The Mysteries of the Rosary

“When reciting the Rosary, the … moments of salvation history are relived. The various steps of Christ’s mission are traced. With Mary, the heart is oriented toward the mystery of Jesus. Christ is put at the center of our life, of our time, of our city, through the contemplation and meditation of His holy mysteries of joy, light, sorrow and glory.”

– Pope Benedict XVI, May 3, 2008.

The Rosary brings together both vocal and mental prayer. While praying the ten Hail Marys that form each decade of the Rosary, one meditates upon a corresponding Mystery from the life of Christ. On this website, short summaries of each of the five Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous, and Glorious Mysteries are provided to help guide your meditation. References to Scripture passages associated with each mystery are also provided.