The Rosary stands as a deeply significant and Scripture-rooted prayer within the Catholic tradition. This reverent practice commences with the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, a concise formulation encapsulating the fundamental tenets of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, drawn directly from the Gospels, serves as a prelude to each mystery, establishing a sacred connection to the teachings of Christ.
A pivotal element of the Rosary lies in the Hail Mary, a prayer with dual components. The initial portion echoes the angel’s proclamation regarding the birth of Christ and the heartfelt greeting bestowed upon Mary by Elizabeth. A historical note reveals that the second part of the Hail Mary was officially incorporated by St. Pius V, thus enriching the prayer’s depth and resonance.
Central to the Rosary are the Mysteries, which intricately weave together the significant events of Christ’s life. These Mysteries are organized into four sets: the Joyful, the Sorrowful, and the Glorious, with a notable addition by Saint John Paul II in 2002 — the Luminous Mysteries. Each set invites contemplation and reflection, providing a profound journey through the key moments that define the Christian narrative.
Praying the Rosary
Here’s a step-by-step guide to praying the Rosary:
- Make the Sign of the Cross.
- Hold the Crucifix and recite the Apostle’s Creed.
- On the first bead, say Our Father.
- Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.
- Say the Glory Be.
- For each of the five decades: recite 10 Hail Mary.
- After finishing each decade, say the Fatima Prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima.
- After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Queen.
- Recite Litany of the Blessed Virgin.
- Optionally, a prayer to St. Joseph may follow.
- Conclude the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe 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 to the dead.
On the third day He rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and He will 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
This creed is called the Apostles’ Creed because it is traditionally attributed to the apostles, though its exact origin is not known. It serves as a concise statement of Christian faith and is widely used in various Christian denominations during worship and liturgical practices.
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.
The Our Father is a prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (6:9-13) and Luke (11:2-4). It holds a central place in Christian worship and is frequently recited in various denominations during liturgical services, prayer gatherings, and personal devotions.
Hail Mary
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.
The Hail Mary is a prayer that combines elements from the Gospel of Luke (1:28, 42) where the angel Gabriel greets Mary, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, greets Mary as “blessed among women” and acknowledges the blessedness of the fruit of her womb, Jesus. The concluding part, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” is a plea for Mary’s intercession.
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.
The Glory Be is a simple and concise prayer that expresses praise and adoration to the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is commonly recited during worship services, prayer gatherings, and as part of the Rosary.
Fatima Prayer
“Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.”
This prayer is said to have been revealed by the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos, Jacinta Marto, and Francisco Marto—during the apparitions at Fatima in 1917. The prayer is a plea for forgiveness, salvation, and the conversion of sinners. It is commonly included at the end of each decade of the Rosary.
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Hail Holy Queen
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 towards 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.
Amen.
The “Hail, Holy Queen” is a beautiful prayer honoring the Virgin Mary and seeking her intercession. It acknowledges Mary’s role as a merciful advocate and asks for her prayers on behalf of all those who turn to her.
Joyful Mysteries
The Five Joyful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Mondays, Saturdays, and, during the season of Advent, on Sundays
1. The Annunciation
“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.” – Luke 1:26-27
The Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and bear the Son of God through the Holy Spirit.
Fruit of the mystery: Humility
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
2. The Visitation
“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 your womb.’” – Luke 1:39-42
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord.
Fruit of the mystery: Charity (Love of Neighbor)
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
3. The Nativity
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 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.” – Luke 2:1-7
Jesus is born in Bethlehem. The Holy Family is visited by shepherds and angels, and Jesus is laid in a manger.
Fruit of the mystery: Poverty of Spirit (Detachment from Material Goods)
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
4. The Presentation
“When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
“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.” – Luke 2:21-24
Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple, where they meet Simeon and Anna, who recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
Fruit of the mystery: Obedience
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
5. The Finding 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.” – Luke 2:41-47
Jesus, at the age of twelve, is found in the Temple discussing with the teachers. His parents find him after searching for three days.
Fruit of the mystery: Piety (Devotion to God)
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
Sorrowful Mysteries
The Five Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and, during the season of Lent, on Sundays
1. The Agony 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.’” – Matthew 26:36-39
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he sweats blood, anticipating his impending betrayal and crucifixion.
Fruit of the mystery: Contrition (Sincere Repentance)
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
“Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.” – Matthew 27:26
Jesus is scourged by Roman soldiers before his crucifixion.
Fruit of the mystery: Purity
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
3. 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!’” – Matthew 27:27-29
Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns by the Roman soldiers.
Fruit of the mystery: Courage
4. The Carrying of the Cross
“They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. They brought him to the place of Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull).” – Mark 15:21-22
Jesus carries the cross on the way to Calvary, assisted by Simon of Cyrene.
Fruit of the mystery: Patience
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
5. The Crucifixion and Death
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, 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 received 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
Jesus is crucified on the cross at Golgotha, dies, and is buried. This event represents the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
Glorious Mysteries
The Five Glorious Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Wednesdays and, outside the seasons of Advent and Lent, on Sundays
1. The Resurrection
“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, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.’” – Luke 24:1-5
Jesus rises from the dead on the third day, conquering death and sin.
Fruit of the mystery: Faith
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
2. The Ascension
“So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.” – Mark 16:19
Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples.
Fruit of the mystery: Hope
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
“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
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the Gospel.
Fruit of the mystery: Love of God
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
4. The Assumption
“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 1:48-49
Although not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, this mystery refers to the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
Fruit of the mystery: Grace of a Happy Death
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
5. The Coronation of Mary
“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.” – Revelation 12:1
Similarly not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, this mystery reflects the honor and exaltation given to Mary as the mother of Jesus.
Fruit of the mystery: Trust in Mary’s Intercession
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
Luminous Mysteries
The Five Luminous Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Thursdays
1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
“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 3:16-17
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove.
Fruit of the mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
2. The Wedding Feast at 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.’” – John 2:1-5
Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.
Fruit of the mystery: Fidelity
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
3. Jesus’ Proclamation of the Coming 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
Jesus announces the coming of the Kingdom of God and calls people to repentance and faith.
Fruit of the mystery: Repentance and Trust in God
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
4. The Transfiguration
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” – Matthew 17:1-2
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, and his divine glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John.
Fruit of the mystery: Desire for Holiness
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’” – Matthew 26:26
Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist during the Last Supper, telling his disciples to partake of his body and blood in remembrance of him.
Fruit of the mystery: Adoration
*** Our Father
*** 10 Hail Mary
*** Fatima Prayer
Litany of the Blessed Virgin
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
God of the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us
Holy Mother of God, pray for us
Holy Virgin of Virgins, pray for us
Mother of Christ, pray for us
Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us
Mother most pure, pray for us
Mother most chaste, pray for us
Mother inviolate, pray for us
Mother undefiled, pray for us
Mother most amiable, pray for us
Mother most admirable, pray for us
Mother of good counsel, pray for us
Mother of our Creator, pray for us
Mother of our Savior, pray for us
Virgin most prudent, pray for us
Virgin most venerable, pray for us
Virgin most renowned, pray for us
Virgin most powerful, pray for us
Virgin most merciful, pray for us
Virgin most faithful, pray for us
Mirror of justice, pray for us
Seat of wisdom, pray for us
Cause of our joy, pray for us
Spiritual vessel, pray for us
Vessel of honor, pray for us
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us
Mystical rose, pray for us
Tower of David, pray for us
Tower of ivory, pray for us
House of gold, pray for us
Ark of the Covenant, pray for us
Gate of heaven, pray for us
Morning star, pray for us
Health of the sick, pray for us
Refuge of sinners, pray for us
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us
Help of Christians, pray for us
Queen of angels, pray for us
Queen of patriarchs, pray for us
Queen of prophets, pray for us
Queen of apostles, pray for us
Queen of martyrs, pray for us
Queen of confessors, pray for us
Queen of virgins, pray for us
Queen of all saints, pray for us
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us
Queen of the most Holy Rosary, pray for us
Queen of peace, pray for us
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, Oh Lord!
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, Oh Lord!
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Pray for us, Oh Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Oh God, whose only begotten Son by whose life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the reward of eternal salvation, grant we beseech you that by meditating upon the mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
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