The Mysteries of the Rosary are divided into four categories, each reflecting significant events in the life of Jesus. Each day of the week is typically associated with a different set of Mysteries.
The Joyful Mysteries (Prayed on Monday and Saturday)
These Mysteries focus on the early life of Jesus and the joyful events surrounding His birth.
1. The Annunciation
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus.
2. The Visitation
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant.
3. The Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
4. The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple.
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Jesus is found teaching in the temple at age 12.
The Sorrowful Mysteries (Prayed on Tuesday and Friday)
These Mysteries reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus.
1. The Agony in the Garden
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking for strength to endure His upcoming Passion.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is brutally whipped before His crucifixion.
3. The Crowning with Thorns
Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns.
4. The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries His cross to Calvary.
5. The Crucifixion
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies for humanity’s sins.
The Glorious Mysteries (Prayed on Wednesday and Sunday)
These Mysteries celebrate the triumph of Jesus’ Resurrection and the glory of Heaven.
1. The Resurrection
Jesus rises from the dead on the third day.
2. The Ascension
Jesus ascends into Heaven.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the Apostles at Pentecost.
4. The Assumption of Mary
Mary is taken body and soul into Heaven.
5. The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.
The Luminous Mysteries (Prayed on Thursday)
These Mysteries, also called the Mysteries of Light, were introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002. They focus on Jesus’ public ministry.
1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him.
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
Jesus performs His first miracle by turning water into wine.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus preaches about the Kingdom of God and calls people to conversion.
4. The Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured, and His divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper, Jesus gives His body and blood under the forms of bread and wine.