A complete guide to the mysteries
The Holy Rosary
A step-by-step guide to the Rosary, with all four sets of mysteries, concluding prayers, and the traditional weekly pattern.
How to Pray the Rosary
- Make the Sign of the Cross and pray the Apostles’ Creed.
- Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys for faith, hope, and charity, and one Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery. Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery, one Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer.
- Repeat the decade for each of the remaining four mysteries.
- After the fifth decade, pray the Hail Holy Queen and the concluding Rosary prayer, then make the Sign of the Cross.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy. Amen.
The Joyful Mysteries
Traditionally prayed Monday and Saturday
- The Annunciation — The angel Gabriel announces that Mary will be the Mother of God.
- The Visitation — Mary visits Elizabeth.
- The Nativity — Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
- The Presentation — Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple.
- The Finding in the Temple — Mary and Joseph find Jesus among the teachers.
The Luminous Mysteries
Traditionally prayed Thursday
- The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan.
- The Wedding Feast at Cana.
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion.
- The Transfiguration.
- The Institution of the Eucharist.
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Traditionally prayed Tuesday and Friday
- The Agony in the Garden.
- The Scourging at the Pillar.
- The Crowning with Thorns.
- The Carrying of the Cross.
- The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
The Glorious Mysteries
Traditionally prayed Wednesday and Sunday
- The Resurrection.
- The Ascension.
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit.
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
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, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this our exile, show unto us 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 of the promises of Christ.
Concluding Rosary Prayer
Let us pray.
O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by His life, Death, and Resurrection,
has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech You,
that while meditating on 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.
Weekly Pattern
Joyful: Monday and Saturday. Sorrowful: Tuesday and Friday. Glorious: Wednesday and Sunday. Luminous: Thursday. On particular seasons or feasts, another set may be chosen.