How to Pray the Rosary

The rosary is divided into five decades, each decade representing a mystery or event in the life of Jesus. There are a total of four sets of ‘Mysteries of the Rosary’ the four mysteries being Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious. These four set of mysteries contain a total of twenty mysteries.

To pray the rosary you will have to use a Rosary which is a string of beads with a crucifix. A short string of beads is also attached to the crucifix which leads to a circular strip of beads that is made of five sets of one large bead and ten smaller beads which are known as decades. The Rosary begins with a sign of the cross and an Apostles Creed. The ‘Our Father’ is recited on the large bead and the ‘Hail Mary’ is recited for each of the three smaller beads. On the next large bead, ‘Glory Be to the Father’ is said followed by the meditation on the first mystery followed with an ‘Our Father’. This has to be followed by a ‘Hail Mary’ for each of the smaller beads and the decade has to be ended with the ‘Glory Be’. Begin the cycle with an ‘Our Father’ and begin meditation on the second mystery as described above and complete the same for the third, fourth and the fifth mysteries. The Rosary is ended with the ‘Prayer of the Rosary’ and a sign of the cross.

Each mystery is recited on a specific day of the week and during a private recitation of the Rosary, each decade requires devout meditation on a specific mystery. Public recitation which involves two or more people a leader is to be identified who has to announce each of the mysteries before the decade and then start each prayer.

The Joyful Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries are recited on Mondays and Thursday and all Sundays from the 1st Sunday of Advent until Lent. The mystery includes the following:

• The first mystery is annunciation to Mary.
• The second mystery is visitation of Mary.
• The third mystery is birth of Lord Jesus Christ.
• The fourth mystery is the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple.
• The fifth mystery is the finding of the Lord in the temple.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries are recited on Tuesdays and Fridays and Sundays of Lent. The mystery includes the following:

• The first mystery is the agony of the Christ in the garden.
• The second mystery is the scourging at the pillar.
• The third mystery is the crowning of the thorns.
• The fourth mystery is the carrying of the cross.
• The fifth mystery is the crucifixation and death of the Lord on the cross.

The Glorious Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries are recited on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Sundays from Easter until Lent. The mystery includes the following:

• The first mystery is the resurrection of the Lord.
• The second mystery is the ascension of the Lord.
• The third mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
• The fourth mystery is the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven.
• The fifth mystery is the coronation of the Lady as queen of heaven and earth.

The Luminous Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries are recited on Thursdays. The mystery includes the following:

• The first mystery is the baptism of the Lord in the Jordan.
• The second mystery is the self revelation of the Lord at the wedding feast of Cana.
• The third mystery is the proclamation by Lord Jesus of the coming of the kingdom of God.
• The fourth mystery is the transfiguration of the Lord.
• The fifth mystery is the institution of the Eucharist.

Prayer - 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. Lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil.

Prayer - 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.