The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Mysteries of the Rosary are divided into four sets, each containing five events. Each event captures a special moment in the Gospel and life of Christ. They are called Mysteries so that we may ponder their deeper spiritual meanings.

Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation:

The Archangel Gabriel’s angelic salutation which begins the prayer, Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” (Luke 1:26-28)

The Visitation:

Mary goes to help Elizabeth who is with child and is greeted, “Blessed are you among women. and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:39-45)

The Nativity

And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger (Luke 2:6-7)

The Presentation

Following tradition, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord. (Luke 2:22-23)

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

The boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Luke 2:46-47)

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden

Jesus went to a place called Gethsemane to pray. “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

The Scourging at the Pillar

The chief priests with the elders and the scribes held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, had Jesus scourged and handed him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:15)

The Crowning with Thorns

They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Mark 15:16-19)

The Carrying of the Cross

Jesus, weak from being beaten, was unable to carry His cross to Golgotha alone. Simon, helped him. (Mark 15:21)

The Crucifixion

They him to the place called Golgotha (the Skull) they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:32-34)

The Luminous Mysteries

The Baptism in the River Jordan

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew. 3:17)

The Wedding Feast at Cana

It was at the request of His mother Mary that Jesus turned the water into wine. This was the first sign which revealed His glory. (John 2 4-11)

The Proclamation of the Kingdom

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

The Transfiguration of Jesus

While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. (Luke 9:29)

The Last Supper

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. (John 13)

Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. An angel appeared and said, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said.” (Matthew 28:1-6)

The Ascension

As Jesus blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Then what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled upon their heads. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit… (Acts 2: 3-4)

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. (Revelations 12:1)

The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

But the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called Queen, not only because of her Divine Motherhood, but also because God has willed her to have an exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation. Encyclical of Pope Pius XII on proclaiming the Queen-ship Of Mary, 11 October 1954.