The Second Greatest Prayer
"The Holy Rosary is the second greatest prayer after the Mass and its recitation has saved nations, cities, families, and individuals."
— Pope John Paul II
How to Pray the Rosary
Opening Prayers
- Make the Sign of the Cross with the crucifix of the rosary.
- Say the Apostle's Creed.
- On the 1st bead from the crucifix, say one Our Father.
- On the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th beads, say the Hail Mary.
- Say one Glory Be to the Father.
For each of the 5 decades
- Announce the Mystery.
- On the large bead before each decade, say one Our Father.
- Say ten Hail Marys (one for each small bead of the decade) while meditating on the Mystery.
- Say the Glory Be to the Father.
After each decade
- Say the Fatima Prayer.
Closing Prayer
- Say the Hail, Holy Queen.
The Mysteries of the Rosary
Joyful Mysteries
Monday and Saturday
| Mystery |
Spiritual Reflections |
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Annunciation
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary announcing She is to be the Mother of God.
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- Isaiah 7:10-14
- Luke 1:26-38
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- Visitation
Elizabeth greets Mary: "Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb!"
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- Isaiah 40:1-11
- Luke 1:39-45
- John 1:19-23
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- Nativity
The Virgin Mary gives birth to the Redeemer of the World.
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- Micah 5:1-4
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Luke 2:1-20
- Galatians 4:1-7
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- Presentation in the Temple
The Blessed Mother presents the Child Jesus in the temple.
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- Luke 2:22-35
- Hebrews 9:6-14
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- Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The Blessed Mother finds Jesus in the temple.
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- Luke 2:41-52
- John 12:44-50
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
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Sorrowful Mysteries
Tuesday and Friday
| Mystery |
Spiritual Reflections |
- Agony in the Garden
At Gethsemane Jesus prays as He contemplates the sins of the World.
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- Matthew 26:36-46
- Mark 14:26-42
- Luke 22:39-53
- John 18:1-12
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- Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is cruelly scourged until His mortified body could bear no more.
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- Isaiah 50:5-9
- Matthew 27:15-26
- Mark 15:1-15
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- Crowning with Thorns
A crown of thorns is placed on the head of Jesus.
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- Isaiah 52:13-53:10
- Matthew 16:24-28
- Matthew 27:27-31
- Mark 15:16-19
- Luke 23:6-11
- John 19:1-7
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- Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries the heavy cross upon His shoulders to Calvary.
|
- Mark 8:31-38
- Matthew 16:20-25
- Luke 23:26-32
- John 19:17-22
- Philippians 2:6-11
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- Crucifixion
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies after three hours of agony.
|
- Mark 15:33-39
- Luke 23:33-46
- John 19:23-37
- Acts 22:22-24
- Hebrews 9:11-14
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Glorious Mysteries
Wednesday and Sunday
| Mystery |
Spiritual Reflections |
- Resurrection
Jesus rises glorious and immortal three days after His death.
|
- Matthew 28:1-10
- Mark 16:1-18
- Luke 24:1-12
- John 20:1-10
- Romans 6:1-14
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
|
- Ascension into Heaven
Jesus ascends into Heaven forty days after his Resurrection.
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- Matthew 28:16-20
- Luke 24:44-53
- Acts 1:1-11
- Ephesians 2:4-7
|
- Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the Apostles.
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- John 14:15-21
- Acts 2:1-11
- Acts 4:23-31
- Acts 11:15-18
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- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
The Blessed Mother is united with her Son in Heaven.
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- John 11:17-27
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-57
- Revelation 21:1-6
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- Coronation of the Blessed Virgin
Mary is gloriously crowned Queen of Heaven and earth.
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- Matthew 5:1-12
- 2 Peter 3:10
- Revelation 7:1-4
- Revelation 7:9-12
- Revelation 21:1-6
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Mysteries of Light
Thursday
| Mystery |
Spiritual Reflections |
- Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan
John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, and the Spirit comes upon Jesus like a dove. The Father's voice proclaims, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
|
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- Wedding Feast of Cana
Jesus performs His first miracle by changing water into wine at the wedding feast.
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- Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Repentence
Jesus proclaims the gospel through His message, "Thisi sthe time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel."
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- Matthew 4:17
- Mark 1:14-15
- Luke 4:16-21
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- Transfiguration
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray, and the glory of God shines from His Face and His whole person. The Father's voice identifies Jesus as "my chosen Son...listen to Him."
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- Matthew 17:1-8
- Mark 9:2-8
- Luke 9:28-36
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- Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us His body and blood, and told His Apostles, "Do this in memory of me."
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