The mysteries of the Rosary: joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious

The Rosary Mysteries are the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary that are contemplated while praying the Rosary. They are organized into four groups, each consisting of five mysteries spread across the week. This guide provides an overview of all these mysteries.

The Four Groups

Joyful Mysteries (Tuesday and Saturday)

1. The Annunciation – The Angel’s announcement to Mary.
2. Visitation – Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.
3. Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
4. Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
5. Meeting of Jesus at the Temple

Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

Added by Saint John Paul II in 2002 (Rosarium Virginis Mariae):

1. Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4. Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Eucharist

Sorrowful Mysteries (Monday and Friday)

1. Agony in the Garden
2. Flagellation
3. Crown of Thorns
4. Carrying the Cross
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)

1. Resurrection of Jesus
2. Ascension into Heaven
3. Coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
4. Assumption of Mary
5. Coronation of Mary as Queen

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mysteries are there in the Rosary?

Twenty, divided into four groups of five: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious.

Who added the Luminous Mysteries?

Saint John Paul II in 2002.

See Also

• How to Pray the Rosary
• The Loreto Prayer