1. The Rosary The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

2. The Rosary calls to mind the most important events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. These events are called Mysteries and are divided into four groups or decades. They are: The Joyful Mysteries, which are said on Mondays and Saturdays; The Luminous Mysteries, which are said on Thursdays. The Sorrowful Mysteries, which are said on Tuesdays and Fridays; The Glorious Mysteries, which are said on Wednesdays and Sundays.

3. Begin with the Sign of the Cross Start with the crucifix, saying the Sign of the Cross prayer and the Apostle’s Creed. On the next bead, say the Our Father. On the next three beads say a Hail Mary in honor of the three virtues we want to acquire; faith, hope and love. On the next bead say the Glory Be and Fatima Prayer.

4. The Joyful Mysteries The Joyful Mysteries recall the early years of Jesus. These mysteries are how we begin to know of God’s great love for us, that He would give us His own Son. Jesus was born into a humble, prayerful family. They were not rich or famous. They knew hard work and they knew hardship.

5. The Annunciation The angel Gabriel came to Mary to ask if she would be the mother of Jesus. Mary said Yes. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

6. The Visitation Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth and stayed with her for about three months. Elizabeth was going to have a baby too. The angel Gabriel had told this to Mary. Elizabeth was going to have a son and she would name him John. He became the Baptizer.

7. The Nativity Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be counted for the census. While they were there Jesus was born. There was no room at the Inn, so Jesus was born in a stable. Jesus was born into poverty. He has troubles and hardships in his life. He wanted us to know that when we have troubles and hardships that we can call on Him to help us.

8. The Presentation Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus up to the Temple to dedicate Him to the Lord, as was the custom. While they were there they met two prophets, Simeon and Anna. They recognized the child as the Messiah, the long awaited one.

9. The Finding in the Temple

10. The Luminous Mysteries The Luminous Mysteries tell us of Jesus’ ministry here on Earth. They teach us about His teachings and His miracles. We begin to see that God is actively involved in our daily lives. Jesus teaches us that we are not alone. That we have an Advocate in the Holy Spirit.

11. The Baptism in the Jordan

12. The Wedding Feast at Cana

13. The Proclamation of the Kingdom Jesus tells us about God our Father who is loving, forgiving, and generous. He tells us of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is good news!

14. The Transfiguration Jesus takes his best friends up on the mountain. Here he is transformed before their eyes! Jesus is preparing his apostles so that they may follow Him with trust and know He is the Messiah.

15. The Institution of the Eucharist

16. The Sorrowful Mysteries In the Sorrowful Mysteries we witness the greatest act of love. Jesus lays down His life that we may live with Him in Heaven. Jesus’ death is full of pain, sorrow and heartbreak, and yet he willingly gave Himself up for all of us.

17. The Agony in the Garden It is here that Jesus readies Himself for the ordeal He is about to begin, His death. He knows He must suffer, die and be buried. Jesus was willing to do all this out of His great love for us.

18. The Scourging at the Pillar The Romans knew how to inflict pain and suffering. Jesus did not resist the pain or the humiliation.

19. The Crowning with Thorns Even in his pain, Jesus wore the crown of thorns as a crown of love.

20. The Carrying of the Cross Jesus asks us to take up our daily crosses and bear them with patience and compassion, just as He did for us.

21. The Crucifixion Jesus said very little while He hung on the cross. He prayed for us and forgave those who treated Him so cruelly.

22. The Glorious Mysteries Jesus triumphs over sin and death in the Glorious Mysteries. He endured death and gave Himself totally into God the Father’s care. He rises on Easter Sunday morning and gives us the hope of being with him in Heaven.

23. The Resurrection On Easter Sunday morning, the stone was rolled back through the power of the Most High and Jesus arose from the dead.

24. The Ascension Jesus stayed with His apostles for forty days after His Resurrection. Then He led them out to a high hill and ascended into Heaven before their eyes.

25. The Decent of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. Mary and the apostles were gathered together when a loud wind shook the house and the Holy Spirit came upon them in the form of tongues of fire.

26. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven Mary did not suffer death. She was granted the special favor of being assumed into Heaven.

27. The Crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven Mary is honored in Heaven and on Earth. She said “yes” to God and became the mother of Jesus. She was Jesus’ first apostle. She helped Him all through her life. Now she helps all of us.

28. The End The Rosary is concluded with the Hail Holy Queen Prayer. We pray for the Holy Father, the Pope. We pray for the needs of the world. We pray for the needs of our community and family. We pray for our own personal needs. We pray that God’s will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

29. The Holy Rosary: Blessings of the Rosary 1.Sinners are forgiven. 2.Souls that thirst are refreshed. 3.Those who are fettered have their bonds broken. 4.Those who weep find happiness 5.Those who are tempted find peace. 6.The poor find help. 7.Religious are reformed. 8.Those who are ignorant are instructed. 9.The living learn to overcome pride. 10.The dead (the Holy Souls) have their pains eased by suffrages.

30. The Holy Rosary: Benefits of the Rosary 1.It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2.It purifies our souls, washing away sin. 3.It gives us victory over all our enemies. 4.It makes it easy for us to practice virtue. 5.It sets us on fire with love of Our Lord. 6.It enriches us with graces and merits. 7.It supplies us with what is needed to pay all our debts to God and to our fellow men; and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.

31. References www.michaeljournal.org/ images/ave_maria4.jpg www.truecatholic.org/ catholicart.htm