Rosary: A prayer of Marian contemplation

# Rosary: The Contemplative Marian PrayerThe **Rosary** is the most widespread and beloved Marian prayer in the Catholic tradition. It combines the recitation of the “Ave Maria” with the contemplation of the mysteries of Jesus’ and Mary’s lives. For a full article, see: **Rosary of Mary**.## Structure and MysteriesThe Rosary is organized into dozens of Ave Marias grouped into mysteries: **Gozosos** (Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, Meeting in the Temple), **Luminosos** (added by John Paul II in 2002: Baptism, Cana, Proclamation of the Kingdom, Transfiguration, Institution of the Eucharist), **Dolorosos** (Agony, Flagellation, Crown of Thorns, Way of the Cross, Crucifixion), and **Gloriosos** (Resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost, Assumption, Coronation).## Our Lady of Fátima and the RosaryIn each of the apparitions of **Fátima**, Our Lady requested the recitation of the Rosary. The famous exhortation, “Pray the Rosary every day,” has made this prayer inseparable from the message of Fátima. Today, millions of Catholics worldwide pray the Rosary.**Deepen your studies:** explore **Mariology**, **Theological Marian Studies**, **Marian Apparitions**, and **Post-Graduate Studies in Mariology**.—## Church Magisterium> **”Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” quod Pius V beatissimus Pontifex formavit et Romani Pontifices sua auctoritate commendarunt, est precatio evangelica per excellentiam.** > > – **St. John Paul II**, Apostolic Letter *Rosarium Virginis Mariae*, n. 1 (October 16, 2002)📚 **Literal Translation:** The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, whose form the Blessed Pope Pius established and the Roman Pontiffs recommended by their authority, is the prayer par excellence of the Gospel.

Also see: Luminous Mysteries: what they are, when to pray them, and how to meditate on them

Learn how to pray the Rosary in our guide: How to Pray the Rosary, step by step.