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How to pray the Rosary

The Rosary is divided into five decades. Each decade represents a mystery or event in the life of Jesus and Mary. There are four sets of "Mysteries of the Rosary" (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious). These four "Mysteries of the Rosary" therefore contain, a total of twenty mysteries. The mysteries are then said on specific days of the week. See each set of mysteries below, along with on what to meditate for each in the parentheses.

Joyful Mysteries (Said on Mondays and Saturdays, the Sundays of Advent, and Sundays from Epiphany until Lent)

 

1. The Annunciation (for the love of humility)

2. The Visitation (for charity toward my neighbor)

3. The Nativity (For love of God)

4. The Presentation (For the spirit of sacrifice)

5. Finding in the Temple (For zeal for the glory of God)

Luminous Mysteries (Said on Thursday)

1. The Baptism of Jesus (For living my Baptismal Promises)

2. Christ's Self-Manifestation at Cana (For doing whatever Jesus says)

3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (For seeking God's forgiveness)

4. The Transfiguration of Jesus (For becoming a new person in Christ)

5. Institution of the Eucharist (For active participation at Mass)

Sorrowful Mysteries (Said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year; and daily from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday)

1. Agony in the Garden (For true repentance for my sins)

2. Scouraging at the Pillar (For a spirit of mortification)

3. Crowning with Thorns (For moral courage)

4. Carrying of the Cross (For the virtue of patience)

5. The Crucifixion (For the grace of final perseverance)

Glorious Mysteries (Said on Wednesdays, and the Sundays from Easter until Advent)

1. The Resurrection (For a strong faith)

2. The Acension (For the virtue of hope)

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (For zeal for the glory of God)

4. The Assumption (For the grace of a happy death)

5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (For a greater love for Mary)

Prayers

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord 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 will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallow 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. 

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 sinner, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

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, a world without end. Amen. 

Fatima Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of Hell and lead all souls to Heaven especially those in most in need of Thy Mercy. Amen. 

Hail, Holy Queen

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 towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary! 

 

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Prayer After the Rosary

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 by meditating upon 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. 

 

V. May the divine assistance remain always with us. R. Amen

V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen. 

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