Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary

How to Pray the Most Holy Rosary

The Rosary is a very old, traditional Catholic prayer of devotion to Out Lord and Our Blessed Mother. In calling to mind these mysteries, we pray that we may learn the virtues that they teach us. The Rosary is composed of twenty decades; The beads themselves are a means of counting and keeping one’s place while praying.

1). Begin with making the Sign of the Cross. Holding the crucifix, you say: In the name of the Father (touch your forehead), and of the Son (touch your heart), and of the Holy (touch the left shoulder) Spirit (touch the right shoulder. Amen.

2). While still holding the crucifix, pray the 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 thence He shall 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.”

3). Proceeding to the first bead, say the Our Father: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by 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.”

4). On the next three beads, say the Hail Mary: Hail Mary full of grade, 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.”

5). While holding the chain after third bead, say the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Hold Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

6). Proceeding to the next bead, announce the first mystery (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous mysteries depending on the day of the week and/or season) then say the Our Father.

7). On each of the next 10 beads, say the Hail Mary, while mediating on that Mystery.

8). Again on the chain, say the Glory Be, but this time followed by the Decade Prayer. “Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.”

9). When you are at the next bead, announce the Second Mystery, and say the Our Father.

10). Repeat steps #7 thru #9 and in this manner complete the third, fourth and fifth Mysteries proceeding around the rosary.

11). On the medal, then say the 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 signs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us: and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, That we may be made worth of the promises of Christ. Let Us Pray: O God, Whose only begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant we beseech Thee, that mediating on these Mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of The Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”

12). End with the Sign of the Cross.