Illustrations and suggested points of reflection from our booklet Praying the Rosary Without Distractions, available in our on-line store.
Also available in our store: the booklet Scripturally Based Rosary, ideal for individual study and prayer.
(Numbers other than the 10 Hail Marys refer to the numbers pointing to the beads in the above illustration.)
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1) Make the Sign of the Cross saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”, and say the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”
2) Say the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
3) Say three Hail Marys for Faith, Hope, and Charity: “Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” – 3 times.
4) Say the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
5) Announce “The First Luminous Mystery – The Baptism of the Lord” and then say the Our Father.
6) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
- John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance.
- “I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”
- “One mightier than I is coming after me.”
- “I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
- Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: “Behold the Lamb of God.”
- Against protests of his unworthiness, John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
- After Jesus’ baptism a voice from Heaven: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
- The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove.
- In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of baptism.
- The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard as the Spirit descends upon the Son.
Spiritual Fruit: Openness to the Holy Spirit
7) Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
8) Announce “The Second Luminous Mystery – The Wedding in Cana” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
- Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana.
- During the wedding feast the wine ran short.
- Mary turned to Jesus: “They have no wine.”
- Jesus replied: “What would you have Me do? My hour has not yet come.”
- Mary said to the waiters: “Do whatever He tells you.”
- There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twenty gallons.
- Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw some out and take it to the chief steward.
- The chief steward said to the groom: “Every man serves the good wine first… but you have saved the good wine until now.”
- At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle.
- By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of a Sacrament.
Spiritual Fruit: To Jesus through Mary
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Announce “The Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
- “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.”
- “My kingdom is not of this world.”
- “Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.”
- “Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it.”
- “I have come to call sinners, not the just.”
- “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
- “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.”
- “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
- “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
Spiritual Fruit: Christian Witness and Conversion
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Announce “The Fourth Luminous Mystery – The Transfiguration” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
- Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray.
- Jesus was transfigured before them.
- “His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light.”
- This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy of the Passion.
- Jesus foresaw the ‘scandal of the cross,’ and prepared them for it by this manifestation of His glory.
- Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the Old Testament) were conversing with Jesus about His Passion.
- “Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets… but to fulfill them.”
- From a cloud came a voice: “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
- Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man rises from the dead.
- We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day.
Spiritual Fruit: Spiritual Courage
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Announce “The Fifth Luminous Mystery – The Institution of the Eucharist” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
- I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
- Jesus took bread, blessed it: “Take and eat, this is My Body.”
- Taking the wine: “This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, shed for you.”
- At that eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass.
- At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present.
- At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders to perpetuate this sacrifice.
- “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”
- The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and a sacrament inasmuch as it is received.
- In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives himself to us.
- The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to the Father.
Spiritual Fruit: Love of Our Eucharistic Lord
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Closing Prayers
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Final Prayer
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY Sorrowful Mysteries
- Make the Sign of the Cross saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”, and say the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”
- Say the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
- Say three Hail Marys for Faith, Hope, and Charity: “Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” – 3 times.
- Say the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Our Father
- John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance.
- “I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”
- “One mightier than I is coming after me.”
- “I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
- Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: “Behold the Lamb of God.”
- Against protests of his unworthiness, John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
- After Jesus’ baptism a voice from Heaven: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
- The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove.
- In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of baptism.
- The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard as the Spirit descends upon the Son.
Glory Be
Oh My Jesus
Spiritual Fruit:Openness to the Holy Spirit
Our Father
- Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana.
- During the wedding feast the wine ran short.
- Mary turned to Jesus: “They have no wine.”
- Jesus replied: “What would you have Me do? My hour has not yet come.”
- Mary said to the waiters: “Do whatever He tells you.”
- There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twenty gallons.
- Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw some out and take it to the chief steward.
- The chief steward said to the groom: “Every man serves the good wine first… but you have saved the good wine until now.”
- At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle.
- By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of a Sacrament.
Glory Be
Oh My Jesus
Spiritual Fruit:To Jesus through Mary
Our Father
- “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.”
- “My kingdom is not of this world.”
- “Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.”
- “Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it.”
- “I have come to call sinners, not the just.”
- “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
- “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.”
- “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
- “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
Glory Be
Oh My Jesus
Spiritual Fruit:Christian Witness and Conversion
Our Father
- Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray.
- Jesus was transfigured before them.
- “His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light.”
- This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy of the Passion.
- Jesus foresaw the ‘scandal of the cross,’ and prepared them for it by this manifestation of His glory.
- Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the Old Testament) were conversing with Jesus about His Passion.
- “Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets… but to fulfill them.”
- From a cloud came a voice: “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
- Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man rises from the dead.
- We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day.
Glory Be
Oh My Jesus
Spiritual Fruit:Spiritual Courage
Our Father
- I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
- Jesus took bread, blessed it: “Take and eat, this is My Body.”
- Taking the wine: “This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, shed for you.”
- At that eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass.
- At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present.
- At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders to perpetuate this sacrifice.
- “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”
- The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and a sacrament inasmuch as it is received.
- In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives himself to us.
- The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to the Father.
Glory Be
Oh My Jesus
Spiritual Fruit:Love of Our Eucharistic Lord
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Final Prayer
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY Sorrowful Mysteries
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Pray for us. (repeat after each line)
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of Mercy,
Mother of Divine Grace,
Mother of Hope,
Mother Most Pure,
Mother Most Chaste,
Mother Inviolate,
Mother Undefiled,
Mother Most Amiable,
Mother Most Admirable,
Mother of Good Counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin Most Prudent,
Virgin Most Venerable,
Virgin Most Renowned,
Virgin Most Powerful,
Virgin Most Merciful,
Virgin Most Faithful,
Mirror of Justice,
Seat of Wisdom,
Cause of Our Joy,
Spiritual Vessel,
Vessel of Honor,
Singular Vessel of Devotion,
Mystical Rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of Ivory,
House of Gold,
Ark of the Covenant,
Gate of Heaven,
Morning Star,
Health of the Sick,
Refuge of Sinners,
Solace of Migrants,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without Original Sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary,
Queen of Families,
Queen of Peace,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray, Grant, we beseech you, O Lord God, that we your servants may enjoy lasting health of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow to delight in joy eternal. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
To you, O blessed Joseph,
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you
to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood,
and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family,
defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
O most loving father, ward off from us
every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
O our most mighty protector, be kind to us
and from heaven assist us in our struggle
with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril,
so now protect God's Holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity;
shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid,
we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness,
and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.
