The Rosary is more than a series of prayers; it’s a powerful meditation on the most important moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary. By reflecting on the mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious) we come to know Christ more intimately and deepen our understanding of God’s love and plan for our salvation. Knowing the mysteries of the Rosary helps us stay focused in prayer and grow in understanding of Christ's life. Here are all 20 mysteries of the Rosary, divided into the four traditional sets of mysteries. Each set focuses on a different aspect of the life of Jesus and Mary.

List of the Mysteries of the Rosary and Their Virtues

The Joyful Mysteries (Prayed on Mondays and Saturdays)

The virtues for the Joyful Mysteries   

1. The Annunciation – Humility. The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
2. The Visitation – Charity (Love of Neighbor). Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-56).
3. The Nativity – Poverty of Spirit (Detachment). Jesus is born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-20).
4. The Presentation in the Temple – Obedience. Mary and Joseph present the baby Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40).
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple – Piety. Mary and Joseph find the 12-year-old Jesus teaching in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50).

The Luminous Mysteries (Prayed on Thursdays)

The virtues for the Luminous Mysteries   

1. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan – Openness to the Holy Spirit. Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and the heavens open (Matthew 3:13-17).
2. The Wedding at Cana – Faith in God’s Will. Jesus performs His first miracle, turning water into wine (John 2:1-12).
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God – Repentance and Conversion. Jesus calls people to conversion and proclaims the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15).
4. The Transfiguration – Desire for Holiness. Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor, revealing His glory to Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1-8).
5. The Institution of the Eucharist – Love of the Eucharist. At the Last Supper, Jesus gives us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist (Luke 22:14-20).

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays)

The virtues for the Sorrowful Mysteries 

1. The Agony in the Garden – Contrition (Sorrow for Sin). Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, experiencing great sorrow (Matthew 26:36-46).
2. The Scourging at the Pillar – Mortification (Self-Discipline). Jesus is brutally whipped at Pilate’s command (John 19:1).
3. The Crowning with Thorns – Moral Courage. Soldiers mock Jesus by placing a crown of thorns on His head (Matthew 27:29).
4. The Carrying of the Cross – Patience in Suffering. Jesus carries His cross to Calvary (John 19:17).
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus – Perseverance and Mercy. Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies for our sins (Luke 23:33-46).

The Glorious Mysteries (Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays)

The virtues for the Glorious Mysteries 

1. The Resurrection – Faith. Jesus rises triumphantly from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10).
2. The Ascension – Hope. Jesus ascends into Heaven, returning to the Father (Luke 24:50-53).
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Zeal for the Mission. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13).
4. The Assumption of Mary – Devotion to Mary. Mary is assumed body and soul into Heaven (Revelation 12:1; Tradition).
5. The Coronation of Mary – Eternal Happiness. Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth (Revelation 12:1; Tradition).

What Is the Purpose of the Mysteries of the Rosary?

What do you do with the mysteries of the Rosary?

The mysteries of the Rosary are meant to guide your meditation and focus as you pray each decade. Here’s what you do with them:

1. Announce the Mystery: At the beginning of each decade (a set of 10 Hail Marys), state the mystery you are meditating on (e.g., “The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation”).

2. Reflect on the Mystery: As you pray the 10 Hail Marys, think about the event from the life of Jesus or Mary described in that mystery.

• Visualize the scene as if you are there.
• Consider the meaning and significance of the mystery in your own life.
• Contemplate what God might be revealing to you through this moment.

3. Relate It to Your Intentions: Offer your prayers for specific intentions while keeping the mystery in mind. For example, if you’re meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries, you might reflect on Christ’s suffering and unite it with your own struggles or prayers for others.

4. Focus on Virtues: Each mystery highlights specific virtues or lessons (e.g., humility, faith, perseverance). As you meditate, ask for the grace to grow in these virtues.

Why Are the Mysteries of the Rosary Important?

The mysteries of the Rosary are important because they give the Rosary depth. They transform it from a series of repetitive prayers into a meditative journey through the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus, drawing you closer to him and his Blessed Mother.