Rosary
Praying the Luminous Mysteries
How to pray the Rosary · 7 steps
The five Mysteries of Light, prayed on Thursdays, which Saint John Paul II added to the Rosary in 2002: the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration and the Institution of the Eucharist.
7 steps · About 20 minutes
In the apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae (16 October 2002), Saint John Paul II proposed five 'Mysteries of Light' drawn from the public ministry of Jesus, so that the Rosary would be more fully 'a compendium of the Gospel'. Between the hidden life and the Passion, they show Christ revealing the Kingdom in his own person: at the Jordan, at Cana, in his preaching, on Tabor and at the Last Supper. Mary appears explicitly at Cana, and her words there are the key to all five: 'Do whatever he tells you.'
What you need
- A rosary
- A Bible or the passages listed in each step
- About twenty quiet minutes
When to pray it
Thursdays; also fitting on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Transfiguration (6 August), Holy Thursday and Corpus Christi.
Steps
Step 1: Open the Rosary
Make the . Holding the crucifix, pray the . On the first large bead pray the ; on the next three small beads pray one each, traditionally for an increase of faith, hope and charity; then pray the . You are now ready to announce the first mystery.
Step 2: The First Luminous Mystery: the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus, sinless, goes down into the water with sinners; the heavens open, the Spirit descends and the Father's voice says, "This is my beloved Son." Fruit of the mystery: openness to the Holy Spirit. Pray the on the large bead, then ten on the small beads while holding the mystery in mind, then the and the : ", forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy."
Step 3: The Second Luminous Mystery: the Wedding Feast at Cana
Scripture: John 2:1-12. At Mary's word, "Do whatever he tells you," Jesus changes water into wine, the first of his signs, and his disciples believe in him. Fruit of the mystery: to Jesus through Mary. Pray the on the large bead, then ten on the small beads while holding the mystery in mind, then the and the : ", forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy."
Step 4: The Third Luminous Mystery: the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15. "The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Jesus preaches, heals and forgives, calling all to conversion. Fruit of the mystery: repentance and trust in God. Pray the on the large bead, then ten on the small beads while holding the mystery in mind, then the and the : ", forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy."
Step 5: The Fourth Luminous Mystery: the Transfiguration
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-8 (also Luke 9:28-36). On the mountain Jesus' face shines like the sun, Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father commands: "Listen to him." Fruit of the mystery: desire for holiness. Pray the on the large bead, then ten on the small beads while holding the mystery in mind, then the and the : ", forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy."
Step 6: The Fifth Luminous Mystery: the Institution of the Eucharist
Scripture: Matthew 26:26-29 (also Luke 22:14-20 and John 13:1). At the Last Supper Jesus gives his Body and Blood under the signs of bread and wine, loving his own "to the end." Fruit of the mystery: adoration, and love of the Eucharist. Pray the on the large bead, then ten on the small beads while holding the mystery in mind, then the and the : ", forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy."
Step 7: Close the Rosary
After the fifth decade pray the Hail, Holy Queen (), then: V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Many add the . End with the .
Tips
- The Luminous Mysteries are an addition the Pope proposed, not imposed: the traditional fifteen remain complete in themselves.
- Pray the fifth mystery before or after Mass or a holy hour and let it lead you to the Eucharist.
- Take Mary's words at Cana, 'Do whatever he tells you', as the intention for the whole Rosary.