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How
to Pray the Rosary / Mysteries of the Rosary
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Click
link below or scroll down to view all:
The 5 decade
Rosary is
easy to pray and takes only about 15
minutes. The following
instructions can help you pray the Rosary:
First, if you
are not praying in a group, try to find a
quiet area where you can meditate on the
mysteries. Note that it is most desirable to kneel while praying the
Rosary (for those who are physically able).
Secondly,
determine which mysteries to reflect on
using the following table:
If it
is...
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Reflect on the...*
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Monday
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Joyful
Mysteries
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Tuesday
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Sorrowful
Mysteries
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Wednesday
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Glorious
Mysteries
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Thursday
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Joyful
Mysteries
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Friday
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Sorrowful
Mysteries
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Saturday
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Glorious
Mysteries
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Sunday+
1 - From the 1st Sunday in
Advent until Lent
2 - During Lent
3 - From Easter Sunday until
Advent |
1 - Joyful
Mysteries
2 - Sorrowful
Mysteries
3 - Glorious
Mysteries
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+
Note: For specific dates for Easter, 1st Sunday in Advent,
Ash Wednesday, Easter, etc. from 2000 A.D. - 2050 A.D., click
here (Moveable Feasts Flier). Note that Advent begins on Sunday in November or
December (approximately four Sundays before Christmas, 12/25). Lent
begins on Ash Wednesday (in February/March). Easter always falls
on Sunday (in March/April). Therefore, the Joyful Mysteries are
considered on applicable Sundays from Nov./Dec. to Feb./March,
the Sorrowful Mysteries are considered on applicable Sundays from Feb./March to
March/April, and the Glorious Mysteries are considered on applicable Sundays from
March/April to Nov./Dec.
* Note: For Pope John Paul
II's New Mysteries (Luminous Mysteries/Mysteries of Light), click here |
Refer
to the table below for information about
each mystery or click on the underlined text above.
Now
that you have determined today's mysteries, you are ready to begin the
Rosary. You should have Rosary beads (preferably
blessed) available
while following along with the instructions below (you may adapt the
instructions as necessary to cover Rosary rings and the like). Please
note that we will offer detailed instructions below for the benefit of
those who are new to praying the Rosary. Please remember that the Rosary
is not complicated, even if the instructions may make it
appear so at first. Remember that tying your shoes may have seemed
complicated when you were first learning, but it certainly becomes easy
once you are used to the procedure. After you have prayed the Rosary a
time or two, you will likewise see that it becomes easy.
First,
indicate your intentions for the Rosary. You may offer
your Rosary for your
special intentions, for the intentions of others, for the
intentions of Our Blessed Mother, for an increase in virtue,
etc. You should also indicate your intention to receive all possible
indulgences. Note: For requirements for receiving indulgences, try
the Prayers / Devotions
section.
Second,
make the
Sign of the Cross (for help, click
here). Note that kissing the Crucifix after the Sign of the
Cross is also a commendable custom (and may be indulgenced).
Third,
hold
your Rosary in your right (or left) hand
and follow the steps below. Please note the following:
*
If you are
praying in a group, the leader may say
the non-italicized portion of the prayers
below while all people voice the
italicized portion. If you are praying alone, you may proceed
silently to recite the entire prayers. Note that when praying with a
group, the individual(s) leading the Rosary may insert additional
prayers and reflections (which may vary and are not listed here).
*
Be sure to meditate on the mysteries as you recite the
prayers [you may also reflect on the 'virtues'
for each mystery (see
below)], and not just the words of the prayers. If you find this
difficult, note that you will get better
with time. Note that the meditation of the mysteries is always done
silently (even though you may be vocalizing the prayers).
*
As you pray, hold the applicable bead with your fingers to keep track of
where you are.
*
Note that some Rosaries do not contain large and small beads. In this
case, substitute "single bead" in the instructions below for
"large bead" and "groups of beads" for "small
beads".
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Note:
The following is a detailed guide for the
convenience of those who are new to
praying the Rosary. The
"formula" of the Rosary can be
summarized as follows: Begin with the Sign of the Cross, recite the Apostles' Creed on
the Crucifix, the Our Father on all large beads (or single beads),
the Hail
Mary on all small beads (or groups of beads), the Glory Be after each
sequence of small beads (for a total of 6
Glory Be's), the O My Jesus after each decade
of small beads (for a total of 5);
Conclude with the Hail Holy Queen, then the 10/7 Collect, and the Sign
of the Cross. Announce each mystery just prior to the
Our Father (starting with the second large
bead). |
Now,
you are ready to continue...
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On
the Crucifix, say the Apostles' Creed... |
Apostles'
Creed: I believe in God,
the Father Almighty, Creator of
Heaven and Earth, and 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 into
Hell, the third day He arose again
from the dead. He ascended
into Heaven, sitteth at the right
hand of God, the Father Almighty,
from thence He shall 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 life everlasting. Amen. |
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On
the first large bead (or single bead), say the Our Father |
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. |
|
On
each of the following three
small beads, say the Hail Mary one time. Note that it is customary
to offer these Hail Mary's for an increase in faith, hope and
love (charity). |
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. |
|
After
the last small bead and before the
large bead, say the Glory Be |
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. |
Note: You are now ready to begin the
Mysteries. If you are praying in a group, the leader will
announce the First Mystery. If praying alone, you should
determine (and 'silently announce') the First Mystery (click
here). You should take a moment to reflect on this Mystery
before proceeding. This will help you focus on the Mystery for
the rest of the decade.
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|
On
the large bead, announce the first
mystery, then say the Our
Father |
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. |
Note:
Proceed
to the circular area of the Rosary...
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|
For
each of the following
10 small beads, say the Hail Mary
one time |
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. |
|
After
the last small bead and before the
large bead, say the Glory Be
and the O My Jesus |
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.
O
My Jesus: O my Jesus, forgive
us our sins, save us from the
fires of Hell, lead all souls to
Heaven, especially those who are
in most need of Thy mercy. |
Note: If you are praying in a group,
the leader will announce the Second Mystery. If praying alone,
you should determine (and 'silently announce') the Second
Mystery (click
here). You should take a moment to reflect on this Mystery
before proceeding. This will help you focus on the Mystery for
the rest of the decade.
|
|
On
the large bead, announce the second
mystery, then say the Our
Father |
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. |
|
For
each of the following
10 small beads, say the Hail Mary
one time |
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. |
|
After
the last small bead and before the
large bead, say the Glory Be
and the O My Jesus |
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.
O
My Jesus: O my Jesus, forgive
us our sins, save us from the
fires of Hell, lead all souls to
Heaven, especially those who are
in most need of Thy mercy. |
Note: If you are praying in a group,
the leader will announce the Third Mystery. If praying alone,
you should determine (and 'silently announce') the Third Mystery
(click
here). You should take a moment to reflect on this Mystery
before proceeding. This will help you focus on the Mystery for
the rest of the decade.
|
|
On
the large bead, announce the third
mystery, then say the Our
Father |
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. |
|
For
each of the following
10 small beads, say the Hail Mary
one time |
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. |
|
After
the last small bead and before the
large bead, say the Glory Be
and the O My Jesus |
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.
O
My Jesus: O my Jesus, forgive
us our sins, save us from the
fires of Hell, lead all souls to
Heaven, especially those who are
in most need of Thy mercy. |
Note: If you are praying in a group,
the leader will announce the Fourth Mystery. If praying alone,
you should determine (and 'silently announce') the Fourth
Mystery (click
here). You should take a moment to reflect on this Mystery
before proceeding. This will help you focus on the Mystery for
the rest of the decade.
|
|
On
the large bead, announce the fourth
mystery, then say the Our
Father |
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. |
|
For
each of the following
10 small beads, say the Hail Mary
one time |
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. |
|
After
the last small bead and before the
large bead, say the Glory Be
and the O My Jesus |
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.
O
My Jesus: O my Jesus, forgive
us our sins, save us from the
fires of Hell, lead all souls to
Heaven, especially those who are
in most need of Thy mercy. |
Note: If you are praying in a group,
the leader will announce the Fifth Mystery. If praying alone,
you should determine (and 'silently announce') the Fifth Mystery
(click
here). You should take a moment to reflect on this Mystery
before proceeding. This will help you focus on the Mystery for
the rest of the decade.
|
|
On
the large bead, announce the fifth
mystery, then say the Our
Father |
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. |
|
For
each of the following
10 small beads, say the Hail Mary
one time |
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. |
|
After
the last small bead, say the Glory Be
and the O My Jesus |
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.
O
My Jesus: O my Jesus, forgive
us our sins, save us from the
fires of Hell, lead all souls to
Heaven, especially those who are
in most need of Thy mercy. |
Note:
You are Now Ready to Conclude the Rosary...
|
Say
the Hail, Holy Queen
|
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.
(Leader)
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
(Response)
That we may be made worthy of the
promises of Christ.
[Note:
If praying by yourself, you may say all of the above.] |
Say
the 10/7 Collect...
|
[10/7
Collect:] "O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His
life, His death and His resurrection hath purchased for us the reward of eternal
salvation; grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating on these mysteries in
the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate
what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Lord." |
Conclude
with the Sign of the Cross
|
[Note:
For
assistance with the Sign of the Cross, click
here. Note that kissing the Crucifix after the Sign of the
Cross is also a commendable custom (and may be indulgenced).] |
Note:
You Have Now Completed the Rosary.
May
God Bless You & May The Blessed Virgin Mary Watch Over You.
|
Experience Difficulties Praying the Rosary? Click
Here
Want
to Learn More About the Rosary? Try
Here
[top]
See table
above or click here to determine which mysteries to reflect
on
Click here for rosary mysteries coloring pages (Fun & Activities
Section)
Note: For Pope John Paul
II's Luminous Mysteries/Mysteries of Light, click here
No.
(#)
|
Joyful
Mysteries
|
Sorrowful
Mysteries
Meditation
Aid: Click
here to reflect on the trials and sorrows of Jesus |
Glorious
Mysteries
|
|
Mystery
Selected
Virtue*
Description
Selected Scripture Reference(s) |
Mystery
Selected Virtue*
Description
Selected Scripture Reference(s) |
Mystery
Selected Virtue*
Description
Selected Scripture Reference(s) |
F
I
R
S
T
|
The
Annunciation to Mary
Humility
The angel Gabriel tells Mary that
God wishes her to become the
Mother of Jesus, and Mary humbly accepts
LK
1:26-38 |
The
Agony
in the Garden
Contrition
Our Savior sweats blood
in the Garden of Gethsemane and is handed over by Judas
MT
26:36-56, MK 14:32-52, LK 22:39-53 |
The
Resurrection
of Our Lord Jesus
Faith
On Easter Sunday, Jesus rises from
the dead
MT
28:1-10, MK 16:1-14, LK 24:1-12 |
S
E
C
O
N
D
|
The
Visitation
Charity
Mary visits
and assists her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of
John the Baptist, in her time of need. Elizabeth calls Mary "blessed among
women"
LK
1:39-56 |
The
Scourging of Jesus at the Pillar
Purity
Jesus is stripped and repeatedly scourged
MT
20:17-19, MT 27:26, MK 10:32-34, MK 15:15,
LK 18:31-33, JN 19:1 |
The
Ascension
of Our Lord Jesus into Heaven
Hope
Forty days after his resurrection,
Jesus ascends to heaven and sits at
the right hand of God the Father
MK
16:19, LK 24:50-51, ACTS 1:6-11 |
T
H
I
R
D
|
The
Nativity
of Our Lord
Spirit
of poverty
Mary gives birth
to Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem
LK
2:1-20 |
The
Crowning of Jesus with Thorns
Courage
Jesus is ridiculed
and a crown of thorns is placed
on His head
MT
27:27-31,
MK 15:16-20, JN 19:2-3 |
The
Descent
of the Holy Spirit Upon the Apostles
Charity
/ Love
The
Holy Spirit is sent to Christ's Apostles and Disciples
LK 24:49,
ACTS 2:1-21 |
F
O
U
R
T
H
|
The
Presentation
of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Obedience
Jesus is presented to His Heavenly
Father forty days after His
birth, according to the law of Moses
LK
2:22-39 |
The
Carrying of the Cross
Patience
Jesus is forced to carry His cross
on the way to His crucifixion
MT
27:31-32, MK 15:20-22, LK
23:26-32, JN 19:16-17 |
The
Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin Mary Into
Heaven
Devotion
to Mary
Mary is assumed into
Heaven, body and soul
See
RV 12, PS 132:8 |
F
I
F
T
H
|
The
Finding
of Our Lord Jesus in the Temple
Piety
After an
anxious three day search, Mary
& Joseph find Jesus, at age
12, in the Temple with the teachers
LK
2:41-52 |
The
Crucifixion
and Death of Our Lord Jesus
Self-denial
After three hours and much agony,
Jesus dies on the cross
MT
27:33-54, MK 15:22-39, LK 23:33-47, JN 19:18-30 |
The
Coronation
of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and
Earth
Final
Perseverance
Mary is
crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth
See
RV 12:1 |
*
Note: Virtues indicated above (humility, purity, hope, etc.) are subject to variation. 'Virtues' may also be called Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of
the Holy Spirit, etc. Note that all other descriptions, references, etc.
may vary.
Click
here
for Reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary
The
above is provided for informational purposes only and is not
comprehensive. We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. By using
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