The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation to Mary

Humility The angel Gabriel tells Mary that God wishes her to become the Mother of Jesus, and Mary humbly accepts LK 1:26-38

The Visitation

Charity Mary visits and assists her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, in her time of need. Elizabeth calls Mary "blessed among women" LK 1:39-56

The Nativity of Our Lord

Spirit of poverty Mary gives birth to Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem LK 2:1-20

The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple

Obedience Jesus is presented to His Heavenly Father forty days after His birth, according to the law of Moses LK 2:22-39

The Finding of Our Lord Jesus in the Temple

Piety After an anxious three day search, Mary & Joseph find Jesus, at age 12, in the Temple with the teachers LK 2:41-52

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden

Sorrow for our sins Our Savior sweats blood in the Garden of Gethsemane and is handed over by Judas MT 26:36-56, MK 14:32-52, LK 22:39-53

The Scourging of Jesus at the Pillar

Purity Jesus is stripped and repeatedly scourged MT 20:17-19, MT 27:26, MK 10:32-34, MK 15:15, LK 18:31-33, JN 19:1

The Crowning of Jesus with Thorns

Courage Jesus is ridiculed and a crown of thorns is placed on His head MT 27:27-31, MK 15:16-20, JN 19:2-3

The Carrying of the Cross

Patience Jesus is forced to carry His cross on the way to His crucifixion MT 27:31-32, MK 15:20-22, LK 23:26-32, JN 19:16-17

The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord Jesus

Self-denial After three hours and much agony, Jesus dies on the cross MT 27:33-54, MK 15:22-39, LK 23:33-47, JN 19:18-30

The Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus

Faith On Easter Sunday, Jesus rises from the dead MT 28:1-10, MK 16:1-14, LK 24:1-12

The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus into Heaven

Hope Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father MK 16:19, LK 24:50-51, ACTS 1:6-11

The Descent of the Holy Spirit Upon the Apostles

Charity / Love The Holy Spirit is poured out on the Apostles LK 24:49, ACTS 2:1-21

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Into Heaven

Devotion to Mary who is our Mother in heaven Mary is assumed into Heaven, body and soul See RV 12, PS 132:8

The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Final Perseverance in life so we can be in heaven with her Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth See RV 12:1

The Rosary is a Summary of the Gospel

Joyful: "The messenger of the heavenly court, disclosing the hidden mysteries of the Divinity, hails as full of grace the Virgin about to become Mother of God. The Virgin visits her relative, the mother of John, who, though yet a captive in the womb, leaps with joy announcing the presence of Christ. The Word that before all ages had proceeded from the Father's Intellect, is born a mortal Babe of a Virgin Mother. The little One is presented in the temple, the Legislator obeys the Law, the Redeemer offers himself in sacrifice" (Hymn of First Vespers) Sorrowful: "On the mount with olives planted, prostrate the Redeemer prays; he grieves, he fears, he well-night faints, pouring forth a sweat of blood. God, delivered up by a traitor is dragged away to punishment; bound with tight bonds, he bleeds beneath the cruel scourges. A crown of ignominy, woven of sharp thorns, adorns the King of glory clothed with purple tatters. Laboring, breathless, thrice falling beneath the heavy cross, he is compelled by force to bear it to the mountaintop. Nailed to the awful gibbet, the Innocent hangs between two criminals; till praying for his torturers, he yields up his Spirit with the last drop of his Blood." (Hymn of Matins) Glorious: "Death overthrown, Christ rises victorious from limbo, and breaking the bonds of sin, throws open heaven's gate. Having appeared long enough to men, he ascends to the heavenly dwellings and is enthroned at his Father's right hand, a partner in his glory. The Holy Spirit whom he had promised to give them, he sends down upon his sorrowing disciples in fiery tongues of love. With her body set free from earthly weight, the Virgin is raised above the stars; she is welcomed with heaven's jubilant delight, and with the songs of angels. Twelve stars now crown the lovely Mother's brow; and from her throne beside her Son, she reigns over all creation." (Hymn of Lauds)