The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Rosary is made up of twenty "mysteries" (significant events or moments in the life of Jesus and Mary), which, following the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, are grouped into four series.

The first contains joyful mysteries (recited on Mondays and Saturdays); the second, the mysteries of light (Thursdays); the third, the sorrowful mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays); and the fourth, the glorious mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays).

"This indication is not intended to limit a rightful freedom in personal and community prayer, where account needs to be taken of spiritual and pastoral needs and of the occurrence of particular liturgical celebrations which might call for suitable adaptations" (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 38).

How to pray the Rosary?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
O God come to my aid;
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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.

At the beginning of each decade, announce the "mystery" to be contemplated,

for example, the first joyful mystery is "The Annunciation".
After a short pause for reflection, recite the "Our Father", ten "Hail Marys" and the "Glory be to the Father".
An invocation may be added after each decade.
At the end of the Rosary, the Loreto Litany or some other Marian prayer is recited.

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, 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.

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..