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How to Pray the Rosary


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Following is an outline on how to pray the rosary. We also have a printable version for personal and group use. For information, instructions or parts for making rosaries, or for completed rosaries, please see the menus at the top of the page.

Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted while praying. Begin by reciting the Apostles' Creed (some prefer to say the Nicene Creed) while meditating upon the crucifix.

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord


Our Father who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.


Hail Mary full of grace
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God

Then pray a 'Glory Be....'


Some groups pray the more modern Glory be...





The "topics" of the rosary prayers can be referred to as meditations or mysteries, and they are arranged in groups of five. In more modern use, "meditation" is probably a better-understood word, but it is worth taking a moment to talk about what the word "mystery" means in Catholicism.

Sometimes the word mystery will be used not only in reference to the rosary -- e.g., "mysteries of the rosary," or "rosary mysteries" -- but also of elements of the Catholic faith, especially the sacraments. When we talk of a mystery, we usually think of a movie or novel involving some kind of crime or murder. In Catholic theology, "mystery" refers to something that we know or can articulate in part, but which we do not understand completely.

For example, when we speak of Christ's unique presence in the Eucharist as a mystery, we do not mean that we don't know anything about it, or can't explain it at all, but that we do not know and understand everything about it. There are aspects that surpass not only our knowledge, but also our capacity. This is true, but in a less profound way, of the mysteries of the rosary.

We don't understand fully, for example, all of the implications and meanings behind Christ's baptism in the Jordan. But we have a record of what took place, and theologians have reflected upon its meaning for centuries. When we meditate upon this event while praying the rosary, we are seeking insight into its meaning not only in an abstract sense or as some objective historical event, but how it might apply to events of today, especially to our own lives. This is what it means to "pray the mysteries of the rosary."

With the passing of time and (hopefully) gains in wisdom, we might come to a greater understanding, ability to apply it in our lives, or better ability to explain it to others, but these will never be complete, comprehensive. The reality of the mysteries upon which we meditate are always greater than our understanding of or ability to explain them.



  1. The angel's annunciation of Christ's coming
  2. Mary's visit to Elizabeth
  3. The birth of Christ
  5. Finding the boy Jesus in the temple.


  1. Christ's baptism in the Jordan
  2. Christ's self-manifestation at the wedding at Cana
  3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and call to conversion
  4. Transfiguration, and
  5. The Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist.


  1. Christ's agony in the garden
  2. His scourging
  3. His being crowned with thorns
  4. Christ carrying the cross, and
  5. His crucifixion and death.


  1. Christ's resurrection
  2. His ascension into heaven
  3. The sending of the Holy Spirit
  4. Mary's assumption into heaven, and
  5. Mary's coronation in heaven.




There are additional prayers that some add to the common rosary, but these are the basics. For more directions about how to pray the rosary see our free Rosary Booklet.

Simple Table of Rosary Mysteries and Days

This table incorporates the changes recommended by Pope John Paul II.

Advent till LentJoyfulJoyfulSorrowfulGloriousLuminousSorrowfulJoyful
Lent till EasterSorrowfulJoyfulSorrowfulGloriousLuminousSorrowfulJoyful
Easter till AdventGloriousJoyfulSorrowfulGloriousLuminousSorrowfulJoyful

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