Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

The Glorious Mysteries are prayed on Sundays and Wednesdays. They meditate on the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, the Assumption of Mary, and the Coronation of Mary — the triumphant events following Christ's death that point toward the glory awaiting all believers.

The Five Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection

Jesus rises from the dead on the third day as he promised. Mary Magdalene and the other women find the empty tomb. The risen Christ appears to the disciples. The Resurrection is the central event of Christianity — without it, St. Paul writes, our faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:17). Spiritual fruit: Faith.

2. The Ascension

Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus ascends bodily into heaven before the Apostles. His final words commission them to go to all nations. Two angels tell the disciples Jesus will return in the same way they have seen him go (Acts 1:9-11). Spiritual fruit: Hope and desire for heaven.

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

Ten days after the Ascension, the Holy Spirit descends as tongues of fire on the Apostles and Mary gathered in the upper room. Three thousand people are baptized that day. The Church is born. Spiritual fruit: Wisdom and love of God.

4. The Assumption of Mary

At the end of her earthly life, Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory. Defined as a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950, the Assumption is a solemn binding teaching of the Catholic Church. Spiritual fruit: Grace of a holy death.

5. The Coronation of Mary

Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth by her Son. As the mother of the King, she holds the highest place among all created beings and intercedes for the faithful before her Son. Spiritual fruit: Trust in Mary's intercession.

When to Pray the Glorious Mysteries

The Glorious Mysteries are prayed on Sundays and Wednesdays. This schedule was established by Pope John Paul II when he added the Luminous Mysteries in 2002.