The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer centered on the events of Christ’s life. It begins with the Apostles’ Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. There are five sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and the Luminous.
Joyful: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation in the Temple, and The Finding in the Temple. The Five Joyful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the season of Advent.
Sorrowful: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning with Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, and The Crucifixion and Death. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays during the season of Lent.
Glorious: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, The Assumption, and The Coronation of Mary. The Five Glorious Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays except during the seasons of Advent and Lent.
Luminous: The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan, The Wedding Feast at Cana, Jesus’ Proclamation of the Coming of the Kingdom of God, The Transfiguration, and The Institution of the Eucharist. The Five Luminous Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Thursdays.
As Catholics, we pray to Mary for her intercession on our behalf because of her unique relationship with Jesus Christ as his mother. Mary is also our mother. Jesus extended her motherhood to all humanity when He was on the Cross (John 19:26-27). Mary loves her children and prays for them, and will ultimately lead us to her son, Jesus.