Pray the Holy Rosary
A serene, Scripture-based prayer companion. Meditate on the mysteries of salvation with guided bead tracking, authentic scripture, and peaceful pacing.
Today's Recommended Mysteries
Based on the universal Catholic liturgical tradition.
Spiritual Foundation
What is the Holy Rosary?
The Holy Rosary is an ancient Christian contemplative prayer combining vocal prayers with quiet meditation on the mysteries of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While the fingers move across physical beads and the voice recites the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, the mind and heart reflect upon twenty biblical moments of salvation history. The repetition of the Hail Mary creates a tranquil, steady cadence of peace, while the Glory Be at the end of each decade lifts all meditation in praise of the Blessed Trinity.
The Four Mysteries
Choose a Set of Mysteries
Select from the four traditional sets to meditate on the Incarnation, Ministry, Passion, or Glory of Christ.
Joyful Mysteries
The Joyful Mysteries celebrate the wonder of the Incarnation—God taking on human flesh to dwell among us.
- 1. The AnnunciationLuke 1:26–38
- 2. The VisitationLuke 1:39–56
- 3. The NativityLuke 2:1–20
- 4. The Presentation in the TempleLuke 2:22–40
- 5. The Finding in the TempleLuke 2:41–52
Sorrowful Mysteries
The Sorrowful Mysteries guide the soul in meditating on the depths of Christ’s self-sacrificing love upon the Cross.
- 1. The Agony in the GardenMatthew 26:36–46
- 2. The Scourging at the PillarJohn 19:1
- 3. The Crowning with ThornsMatthew 27:27–31
- 4. The Carrying of the CrossLuke 23:26–32
- 5. The Crucifixion and Death of JesusLuke 23:33–46
Glorious Mysteries
The Glorious Mysteries celebrate the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death and the hope of heaven.
- 1. The ResurrectionJohn 20:1–18
- 2. The AscensionActs 1:6–11
- 3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)Acts 2:1–4
- 4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryRevelation 12:1
- 5. The Coronation of Mary Queen of HeavenRevelation 12:1
Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light)
Instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2002, the Luminous Mysteries illuminate Christ as the Light of the World during His public ministry.
- 1. The Baptism of Jesus in the JordanMatthew 3:13–17
- 2. The Wedding at CanaJohn 2:1–12
- 3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of GodMark 1:14–15
- 4. The TransfigurationLuke 9:28–36
- 5. The Institution of the Holy EucharistMatthew 26:26–30
How a Rosary Decade Flows
Each decade follows an unbroken sacred order, guiding the soul through scripture, petition, and Trinitarian doxology.
- 1. Announce Mystery & Scripture MeditationReflection
- 2. Our Father (Lord's Prayer)1 Large Bead
- 3. 10 Hail Marys10 Beads
- ✢4. Glory Be to the FatherDoxology
- 5. Fatima Prayer (O My Jesus)Invocation
Prayer Treasury
Rosary Prayers
The vocal prayers used in the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
Apostles' Creed
The ancient baptismal creed recited upon the crucifix.
Our Father
The prayer taught by Christ preceding each decade.
Glory Be
Praising the Holy Trinity at the close of every decade.
Hail, Holy Queen
The Salve Regina prayed at the conclusion of the Rosary.
Questions & Answers
Rosary Frequently Asked Questions
Authoritative answers regarding Rosary history, decades, and mysteries.
What is the Holy Rosary?
The Holy Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer and contemplative devotion in the Catholic Church. It consists of meditating on twenty key events in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (the Mysteries) while reciting vocal prayers including the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
How do you pray the Rosary?
A standard five-decade Rosary begins with the Sign of the Cross and Apostles’ Creed on the crucifix, followed by an Our Father, three Hail Marys (for faith, hope, and charity), and a Glory Be. Then five decades are prayed, each consisting of announcing a mystery, reciting one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, one Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer, concluding with the Hail Holy Queen.
What are the four sets of Rosary mysteries?
The twenty mysteries of the Rosary are divided into four sets of five decades each: the Joyful Mysteries (Christ’s Incarnation and early life), the Luminous Mysteries (Christ’s public ministry), the Sorrowful Mysteries (Christ’s Passion and death), and the Glorious Mysteries (Christ’s Resurrection, Ascension, and eternal triumph).
When are the different mysteries traditionally prayed during the week?
According to traditional Catholic practice: the Joyful Mysteries are prayed on Mondays and Saturdays; the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays; the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesdays and Sundays; and the Luminous Mysteries on Thursdays.