How to Pray the Rosary
On the 5 decades (sets of 10 beads) of a rosary, we pray and meditate on the corresponding set of 5 Mysteries from the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries, or the Luminous Mysteries.
1. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the "Apostles Creed."
4. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
5. Announce the First Mystery; then say the "Our Father."
6. Say ten "Hail Marys," while meditating on the Mystery.
7. Say the "Glory be to the Father." After each decade say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."
8. Announce the Second Mystery: then say the "Our Father." Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner.
9. Say the 'Hail, Holy Queen' on the medal after the five decades are completed.
THE APOSTLE'S 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; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come 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.
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.
THE DOXOLOGY
Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (this prayer is optional and may be said after all Glory Be to the Fathers.....)
O my Jesus, have mercy on us. Forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Take all souls into heaven, especially, those most in need of thy mercy. Amen.
THE HAIL MARY
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst 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.
Luminous Mysteries
The Five Luminous Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Thursdays:
The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
“After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'” - Matthew 3:16-17
Fruit of the mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit
The Wedding Feast at Cana
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' [And] Jesus said to her, 'Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servers, 'Do whatever he tells you.'” - John 2:1-5
Fruit of the mystery: To Jesus through Mary
Jesus' Proclamation of the Coming of the Kingdom of God
“'This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'” - Mark 1:15
Fruit of the mystery: Conversion
The Transfiguration
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” - Matthew 17:1-2
Fruit of the mystery: Desire for holiness
The Institution of the Eucharist
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; this is my body.'” - Matthew 26:26
Fruit of the mystery: Adoration
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 Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins,pray for us.
Mother of Christ,pray for us.
Mother of divine grace,pray for us.
Mother most pure,pray for us.
Mother most chaste,pray for us.
Mother inviolate,pray for us.
Mother undefiled,pray for us.
Mother Most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable,pray for us.
Mother of good counsel,pray for us.
Mother of our Creator,pray for us.
Mother of our Savior,pray for us.
Virgin most prudent,pray for us.
Virgin most venerable,pray for us.
Virgin most renowned,pray for us.
Virgin most powerful,pray for us.
Virgin most merciful,pray for us.
Virgin most faithful,pray for us.
Mirror of justice,pray for us.
Seat of wisdom,pray for us.
Cause of our joy,pray for us.
Spiritual vessel,pray for us.
Vessel of honor,pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion,pray for us.
Mystical rose,pray for us.
Tower of David,pray for us.
Tower of ivory,pray for us.
House of gold,pray for us.
Ark of the Covenant,pray for us.
Gate of Heaven,pray for us.
Morning star,pray for us.
Health of the sick,pray for us.
Refuge of sinners,pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted,pray for us.
Help of Christians,pray for us.
Queen of angels,pray for us.
Queen of patriarchs,pray for us.
Queen of prophets,pray for us.
Queen of apostles,pray for us.
Queen of martyrs,pray for us.
Queen of confessors,pray for us.
Queen of virgins,pray for us.
Queen of all saints,pray for us.
Queen conceived without Original Sin,pray for us.
Queen assumed into Heaven,pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary,pray for us.
Queen of peace, Pray for us
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy Servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, 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.
Memorare: Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee O Virgin of Virgins and Mother of us all. To thee do I come. Before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the world incarnate, despise not my petitions but in thy mercy hear and answer me. 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.
Sign of the Cross: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
