The Mysteries of the Rosary

The mysteries of the rosary were introduced by Dominic of Prussia sometime between 1410 and 1439. This gave each decade of the rosary a unique quality. Each mystery leads us to ponder very specific events in the lives of Jesus and Mary and the lessons they hold for our own lives today.

There were originally three sets of mysteries: the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the Glorious Mysteries.

The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Birth of Jesus
The Presentation
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
The Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion

The Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection
The Ascension
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Assumption
The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

On October 16, 2002, almost 600 years after the original Mysteries of the rosary were established, Pope John Paul II proposed adding a new set of mysteries called the Luminous Mysteries (the Mysteries of Light).

The Luminous Mysteries are:

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
The Wedding at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Transfiguration of Jesus
The Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper

The rosary is ever new because the situations and mysteries we are pondering have an unlimited number of dimensions to consider.

The Rosary and You

The rosary is an incredibly rewarding spiritual practice for the men and women of any age, and all ages. It is like an ancient treasure map that has led countless men and women from all walks of life to the treasures of peace, joy, clarity, and contentment. But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself.

Bishop Barron - Word on Fire Rosary