The Rosary for each day
The Rosary mysteries for today
The mysteries the Church proposes for today, with the Scripture passage, the fruit of each mystery and a short meditation. Below, all four sets in full.
Today, Tuesday 13 October
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Mysteria Dolorosa
- The Agony in the GardenFruit of the mystery: Sorrow for sin and conformity to God's will
- The Scourging at the PillarFruit of the mystery: Purity and mortification
- The Crowning with ThornsFruit of the mystery: Moral courage
- The Carrying of the CrossFruit of the mystery: Patience
- The CrucifixionFruit of the mystery: Perseverance and forgiveness
The mysteries for each day of the week
As proposed by St John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, no. 38.
| Monday | The Joyful Mysteries |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | The Sorrowful Mysteries |
| Wednesday | The Glorious Mysteries |
| Thursday | The Luminous Mysteries |
| Friday | The Sorrowful Mysteries |
| Saturday | The Joyful Mysteries |
| Sunday | The Glorious Mysteries |
The four sets of mysteries
The Joyful Mysteries
Prayed on Mondays and Saturdays
First mystery · Joyful
The Annunciation
Annuntiatio
Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. (…) And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.
Luke 1:30-31, 38Fruit of the mysteryHumility
God does not force his way into history: he asks the consent of a young woman in Nazareth. Mary's yes does not know all that is coming, but it trusts the One who speaks. Let us ask for the grace to give the same yes in the small things God asks of us each day.
Second mystery · Joyful
The Visitation
Visitatio
And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Luke 1:41-42Fruit of the mysteryLove of neighbour
Carrying Jesus within her, Mary does not stay at home: she hurries to serve her elderly cousin. Whoever receives Christ goes out of himself. May our prayer always end in some concrete service to someone.
Third mystery · Joyful
The Nativity
Nativitas Domini
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7Fruit of the mysteryPoverty of spirit
The Son of God is born where no one would make room. The manger teaches that God does not need our riches, only a heart with space for him. Let us ask not to fill our lives with so much that no room is left for Jesus.
Fourth mystery · Joyful
The Presentation in the Temple
Praesentatio in Templo
And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. (…) And thy own soul a sword shall pierce.
Luke 2:22, 35Fruit of the mysteryObedience
Mary and Joseph keep the Law simply, without thinking themselves exempt because of who they are. In the midst of joy, Simeon foretells the sword. Let us offer God our children, our plans and our sorrows, as things that already belong to him.
Fifth mystery · Joyful
The Finding in the Temple
Inventio in Templo
And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. (…) And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business?
Luke 2:46, 49Fruit of the mysteryPiety and zeal for the things of God
Even Mary and Joseph spent three days not knowing where Jesus was. We too sometimes lose sight of him, and the anguish of searching is already love. Let us ask for the grace to keep seeking him, and to find him where he always is: about his Father's business.
The Luminous Mysteries
Prayed on Thursdays
First mystery · Luminous
The Baptism of the Lord
Baptisma in Iordane
And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him. And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:16-17Fruit of the mysteryOpenness to the Holy Spirit
The Holy One joins the queue of sinners and goes down into water he did not need. There the Father calls him his beloved Son. Let us remember our own Baptism: that word was spoken over us too, and it is by it that we live.
Second mystery · Luminous
The Wedding at Cana
Nuptiae in Cana
His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye. (…) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:5, 11Fruit of the mysteryTo Jesus through Mary
Mary notices what is lacking before anyone else and quietly brings it to her Son. Then she gives the only instruction of hers the Gospel records: do whatever he tells you. Let us hand her what is lacking in our homes, and do what Jesus asks.
Third mystery · Luminous
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Annuntiatio Regni Dei
The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel.
Mark 1:15Fruit of the mysteryRepentance and trust in God
The Kingdom begins with a simple invitation: turn back to God and believe. Jesus forgives sins and heals, and he goes on doing so in the sacrament of Confession. Let us ask for the grace of a real conversion, one with a name and a date.
Fourth mystery · Luminous
The Transfiguration
Transfiguratio
And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. (…) This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Matthew 17:2, 5Fruit of the mysteryDesire for holiness
On the mountain the apostles glimpse for a moment the glory the Passion will hide. It is a light given to carry them through the darkness that follows. Let us keep God's consolations for the days of the cross, and listen to the Son.
Fifth mystery · Luminous
The Institution of the Eucharist
Institutio Eucharistiae
And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.
Luke 22:19-20Fruit of the mysteryAdoration
On the eve of his death, Jesus finds a way to stay. Every Mass places us in the Upper Room, and every tabernacle keeps the same Presence. Let us ask to receive him with greater faith and to visit him more often.
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays
First mystery · Sorrowful
The Agony in the Garden
Agonia in Horto
Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. (…) And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground.
Luke 22:42, 44Fruit of the mysterySorrow for sin and conformity to God's will
Jesus feels real fear and anguish, and does not hide them from the Father. His prayer does not deny what he feels, but it ends in surrender. When we are afraid, let us pray as he did: honestly, until we reach 'thy will be done'.
Second mystery · Sorrowful
The Scourging at the Pillar
Flagellatio
Then therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged him. (…) But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed.
John 19:1; Isaiah 53:5Fruit of the mysteryPurity and mortification
The Lord's body is wounded to heal ours. Every blow is borne without a word of hatred. Let us ask for the grace to treat our own bodies and those of others with purity, and to offer up the small sacrifices of each day.
Third mystery · Sorrowful
The Crowning with Thorns
Coronatio spinis
And stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, king of the Jews.
Matthew 27:28-29Fruit of the mysteryMoral courage
The true King is crowned in mockery and does not defend himself. His kingship does not depend on what is said of him. Let us ask for the courage not to be ashamed of Christ, and the humility to bear contempt without bitterness.
Fourth mystery · Sorrowful
The Carrying of the Cross
Baiulatio Crucis
And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha. (…) And as they led him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country; and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus.
John 19:17; Luke 23:26Fruit of the mysteryPatience
Jesus falls and gets up again, and accepts the help of a stranger. The cross of each day is rarely the one we would have chosen. Let us ask for patience to carry it behind him, and the eyes to be someone's Simon of Cyrene.
Fifth mystery · Sorrowful
The Crucifixion
Crucifixio et Mors
And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (…) And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost.
Luke 23:33-34, 46Fruit of the mysteryPerseverance and forgiveness
From the cross Jesus forgives, gives his Mother to the disciple and commends his spirit to the Father. Mary stands beside her Son to the end. Let us ask for the grace to forgive those who have hurt us, and one day to die into the Father's hands.
The Glorious Mysteries
Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays
First mystery · Glorious
The Resurrection
Resurrectio
Fear not you; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid.
Matthew 28:5-6Fruit of the mysteryFaith
The empty tomb is not a beautiful idea but a fact that changed history. The women who came to weep run back to proclaim. Let us ask for a faith that is not frightened of death, because it knows who has conquered it.
Second mystery · Glorious
The Ascension
Ascensio
And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. (…) And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God.
Acts 1:9; Mark 16:19Fruit of the mysteryHope and longing for heaven
Jesus goes up to the Father taking our humanity with him: where the Head has gone, the body hopes to follow. The Ascension is not a farewell but a promise. Let us live with our feet on the ground and our hearts where he is.
Third mystery · Glorious
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Descensus Spiritus Sancti
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:2-4Fruit of the mysteryLove of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit comes down on the apostles gathered in prayer with Mary. Men who had been hiding go out into the streets to preach. Let us ask for the same fire: to pray better, to love more bravely, and not to be afraid to speak of God.
Fourth mystery · Glorious
The Assumption
Assumptio Beatae Mariae
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name.
Luke 1:48-49Fruit of the mysteryThe grace of a happy death
At the end of her earthly life Mary was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, as the Church defined in 1950. In her we see the destiny God prepares for those who belong to him. Let us ask her to be with us at the hour of our death.
Fifth mystery · Glorious
The Coronation of Our Lady
Coronatio Beatae Mariae
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
Apocalypse 12:1Fruit of the mysteryTrust in Mary's intercession
The handmaid of the Lord is crowned Queen, and hers is a mother's queenship: she reigns by interceding. All that God did in her began with a hidden yes in Nazareth. Let us entrust our needs to her, knowing that none is too small.
How to pray the Rosary
- Make the Sign of the Cross and pray the Apostles’ Creed, holding the crucifix.
- On the first large bead pray one Our Father; on the three small beads, three Hail Marys (for faith, hope and charity); then the Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery of the day and, if you wish, read the Scripture passage and the meditation.
- Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while contemplating the mystery, the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer. That is one decade.
- Do the same for the second, third, fourth and fifth mysteries.
- At the end, pray the Hail, Holy Queen and finish with the Sign of the Cross.
The prayers of the Rosary
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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 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.
The Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.
Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen. In Latin and English →
Frequently asked questions
Which Rosary mysteries are prayed on each day of the week?
Monday and Saturday: the Joyful Mysteries. Tuesday and Friday: the Sorrowful Mysteries. Wednesday and Sunday: the Glorious Mysteries. Thursday: the Luminous Mysteries. This is the pattern proposed by St John Paul II in Rosarium Virginis Mariae (no. 38), who added that it is not meant to restrict anyone's freedom: any set may be prayed on any day.
When were the Luminous Mysteries added to the Rosary?
On 16 October 2002, when St John Paul II published the apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae and proposed five mysteries from the public life of Jesus. Before then the Rosary had fifteen mysteries, with the Joyful Mysteries on Thursday and the Glorious on Saturday.
How many Hail Marys are in one set of mysteries?
Each set has five decades, and each decade is one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and the Glory Be. With the three Hail Marys at the beginning, one set is fifty-three Hail Marys. The whole Rosary is all four sets, twenty mysteries in all.
Image: Murillo, Our Lady of the Rosary