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven. - The Coronation of Mary
Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
- The Luminous Mysteries
Prayed on Thursdays
- The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son. - The Wedding Feast at Cana
At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle. - The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom. - The Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John. - The Institution of the Eucharist
Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.