The Rosary Path at Marylake

How to Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is made up of "decades". A decade is one "Our Father" followed by ten "Hail Marys" and a "Glory Be". Whilst it is usual to say five decades at a time, it is better to say one decade well, rather than five decades badly.

Begin with the sign of the cross (here a beginning prayer or petition may be said i.e. Queen of the Holy Rosary Prayer or Memorare).

Pray the "Apostles Creed" holding the crucifix and continue on the straight piece of the Rosary with one Our Father, three Hail Marys and a Glory Be.

Then, to start the first decade, pray one Our Father (here, recite the 1st Mystery).

Moving on (counter clockwise) to the circular piece or medallion of the Rosary, continue with ten Hail Mary’s and finish each decade with one Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.

The Rosary should be said slowly with time to meditate on each decade and to ask Mother Mary for her grace and blessing.

By saying five decades of the Rosary, you will complete one full circuit of the beads.

To finish, after completing your chosen number of decades, pray the "Hail Holy Queen".

The prayer to "St. Michael Archangel" and the "Memorare" are very powerful extra prayers.

As you pray each decade, meditate about a story in the life of Mary and Jesus.

There are 20 stories to focus your heart on. Each story is called a "Mystery".

Explore the sections below to be able to follow the five "Joyful" Mysteries, the five "Luminous Mysteries", the five "Sorrowful Mysteries" and the five "Glorious Mysteries".

THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY

Joyful Mysteries

(Said on Mondays and Saturdays, and Sundays from Advent until Lent)

THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary are the first of the four traditional sets of events in the life of Christ upon which Catholics meditate while praying the rosary.

1. The Annunciation

Mary, you received with deep humility the news of the Angel Gabriel that you were to be the Mother of God's Son; obtain for me a similar humility.

2. The Visitation

Mary, you showed true charity in visiting Elizabeth and remaining with her for three months before the birth of John the Baptist; obtain for me the grace to love my neighbor.

3. The Birth of Christ

Jesus, You accepted poverty when You were placed in the manger although You were our God: grant that I may have the spirit of poverty.

4. The Presentation in the Temple

Mary, you obeyed the law of God in presenting the Child Jesus in the Temple; obtain for me the virtue of obedience.

5. The Finding in the Temple

Mary, you were sad at the loss of Jesus and joyous on finding Him surrounded by teachers in the Temple; obtain for me the virtue of piety.

Luminous Mysteries

(Said on Thursdays - except during Lent)

THE FIVE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES

The Luminous Mysteries recall to our mind important events of the Public Ministry of Christ through which He announces the coming of the Kingdom of God.

1. Christ's Baptism in the Jordan

Jesus, at Your Bapism the Father called You His beloved Son and the Holy Spirit came upon You to invest You with Your mission; help me to keep my Baptismal Promises.

2. Christ's Self-Manifestation at Cana

Mary, the first among believers in Christ, upon your intercession your son changed water into wine and brought the diciples to faith; help me to do whatever Jesus says.

3. Christ's Proclamation of the Kingdom

Jesus, You preached the Kingdom of God with its call to forgiveness. inaugurating the ministry of mercy; help me to seek forgiveness for my sins.

4. The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Jesus, the glory of the Godhead shone forth from Your face as the Father commanded the Apostles to be transfigured by the Spirit; help me to be a new person in You.

5. Christ’s Institution of the Eucharist

Jesus, at the Last Supper, You offered Your Body and Blood as food under the signs of bread and wine and testified to Your love for humanity; help me to attain active participation at Mass.

Sorrowful Mysteries

(Said on Tuesdays and Friday and from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday)

THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

The Sorrowful Mysteries recall to our mind the mysterious events surrounding Christ's sacrifice of His life so that sinful humanity might be reconciled with God.

1. The Agony in the Garden

Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, You suffered a bitter agony bcause of our sins; grant me true contrition.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

Jesus, You endured a cruel scourging and Your flesh was torn by heavy blows; help me to have the virtue of purity.

3. The Crowning of the Thorns

Jesus, You patiently endured the pain from the crown of sharp thorns that was forced upon Your head; grant me the strength to have moral courage.

4. The Carrying of the Cross

Jesus, You willingly carried your Cross for love of Your Father and all people; grant me the virtue of patience.

5. The Crucifixion

Jesus, for love of me You endured three hours of torture on the Cross and gave up Your Spirit; grant me the grace of final perseverance.

Glorious Mysteries

(Said on Wednesdays - except Lent and Sundays from Easter until Advent)

THE FIVE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

The Glorious Mysteries recall to our mind the ratification of Christ’s sacrifice for the redemption of the world, and our sharing in the fruits of his sacrifice.

1. The Resurrection

Jesus, You rose from the dead in triumph and remained for forty days with your disciples, instructing and encouraging them; increase my faith.

2. The Ascension

Jesus, in the presence of Mary and the disciples You ascended to heaven to sit at the Father's right hand; increase the virtue of hope in me.

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Jesus, as You promised, You sent the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the disciples under the form of tongues of fire; increase my love for God.

4. The Assumption

Mary, by the power of God you were assumed into heaven and united with your Divine Son; help me to have true devotion to you.

5. The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, you were crowned Queen of heaven by your Divine Son to the great joy of all the Saints; obtain eternal happiness for me.

Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray along - the entire Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray along - the entire Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray along - the entire Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

Pray along - the entire Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary