The Mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious

The Mysteries of the Rosary are the events of the life of Jesus and of Mary that are contemplated while praying the Rosary. They are organized into four groups of five mysteries each, distributed across the days of the week. This guide presents them all.

The Four Groups

Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)

1. The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary.
2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
3. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple.

Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

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

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

Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)

1. The Agony in the Garden.
2. The Scourging.
3. The Crowning with Thorns.
4. Jesus Carries the Cross.
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.

Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mysteries does the Rosary have?

Twenty, in 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 Litany of Loreto