Who is the Rosary?

The Holy Rosary is a set of prayers accompanied by moments of meditation on Christian Revelation. According to the beliefs expressed in the Apostolic Creed, various events that occurred during the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are so unique that they serve as an inspiration for deep reflection; hence the name Mysteries.

These prayers reflect an ancient custom that brings generations of souls closer to God, and because of its simple methodology, it can easily be performed by anyone who wishes. Would you like to be part of all the benefits that this prayer brings? See below the step by step how to Pray the Holy Rosary.

How to pray the rosary?

The prayers of the Holy Rosary follow a very simple methodology: grouped into 4 crowns, the Mysteries are stated in order and are the focus of meditation, while praying an Our Father prayer and ten Hail Mary prayers.

Each Mystery reflects a central event of Christian revelation, and they are divided into Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. Follow this text and you will learn how to pray each one, as well as all the benefits that this practice will bring to your life.

Why pray the rosary?

Besides being recommended by Pope John Paul II, the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary directly express what is the Christian faith and its millennial tradition, which it has followed for more than two thousand years. During recent major apparitions, the Virgin Mary asks the faithful to pray the prayers of the Holy Rosary.

In one of these, during her important Apparition at Fatima to three shepherd children, the Blessed Virgin taught about the importance of the Holy Rosary and its spiritual power even over historical events.

Praying the Holy Rosary brings a number of spiritual benefits, making us always attentive to our soul, to the transcendent and giving our life a complete and real meaning.

What's it for?

Praying the Holy Rosary has as its main purpose to remind us and propose a deep meditation on the Life of Jesus and on the Mysteries that are tied to all the miraculous events surrounding this historical event.

While we pray we are constantly placing our thoughts and our intelligence in the transcendent and contemplating the Eternal and Perfect Plan of God, who revealed himself through his son Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the Holy Catholic Church guarantees plenary indulgences to all those who pray, that is, the remission of temporal penalties for other souls or for ourselves in purgatory.

Step 1

To begin the moment of Prayer, we say a short spontaneous prayer with gratitude and humility, keeping in mind that this is a moment that requires concentration and focus.

"Divine Jesus, I offer you this Rosary, which I am about to pray, contemplating the mysteries of our Redemption. Grant me, through the intercession of Mary, your Blessed Mother, to whom I turn, the virtues that are necessary for me to pray it well and the grace to gain the indulgences attached to this holy devotion."

Sign of the cross

The Sign of the Cross is a very ancient liturgical gesture, which was probably created by the first Christians. According to the tradition and Latin Rite, which is followed by us Brazilians, the sign is made with the right hand open and with the fingers turned towards one's own body touching in order the forehead, chest, left shoulder and right shoulder.

During the bodily gesture, the faithful makes a prayer of invocation to God, saying: "In the name of the Father..." while touching the forehead, "...in the name of the Son..." when touching the chest and "...in the name of the Holy Spirit." while touching the shoulders, ending with the "Amen".

Meaning

When someone makes the sign of the cross on himself, he is indicating that he mortifies his own life, his own desires and passions to serve Christ. In addition, the Sign of the Cross is a way to bless and pray to God for physical and especially spiritual protection from demons.

Since it is a very strong prayer, bringing sanctification and devotion, demons wish to resist people by tempting them to give up the practice. By making the sign of the Cross, we also ask for the protection of our soul against possible evil temptations.

Step 2 - Crucifix

All of these prayers described: the Offering, the Sign of the Cross and now the Creed prayer, as well as the mysteries are performed with a rosary in hand.

A rosary is composed of the crucifix, the 10 smaller beads (for the recitation of the Hail Mary) between the larger beads (for the recitation of the Our Father), which help to situate us during the prayer. During the Offertory, the Sign of the Cross, and the Creed prayer, we hold the Crucifix in one hand.

Meaning

The Crucifix is the sign of Christ's death and martyrdom. Through this symbol, Jesus taught his disciples that the Christian life is a life of surrender, of mortification of one's own passions and selfishness for the sake of the Will of God.

Spiritually, the symbol of the cross is very powerful, bringing all this burden of suffering, surrender and the Eternal Love of God for Humanity. This Love is represented by Christ, who freely gave himself up to die in favor of the world. Because of this, the cross is repelled and causes great repugnance in demons, consequently bringing us peace and protection.

Credo prayer

In this prayer, we make a statement of faith, which recalls the main events of Jesus' life, his death and his glorious resurrection:

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;

who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit;

was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;

descended into the mansion of the dead;

He is risen on the third day, he ascended into heaven, he is seated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from whom he will 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 flesh, and life everlasting. Amen."

Step 3 - First account

The First Bead is just after the crucifix, at the end of a rosary or rosary. Right after we finish the Creed Prayer, we hold the first bead and say an Our Father prayer.

Meaning

This first part is like a moment of introduction that helps us understand and enter into a humble and contemplative state of mind before God and Christian Revelation.

During the Lord's Prayer, we reflect the teachings of Jesus and follow his model to bring us closer to God. With each request and phrase said, we perfectly address each of the main points that we need to pay attention to when we are in a devotional moment.

Our Father Prayer

The Lord's Prayer is a prayer instituted by Christ himself and taught by him to his disciples:

"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."

Step 4 - Glory

After the Our Father Prayer passing through the first bead, we pass through 3 other beads and say a Hail Mary prayer on each one, addressing them to each of the Persons of the Holy Trinity. Immediately after, we pass to another Major Bead, praying the Glory Be to the Father.

Meaning

The Act of Praise and Glory is one of the primary religious actions of all human cultures. Worship is about acknowledging first the Greatness of God and then our insignificance before Him.

When we worship we are ordering our lives, saying what is truly most important. This act of ordering brings peace and makes us understand the real purpose and importance of circumstances, helping us to apply the First Commandment.

Prayer Glory to the Father

The Minor Doxology or Glory to the Father Prayer is one of the prayers of Adoration to God created by the ancient Christians. It is a statement of praise and honor to God, addressed to each of the persons of the Holy Trinity.

"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen."

First Mystery

The Glory Prayer concludes this moment of introduction, and now we move on to the meditation properly of the Mysteries. For each Mystery we pray an Our Father and ten Hail Marys, making contemplations and meditations. When announcing the mystery, we should do so:

"In this first mystery (crown name), I contemplate (contemplated mystery)."

Step 5 - Every Mystery

With each Mystery announced and contemplated, we should use the moments of prayer to reflect and meditate deeply on its meaning. Each Mystery concerns an event in the life of Jesus. Therefore, during the prayer of the entire Holy Rosary, Jesus Christ is the center of adoration, devotion and meditation.

Meaning

Each of the Mysteries introduces themes for us to contemplate the events of Jesus' life and revelation. Each of the mysteries carries profound meanings that serve our spiritual growth.

It is recommended that the prayer of the Rosary be done daily, at least one Rosary (5 Mysteries) a day. In this way, we are able to have more clarity during our daily life, not getting upset with small problems and enjoying peace and spiritual fullness.

How to pray each mystery

When we announce the Mystery, we should name the crown (the theme), the order, and the name of the Mystery. For example, if we are praying the Third Luminous Mystery the "Announcement of the Kingdom of God," we should announce it that way:

"In this Third Luminous Mystery, we contemplate the Announcement of the Kingdom of God made by Our Lord."

After the announcement we should pray an Our Father, ten Hail Marys, a Glory be to the Father and a jaculatoria of Our Lady of Fatima.

10 Hail Marys

After the Our Father Prayer, begin a prayer sequence of 10 Hail Marys. During the prayers, the Mystery in question should be the center of contemplation and meditation.

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you,

blessed are you 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."

Glory be to the Father

After praying all 10 Hail Marys, we pray again a Glory be to the Father, which will be repeated always at the end of the moments of meditation on the mysteries.

Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima

During her apparition at Fatima, the Virgin Mary taught the little shepherds a prayer for penance on behalf of souls. This prayer is said as follows, immediately after the prayer Glory to the Father, ending the moment of meditation on one of the Mysteries:

"O my Jesus, forgive us,

deliver us from the fires of hell.

Take all souls to heaven

and help especially those who need it most.

Joyful Mysteries - Mondays and Saturdays

Since the complete prayer of the Holy Rosary is very extensive and time consuming, The Catholic Church has organized the wreaths during the week so that we can pray at least one rosary a day.

The Joyful Mysteries are those that concern the first events of Jesus' life, his birth and childhood.

What are mysteries?

The Mysteries are events in the life of Jesus that point to universal virtues, principles, and concepts. Meditating on them helps us understand Christian revelation, as well as bringing us closer to God and the transcendent.

When we pray the Holy Rosary, we are not just repeating words or making an intellectual construction, but realizing the consciousness of our immortal soul and the Divine Action in History and in our life.

1st Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary

According to the sacred text, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and prophesied her virginal pregnancy and the coming of the Messiah, the Christ child of God, God himself incarnate.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima

2nd Visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth

Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. Elizabeth became the mother of John the Baptist, the prophet who announced Jesus and who also baptized him. All these things happened according to the prophecies that God had revealed to the ancient prophets and priests in a miraculous way.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

3rd Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

In this Mystery, we reflect and meditate on the miracle of Jesus' Birth, the events that preceded it, and the miraculous and providential circumstances surrounding that event.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

4th Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem

After birth, it is a Jewish custom for baby boys to be presented and circumcised, in addition to other rites of passage that older boys must traditionally go through. According to the Biblical account, Jesus went to Jerusalem on the occasion of a feast and there he was presented before the priests.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

5º Loss and Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple

During the occasion when Jesus went to Jerusalem accompanied by his parents to participate in the Jewish religious festivals and rituals, he was lost from his parents and was found in the Temple, teaching the Teachers of the Law and the Priests.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

This Mystery concludes the Holy Rosary, so you should also say the final prayers: a prayer of thanksgiving and a Hail Holy Queen. Finally, you make the Sign of the Cross in the same way you began.

Luminous Mysteries - Thursdays

The Luminous Mysteries are those which tell of the miraculous deeds of Jesus from the time he assumed his ministry at the age of 30. The set of Luminous Mysteries was introduced by Pope John Paul II, and this Holy Rosary (set of the 5 Mysteries) is prayed on Thursdays.

Jesus' 1st Baptism in the Jordan

When Jesus turned 30, he went to the Jordan River where John the Baptist prophesied and taught about him and baptized him for the repentance of sins. Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, even though he is sinless, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

2nd Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana

The Apostle John relates in the gospel that after returning from fasting in the desert, Jesus went to a wedding in Cana, and there He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

3rd Announcement of the Kingdom of God

In addition to the great miracles, Jesus preached and taught about the coming Kingdom of God. Through various parables, he showed the principles of that Kingdom and brought the New Commandment of Love to his disciples.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

4th Transfiguration of the Lord

Jesus once called Peter, James, and John to accompany him to a time of prayer on a mountain. There for the three, Jesus was transfigured showing his divinity to those three witnesses.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

5º Institution of the Eucharist

When he was about to be betrayed, at the Last Supper with the Apostles, Jesus Christ establishes the Holy Eucharist, in which the bread is truly his body and the wine is truly his blood.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

This Mystery concludes the Holy Rosary, so you should also say the final prayers: a prayer of thanksgiving and a Hail Holy Queen. Finally, you make the Sign of the Cross in the same way you began.

Sorrowful Mysteries - Tuesdays and Fridays

These Mysteries comprise in all the suffering that Jesus went through, the martyrdom and his sacrifice for Love of us. The Holy Rosary of the Crown of Sorrowful Mysteries is to be prayed every Tuesday and Friday, according to the teaching of the Church.

1st Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives

On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus and his 11 disciples went to the Garden of Olives. There Jesus prayed and sweated blood because of the great suffering and affliction he was going through. There also, he was betrayed by his disciple Judas and arrested.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

2nd Cruel scourging of Jesus

After he was arrested, Jesus was handed over to the Priests and Jewish Leaders. Then he was taken to the Roman government. While in the hands of his persecutors he was beaten, flogged and scourged.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

3rd Crowning of thorns of Jesus

The Roman soldiers who scourged Jesus and held him in custody until his crucifixion mocked him. In their mockery, they made a crown of thorns and put them on his head, piercing his skin and face.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

4 Jesus carrying the cross to the Calvary

Being tired and covered with blood, with his skin torn by scourging and his head swollen from the perforations of the crown of thorns, Jesus was forced to carry his cross across the Via Dolorosa to the Mount of the Skull, where he would be crucified.

After the Announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

5º Crucifixion and death of Jesus

When he reached the Skull Mountain, Jesus was crucified by the Roman soldiers. There, he was lifted up, mocked by the agonizing crowd, and shed to his last drop of blood. When he gave up his spirit, he was still pierced by a spear by one of the Romans.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

This Mystery concludes the Holy Rosary, so you should also say the final prayers: a prayer of thanksgiving and a Hail Holy Queen. Finally, you make the Sign of the Cross in the same way you began.

Glorious Mysteries - Wednesdays and Sundays

The Glorious Mysteries deal with dogmas revealed to the Church and which are in the tradition composing our faith and warning us about the future. The Holy Rosary is to be prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

1st Resurrection of Jesus

On the third day after his death, Jesus rose from the dead and was with his disciples. His resurrection was witnessed by the women who went to embalm his body, by the Apostles and by other followers.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

2nd Ascension of Jesus

The resurrected Jesus ascended into heaven before the apostles, and disappeared into the clouds. This was witnessed by his followers, and by the prophecy of the angels, he will return in the same way at the end of time.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

3rd Coming of the Holy Spirit Paraclete

According to the promise Jesus made to his disciples, the Holy Spirit came as a Comforter to dwell with us and help us to hold on to the Christian life.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

4th Assumption of Mary into Heaven in body and soul

Chosen to be the one who gave birth to the Incarnate Word, according to tradition the Blessed Virgin Mary had her Assumption into Heaven after her death.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

5th Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

According to Revelation, Mary is the one who is the Queen of Heaven, having received honors from God and being chosen by Him as the Mother of Jesus Christ.

After the announcement of the Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory be to the Father and 1 Jaculatory of Our Lady of Fatima.

This Mystery concludes the Holy Rosary, so you should also say the final prayers: a prayer of thanksgiving and a Hail Holy Queen. Finally, you make the Sign of the Cross in the same way you began.

Closing Prayers

After praying the Holy Rosary or the full Rosary, we should say two final prayers, giving thanks and closing this spiritual moment.

Meanings

The final Prayers are usually addressed to the Virgin Mary as a form of devotion, asking her to pray for us and help us grow spiritually and learn about the revelation of Jesus Christ. Our Lady, as the Mother of Jesus Christ is directly connected with Christian Revelation and so through her we also get glimpses and meditations on the Mysteries.

Thank you

The prayer of Thanksgiving for the moment of meditation and contemplation should be done in this way:

"Infinite Thanks we give you, Sovereign Queen for the benefits we daily receive from your liberal hands. Deign, now and forever, to take us under your mighty patronage. And to further oblige you, we salute you with a Hail Queen."

Hail Holy Queen

Immediately after the prayer of thanksgiving, we prayed a Hail Holy Queen. This is the last prayer that concludes this entire spiritual moment. Hail Holy Queen is an ancient Christian prayer that helps us assimilate the entire moment and synthesizes the true desire that we should have in our heart which is to know Jesus.

"Hail Queen mother of mercy, life, sweetness and hope our hail!

To thee do we cry, the banished children of Eve,

to you we sigh, groaning and weeping in this vale of tears,

Therefore, our Advocate, look upon us with your merciful eyes;

and after this banishment, show us Jesus,

Blessed fruit of thy womb, O clement, O pious, O sweet ever Virgin Mary.

Pray for us Holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ, Amen!"

What is the difference between rosary and rosary?

Initially, when the Monastic Orders arose, it was the custom of the monks to pray the 150 psalms present in the Bible as a devotional form of personal consecration. The Christians who were part of the community of the faithful of the Church wanted to copy this tradition because they saw the need for daily consecration.

However, because of the difficult access to the sacred text, these faithful exchanged the 150 psalms for 150 Hail Mary prayers. Later, because of limited time, they reduced the 150 prayers to 50, or one third of the total number of prayers the monks said daily.

The Holy Rosary consists of 200 Hail Mary prayers led during a large and intense period of Meditation. Every group of 50, or every 5 Mysteries we have a Rosary, which is the minimum measure for a daily devotion.