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The mysteries

There are four sets of “mysteries,” or meditations on the life of Christ and His mother; these are saidrent on diffedays of the week. Meditate on them while you pray your rosary.

How to pray the rosary

  • While holding the crucifix, make the sign of the cross and pray the Apostles' Creed.
  • On the first separate bead, we pray an Our Father, the prayer that Jesus taught us.
  • On each of the next three beads, we pray the Hail Mary, followed by the Glory Be.
  • On the next separate bead, we announce the first mystery. (e.g.. Joyful) We reflect on what happened to Jesus at this time and we think about what it means in our lives today. We pray the Our Father.
  • We pray one Hail Mary on each of the next 10 beads. Then we pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
  • On the next separate bead, we announce the second mystery, reflect, and pray the Our Father.
  • We pray one Hail Mary on each of the next 10 beads. Then we pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
  • On this separate bead, we announce the third mystery, reflect, and pray the Our Father.
  • We pray one Hail Mary on each of the next 10 beads. Then we pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
  • On this separate bead, we announce the fourth mystery, reflect, and pray the Our Father.
  • We pray one Hail Mary on each of the next 10 beads. Then we pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
  • On this separate bead, we announce the fifth mystery, reflect, and pray the Our Father.
  • We pray one Hail Mary on each of the next 10 beads. Then we pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
  • We have now reached the end of the Rosary. On the medal that connects the beads we pray the Hail Holy Queen.

The prayers

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 to the dead; 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; from whence 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 Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art though 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.

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.

The Fatima Prayer

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy. Amen.

The Hail Holy Queen

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 they 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.