The Mysteries of the Rosary are key events in the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary that Catholics meditate on while praying the rosary. They are grouped into four sets (Joyous, Luminous, Sorrowful, Glorious) of five mysteries, each focusing on a different aspect of salvation history.
While praying each decade of the rosary (10 Hail Marys), believers reflect on one mystery to deepen their understanding of the Gospel. May these resources feed your curiosity about this beloved prayer practice.
The Joyful Mysteries
“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people'” (Lk 2:7-10).
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The Luminous Mysteries
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed him” (Mt 3:13-15).
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The Sorrowful Mysteries
“Aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I thirst.’ There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit” (Jn 19:28-30).
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The Glorious Mysteries
“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,* Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow” (Mt 28:1-3).
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