Sorrowful Mysteries
The Passion & Redemptive Suffering of Jesus Christ
The Agony in the Garden
"Jesus prayed: "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.""
Meditation: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus sweats drops of blood in profound agony while embracing the Father’s will.
Fruit of the Mystery: Sorrow for Sin & Conformity to God’s Will
The Scourging at the Pillar
"Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. "He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace.""
Meditation: Jesus patiently suffers brutal physical scourging at the pillar for the sins of all humanity.
Fruit of the Mystery: Mortification of the Senses & Purity
The Crowning with Thorns
"And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!""
Meditation: Soldiers place a painful crown of thorns upon Jesus’ head and mock His divine kingship.
Fruit of the Mystery: Moral Courage & Humility
The Carrying of the Cross
"And bearing his own cross, he went out to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha."
Meditation: Exhausted and bruised, Jesus carries the heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem toward Calvary.
Fruit of the Mystery: Patience in Trials & Endurance
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Then he cried out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last."
Meditation: Jesus gives His life on the cross for our salvation, offering forgiveness to His executioners and entrusting Mary to Saint John.
Fruit of the Mystery: Forgiveness & Self-Sacrifice
Canonical English doxology prayer text used in liturgical and private devotion across the United States.
Continue Exploring
Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries (Interactive)
Launch the guided interactive Rosary for the Sorrowful Mysteries with live bead tracking.
The Glory Be in the Rosary
How the Glory Be seals each decade in praise of the Holy Trinity.
How to Pray the Rosary
Complete step-by-step beginner guide and prayer structure.