How to Pray the Holy Rosary

catholic prayer impresionism style

Praying the Rosary is a beautiful Catholic devotion that helps us meditate on the life of Jesus and Mary. It combines vocal prayer with reflection on key events of salvation called Mysteries. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross

Make the Sign of the Cross and say:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Opening Prayers

  1. Apostles’ Creed – on the crucifix

    I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth... (recite full prayer)

  2. Our Father – on the first large bead

    Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name...

  3. Three Hail Marys – on the next three small beads
    Say one Hail Mary for each: for faith, hope, and charity.

  4. Glory Be – after the three Hail Marys

    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...

3. Announce the First Mystery and Pray

Each decade focuses on one Mystery (a key event in Jesus and Mary’s life).

  • Announce the First Mystery (depending on the day).

  • Pray One Our Father on the large bead.

  • Pray Ten Hail Marys on the small beads, reflecting on the Mystery.

  • Pray Glory Be after the ten Hail Marys.

  • (Optional) Pray the Fatima Prayer:

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

Repeat this pattern for all five decades.

4. Closing Prayers

After the five decades, pray:

  • Hail, Holy Queen

    Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope...

  • (Optional) Let Us Pray:

    O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection...

  • Finish with the Sign of the Cross.

5. Mysteries of the Rosary

Each day focuses on a different set of Mysteries:

  • Joyful Mysteries (Monday & Saturday)

    1. The Annunciation

    2. The Visitation

    3. The Nativity

    4. The Presentation

    5. The Finding in the Temple

  • Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday)

    1. The Agony in the Garden

    2. The Scourging at the Pillar

    3. The Crowning with Thorns

    4. The Carrying of the Cross

    5. The Crucifixion

  • Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday & Sunday)

    1. The Resurrection

    2. The Ascension

    3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

    4. The Assumption

    5. The Coronation of Mary

  • Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

    1. The Baptism of Jesus

    2. The Wedding at Cana

    3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

    4. The Transfiguration

    5. The Institution of the Eucharist