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.)
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.
(Gratitude for the Gift of Faith)
- A voice cries out in the wilderness. Mk. 1:3
- John the Baptist preaches repentance. Mt. 3:1-2
- John proclaims that One is coming “the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to unloose.” Mk. 1:7
- Jesus approaches John to be baptized. Mt. 3:13
- John protests that Jesus should be the one baptizing him instead. Mt. 3:14
- Jesus answers that it must be so for now. Mt. 3:15
- The heavens open; the Spirit descends. Mt. 3:16
- A voice from heaven says, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mt. 3:17
- There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Eph. 4:5
- We were baptized into His death in order to be raised to new life in Him. Rm. 6:4
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.
(Fidelity)
- There was a marriage in Cana in Galilee. Jn. 2:1
- The wine runs out. Mary intercedes. Jn. 2:3
- Jesus replies that His hour has not yet come. Jn. 2:4
- Mary tells the servants to do whatever He asks. Jn. 2:5
- Jesus asks the jars of water be filled. Jn. 2:6
- The steward marvels that the best wine has been served last. Jn. 2:10
- This was the first of His signs. Jn. 2:11
- “I will espouse thee to Me in faith.” Hos. 2:20
- “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the Church” Eph. 5:25
- “Blessed are they that are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Rev. 19:9
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.
(Christian Witness)
- Jesus proclaims, “The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the Gospel.” Mk. 1:15
- Jesus preaches the Kingdom in Galilee. Mt. 4:23
- Jesus teaches the Beatitudes to the crowds. Mt. 5:1-12
- Jesus commands His believers to be salt of the earth and the light of the world. Mt. 5:13-16
- It is not enough to say “Lord, Lord,” but one must do the will of the Father. Mt. 7:21-23
- Jesus sends His disciples to preach and say, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Mt. 10:7
- “To other cities also I must preach the kingdom of God: for therefore am I sent.” Lk. 4:43
- If we do not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, neither shall we enter it. Mk. 10:15
- Jesus sends the disciples out to preach the kingdom and heal the sick. Lk. 9:2
- The Apostles preach the Risen Christ. Acts 2:32
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.
(Spiritual Courage)
- Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain by themselves. Mt. 17:1
- He is transfigured before them; His face shines like the sun, and His garments shine like light. Mt. 17:2
- Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear. Mk. 9:4
- Peter asks to build three tents. Mt. 17:4
- As Peter speaks, a cloud descends over them, and the apostles become afraid. Lk. 9:34
- A voice proclaims of Jesus: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mt. 17:5
- The disciples become utterly terrified. Mt. 17:6
- Jesus tells His disciples to rise, and to not be afraid. Mt. 17:7
- As we share in Christ’s sufferings, so shall we share in His glory. 1 Pt. 4:15
- The disciples rejoice to be found worthy to suffer for the sake of His name. Acts 5:41
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.
(Love of Our Eucharistic Lord)
- The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called the Passover, drew near. Lk. 22:1
- Jesus sends His disciples to make preparations for the Passover. Mt. 26:17-18
- When evening arrives, Jesus reclines at table with them. Mt. 26:19-20
- Jesus tells the disciples that He will not share in the Passover again until all is fulfilled. Lk. 22:16
- Our Lord washes the feet of His disciples. Jn. 13:5-6
- Jesus took the bread, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying “This is My Body.” Lk. 22:19
- In a similar way, He took the chalice and said, “This is My Blood.” Lk. 22:20
- “Amen, amen, I say unto you: Except that you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you.” Jn. 6:53
- For the chalice and bread is a communion in the blood and body of the Lord. 1 Cor. 10:16
- When we eat this bread, and drink this cup, we proclaim His death, until He comes. 1 Cor. 11:26
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
