The Rosary invites meditation on twenty sacred “mysteries” – events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. These are grouped into four thematic sets: the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries (the Luminous set was added by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002) . Each set of five mysteries is prayed on designated days and focuses on a different aspect of Christ’s life:

• Joyful Mysteries – Five joyful events surrounding Christ’s infancy and childhood: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Birth of Jesus (Nativity), The Presentation of Jesus, and The Finding of Jesus in the Temple . (Traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays.)
• Sorrowful Mysteries – Five sorrowful events of Christ’s Passion: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning with Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, and The Crucifixion . (Prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays.)
• Glorious Mysteries – Five glorious events after Christ’s Resurrection: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), The Assumption of Mary, and The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven . (Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays.)
• Luminous Mysteries – Five “Mysteries of Light” from Jesus’ public ministry: The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, The Wedding at Cana, The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, The Transfiguration, and The Institution of the Eucharist . (This set, introduced in 2002, is typically prayed on Thursdays .)

Each mystery provides a theme for contemplation while praying the decade (one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, one Glory Be) associated with it. By reflecting on all four sets of mysteries, one meditates on the entire Gospel story, from Christ’s incarnation to the founding of the Church

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