The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles’ Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel’s words announcing Christ’s birth and Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ’s life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and––added by Saint John Paul II in 2002––the Luminous.

The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ’s spirit dwells. The Rosary can be said privately or with a group.

1. The Annunciation Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.  (Luke 1:26-38)
   Virtue: Humility
2. The Visitation Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered. (Luke 1:39-56)
   Virtue: Love of Neighbor
3. The Nativity Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:1-21)
   Virtue: Poverty of Spirit
4. The Presentation in the Temple Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. (Luke 2:22-38)
   Virtue: Obedience
5. The Finding in the Temple Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.  (Luke 2:41-52)
   Virtue: Piety

1. The Agony in the Garden Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies. (Matthew 26:36-56)
   Virtue: Contrition, Sorrow for sin
2. The Scourging at the Pillar Jesus is lashed with whips. (Matthew 27:26)
   Virtue: Purity
3. The Crowning with Thorns Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns. (Matthew 27:27-31)
   Virtue: Moral Courage
4. The Carrying of the Cross Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him. (Matthew 27:32)
   Virtue: Patience
5. The Crucifixion and Death Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies. (Matthew 27:33-56)
   Virtue: Perseverance

1. The Resurrection God the Father raises Jesus from the dead. (John 20:1-29)
   Virtue: Faith
2. The Ascension Jesus returns to his Father in heaven. (Luke 24:36-53)
   Virtue: Hope
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples.  (Acts 2:1-41)
   Virtue: Love
4. The Assumption At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven.(Munificentissimus Deus, Pope Pius XII 1950)
   Virtue: Grace of a happy death
5. The Coronation of Mary Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.  (Revelation 12:1)
   Virtue: Trust in Mary’s intercession

The Luminous Mysteries
Traditionally prayed on Thursdays:

1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son. (Matthew 3:13-16)
   Virtue: Openness to the Holy Spirit
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle.  (John 2:1-11)
   Virtue: To Jesus through Mary
3. Jesus’ Proclamation of the Coming of the Kingdom of God Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom.  (Mark 1:14-15)
   Virtue: Repentance, Trust in God
4. The Transfiguration Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John.  (Matthew 17:1-8)
   Virtue: Desire for Holiness
5. The Institution of the Eucharist Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.  (Matthew 26)
   Virtue: Adoration

The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.

The 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;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen

The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

The Glory Be (The Doxology)
Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

The Hail Holy Queen (The Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this, our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross.
2. Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles’ Creed.
3. On the first bead, say an Our Father.
4. Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.
5. Say the Glory Be
6. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture) then say the Our Father.
7. While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, next say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery. Then say a Glory Be.
   (After finishing each decade, some say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.)
8. After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Queen, followed by this dialogue and prayer:

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son,
by his life, Death, and Resurrection,
has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life,
grant, we beseech thee,
that while meditating on these mysteries
of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we may imitate what they contain
and obtain what they promise,
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

(A prayer to St. Joseph may also follow.) Conclude the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross.