Mysteries of the Rosary

The Rosary is prayed in four sets of mysteries — Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious — each containing five meditations on the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. This guide covers all four sets with their spiritual fruits and the days on which they are prayed.

Daily Schedule

• Monday and Saturday — Joyful Mysteries
• Tuesday and Friday — Sorrowful Mysteries
• Wednesday and Sunday — Glorious Mysteries
• Thursday — Luminous Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries — Monday & Saturday

1. The Annunciation — Gabriel announces to Mary she will conceive the Son of God. Fruit: Humility.
2. The Visitation — Mary visits Elizabeth. The Magnificat is prayed here. Fruit: Love of neighbor.
3. The Nativity — Jesus is born in Bethlehem. Fruit: Poverty of spirit.
4. The Presentation — Jesus is presented in the Temple. Simeon prophesies. Fruit: Obedience and purity.
5. The Finding in the Temple — The twelve-year-old Jesus is found teaching in the Temple. Fruit: Piety.

The Luminous Mysteries — Thursday

Added by Pope John Paul II in 2002 in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae.

1. The Baptism of Jesus — God declares Jesus his beloved Son. Fruit: Openness to the Holy Spirit.
2. The Wedding at Cana — Jesus turns water into wine at Mary's request. Fruit: To Jesus through Mary.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom — Jesus calls all to conversion. Fruit: Repentance and trust in God.
4. The Transfiguration — Jesus is transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor. Fruit: Desire for holiness.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist — At the Last Supper Jesus gives us his Body and Blood. Fruit: Eucharistic adoration.

The Sorrowful Mysteries — Tuesday & Friday

1. The Agony in the Garden — Jesus prays in Gethsemane and accepts the Father's will. Fruit: Sorrow for sin.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar — Jesus is bound and scourged. Fruit: Mortification and purity.
3. The Crowning with Thorns — Soldiers mock Jesus as King. Fruit: Moral courage.
4. The Carrying of the Cross — Jesus carries his cross to Calvary. Fruit: Patience in suffering.
5. The Crucifixion — Jesus is crucified and dies. Fruit: Salvation and forgiveness.

The Glorious Mysteries — Wednesday & Sunday

1. The Resurrection — Jesus rises from the dead. Fruit: Faith.
2. The Ascension — Jesus ascends to heaven. Fruit: Hope and desire for heaven.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit — The Spirit descends at Pentecost. Fruit: Wisdom and love of God.
4. The Assumption of Mary — Mary is taken body and soul into heaven. Fruit: Grace of a holy death.
5. The Coronation of Mary — Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven. Fruit: Trust in Mary's intercession.