a rosary with a wooden cross on it

How To Pray The Rosary

The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

is not just a prayer — it is a sacred journey through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, seen through the loving eyes of His Mother. When we pray the Rosary, we are praying to the Virgin Mary to intercede for us, guiding our hearts ever closer to her Son.

Each day of the week invites us to meditate on a different set of Mysteries — moments of divine love, sacrifice, and triumph:

Step-by-Step Guide to Praying the Rosary

1️⃣ Begin with the Sign of the Cross
Place your right hand on your forehead, then to your chest, your left shoulder, and your right shoulder while saying:

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

2️⃣ Recite the Apostles’ Creed
This ancient profession of faith expresses belief in the Holy Trinity and the central mysteries of the Church.

3️⃣ Pray the Our Father
Begin with the Lord’s Prayer — the prayer Jesus Himself taught us.

4️⃣ Pray Three Hail Marys
These are offered for an increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

5️⃣ Pray the Glory Be
A short doxology giving praise to the Holy Trinity.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

Before each decade, announce the mystery and take a moment to meditate on its meaning. Then pray:

  • 1 Our Father

  • 10 Hail Marys

  • 1 Glory Be

Below are the Mysteries according to the day of the week:

Joyful Mysteries (Monday & Saturday)

Reflect on the Incarnation and early life of Jesus — moments of humility and divine joy.

  1. The Annunciation

  2. The Visitation

  3. The Nativity

  4. The Presentation in the Temple

  5. The Finding in the Temple

Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday)

Meditate on Christ’s suffering and redemptive sacrifice for the salvation of the world.

  1. The Agony in the Garden

  2. The Scourging at the Pillar

  3. The Crowning with Thorns

  4. The Carrying of the Cross

  5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord

Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday & Sunday)

Celebrate the victory of Christ and the glory that awaits those who remain faithful.

  1. The Resurrection

  2. The Ascension

  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

  4. The Assumption of Mary

  5. The Coronation of Mary

Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

Contemplate the public ministry of Jesus — moments when His divine light shone forth to the world.

  1. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana

  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

  4. The Transfiguration

  5. The Institution of the Eucharist

🙏 Concluding the Rosary

After praying all five decades, conclude with:

You may also add your own personal prayers or intentions, offering your Rosary for peace, healing, and conversion.

It is also to be noted, that a good number of Catholics would also recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (or the Loreto Litany).

Finally, end with the Sign of the Cross, as you began.

Miracle Stories

Inspiring tales of faith through rosary miracles.

A close-up view of a rosary with a tiny metallic cross hanging alongside spherical golden beads. In the background, a blurred image of another cross is visible.
A close-up view of a rosary with a tiny metallic cross hanging alongside spherical golden beads. In the background, a blurred image of another cross is visible.
An open Bible lies on the surface with a black rosary placed on its pages. The rosary has a silver crucifix. A red flower, possibly a gerbera daisy, is positioned on the left side of the Bible's pages.
An open Bible lies on the surface with a black rosary placed on its pages. The rosary has a silver crucifix. A red flower, possibly a gerbera daisy, is positioned on the left side of the Bible's pages.
A white statue of a figure with hands in prayer holding a black rosary is situated within a stone alcove. The statue features a serene expression and wears a draped gown. The light creates a soft shadow effect around the figure.
A white statue of a figure with hands in prayer holding a black rosary is situated within a stone alcove. The statue features a serene expression and wears a draped gown. The light creates a soft shadow effect around the figure.
A hand gently holds a rosary, with a cross at the end of the beads. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the texture of the hand and the smoothness of the beads.
A hand gently holds a rosary, with a cross at the end of the beads. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the texture of the hand and the smoothness of the beads.
A religious statue of a woman in a blue and white robe is surrounded by a grotto of stone and green foliage. The statue is encircled by a crown of golden roses, and natural light falls softly, highlighting the delicate features and serene expression.
A religious statue of a woman in a blue and white robe is surrounded by a grotto of stone and green foliage. The statue is encircled by a crown of golden roses, and natural light falls softly, highlighting the delicate features and serene expression.
A person is kneeling or sitting with their hand holding a rosary bead string. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly in a church or a quiet, contemplative space. The focus is on the hand and the beads, with a wooden surface visible in the background.
A person is kneeling or sitting with their hand holding a rosary bead string. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly in a church or a quiet, contemplative space. The focus is on the hand and the beads, with a wooden surface visible in the background.