How to Pray the Rosary

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PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY

  1. Sign of the Cross
    Begin by holding the crucifix of the rosary and making the Sign of the Cross. This marks the beginning of your prayer and invites the presence of the Holy Trinity.

  2. Apostles’ Creed
    Still holding the crucifix, recite the Apostles’ Creed. This prayer is a summary of the core beliefs of the Catholic faith.

  3. Our Father
    Move to the first bead and pray the “Our Father” (The Lord’s Prayer). This prayer was taught by Jesus to His disciples.

  4. Hail Mary x3
    On the next three beads, say three Hail Mary prayers. These are typically offered for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.

  5. Glory Be
    On the next bead, recite the “Glory Be” to honor the Holy Trinity.

  6. First Mystery & Our Father
    Announce the first mystery (for example, a Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous Mystery depending on the day). Then pray the “Our Father.”

  7. Hail Mary x10
    On each of the next ten small beads, say the “Hail Mary” while meditating on the first mystery.

  8. Glory Be
    After the ten Hail Marys, recite the “Glory Be.”

  9. Second Mystery & Our Father
    Announce the second mystery and pray the “Our Father.”

  10. Hail Mary x10
    Pray ten “Hail Marys” while reflecting on the second mystery.

  11. Continue the Same Structure for All Mysteries
    Follow the same pattern for the third, fourth, and fifth mysteries:

    • Announce the mystery.
    • Pray one “Our Father.”
    • Pray ten “Hail Marys.”
    • Recite the “Glory Be.”

  12. Completion of the Rosary
    After the five decades (each decade being one mystery with ten Hail Marys), finish with a final “Glory Be.”

  13. Sign of the Cross
    Close the rosary by making the Sign of the Cross once more.

Additional Notes:

  • Meditation on Mysteries
    While praying the Hail Marys, it’s important to reflect on the mysteries associated with the Rosary. These are events from the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary and are meant to deepen one’s spiritual connection through contemplation.

  • Mysteries of the Rosary
    There are four sets of mysteries, each containing five specific events:

    • Joyful Mysteries (Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays of Advent)
    • Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays of Lent)
    • Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays, Sundays)
    • Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays, added by Pope John Paul II)

The rosary is not just a repetitive prayer, but a meditative journey into the life of Christ, inviting peace and reflection with every bead.