The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Rosary is divided into five decades. Each decade represents a mystery or event in the life of Jesus. There are four sets of "Mysteries of the Rosary" (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious). These four "Mysteries of the Rosary" therefore contain, a total of twenty mysteries. The Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries are then said on specific days of the week . During private recitation of the Rosary, each decade requires devout meditation on a specific mystery. Public recitation of the Rosary (two or more people), requires a leader to announce each of the mysteries before the decade, and start each prayer .

The Apostle's Creed is said on the Crucifix; the Our Father is said on each of the Large Beads; the Hail Mary is said on each of the Small Beads; the Glory Be after the three Hail Mary's at the beginning of the Rosary, and after each decade of Small Beads. In June 13, 1917, Our Lady asked that an additional prayer be added after each decade of the Rosary . It is a prayer of forgiveness to Jesus and is said following the Glory Be after each decade only.

THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES (SAID ON MONDAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS OF ADVENT, AND SUNDAYS FROM EPIPHANY UNTIL LENT)

The Luminous Mysteries (Said on Thursdays throughout the year)

THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES (SAID ON TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS, AND DAILY FROM ASH WEDNESDAY UNTIL EASTER SUNDAY)

The Glorious Mysteries (Said on Wednesdays, and Sundays throughout the year)