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A guided five-decade Rosary

The Luminous Mysteries

The Kingdom revealed in Christ

Contemplate the public life of Jesus, from the Jordan to the upper room. Each mystery discloses who Christ is and calls the disciple to conversion, listening, sacramental life, and mission.

5 mysteriesApproximately 20 minutesCustomarily prayed Thursday

Before the first decade

Begin at the crucifix

Make the Sign of the Cross. Pray the Apostles’ Creed on the crucifix, an Our Father on the first large bead, three Hail Marys for growth in faith, hope, and charity, and the Glory Be.

These pacing notes and meditations are editorial guidance by Auxesis Library. Scripture references invite reading; they are not presented here as substitute quotations.

  1. 01Apostles’ CreedOn the crucifix
  2. 02Our FatherOn the first large bead
  3. 03Three Hail MarysFor faith, hope, and charity
  4. 04Glory BeBefore the first mystery
John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan as the Holy Spirit descends.
The Baptism of ChristJacopo Bassano · ca. 1590The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain / CC0
01Luminous

The first mystery

The Baptism of Jesus

ReadMatthew 3:13–17

Grace to askFaithfulness to baptismal grace

The sinless Son descends into the waters among sinners; the Father speaks and the Spirit rests upon him. Remember your own baptism and ask to live today as one truly claimed by the Trinity.

1 Our Father10 Hail Marys1 Glory Be

Announce the mystery, read the passage if possible, then let the repeated prayer carry your attention through the scene. If it is your custom, add the Fatima decade prayer after the Glory Be.

Christ and Mary sit at the wedding feast while servants tend the stone jars.
The Marriage Feast at CanaJuan de Flandes · ca. 1497The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain / CC0
02Luminous

The second mystery

The Wedding at Cana

ReadJohn 2:1–11

Grace to askTrust in Christ through Mary

Mary notices the need before it is spoken and directs the servants toward Jesus: do whatever he tells you. Bring him what has run empty, then practice the obedient trust that makes room for a sign.

1 Our Father10 Hail Marys1 Glory Be

Announce the mystery, read the passage if possible, then let the repeated prayer carry your attention through the scene. If it is your custom, add the Fatima decade prayer after the Glory Be.

Christ preaches from a boat to listeners gathered beside the lake.
Christ Preaching from a Boat in the Lake of GennesaretJan Rombouts · ca. 1525–30The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain / CC0
03Luminous

The third mystery

The Proclamation of the Kingdom

ReadMark 1:14–15; Luke 4:16–21

Grace to askConversion and apostolic courage

The Kingdom draws near wherever Christ teaches, heals, forgives, and calls. Hear the summons to repent as good news, and ask where your own life must become a visible sign of God’s reign.

1 Our Father10 Hail Marys1 Glory Be

Announce the mystery, read the passage if possible, then let the repeated prayer carry your attention through the scene. If it is your custom, add the Fatima decade prayer after the Glory Be.

The transfigured Christ appears in radiant glory above the apostles.
The TransfigurationFranz Fallenter · 1603The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain / CC0
04Luminous

The fourth mystery

The Transfiguration

ReadMatthew 17:1–8

Grace to askDesire for holiness

For a moment the disciples see the glory that the Passion will not extinguish. Receive the Father’s command—listen to him—and ask for fidelity when consolation passes and the road descends toward Jerusalem.

1 Our Father10 Hail Marys1 Glory Be

Announce the mystery, read the passage if possible, then let the repeated prayer carry your attention through the scene. If it is your custom, add the Fatima decade prayer after the Glory Be.

Christ and the apostles gather around the table at the Last Supper.
The Last SupperUgolino da Siena · ca. 1325The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain / CC0
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The fifth mystery

The Institution of the Eucharist

ReadLuke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Grace to askEucharistic love and thanksgiving

On the night he is betrayed, Christ gives not an idea but himself: body given, blood poured out, covenant and communion. Ask to receive the Eucharist with reverence and to become, in turn, a life given for others.

1 Our Father10 Hail Marys1 Glory Be

Announce the mystery, read the passage if possible, then let the repeated prayer carry your attention through the scene. If it is your custom, add the Fatima decade prayer after the Glory Be.

After the fifth decade

Gather the prayer

Pray the Hail, Holy Queen and the concluding Rosary prayer. End with the Sign of the Cross. Carry one word, image, or grace from the mysteries into the duties immediately before you.

Open the principal prayer texts

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there 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 body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Our Father

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 forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary

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, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.