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In Catholic tradition, the Rosary is both a form of prayer and a string of beads used to guide that prayer.
What the Rosary Is
- A Devotional Prayer: The Rosary is a meditative prayer centered on the life of Jesus Christ and His Mother, the Virgin Mary. It combines vocal prayers with reflection on specific “mysteries” (events in the life of Jesus and Mary).
- Prayer Beads: The word “rosary” also refers to the physical set of beads used to keep track of the prayers. The beads are arranged in groups (called decades), each marking a sequence of prayers.
Structure of the Prayer
- Opening prayers: Sign of the Cross, Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
- The Decades: Each decade (10 Hail Marys) begins with an Our Father and ends with a Glory Be. While praying the Hail Marys, the person meditates on one of the mysteries.
- Mysteries: There are 20 mysteries in total, divided into four groups:
- Joyful Mysteries (e.g., the Annunciation, Nativity)
- Sorrowful Mysteries (e.g., the Crucifixion)
- Glorious Mysteries (e.g., the Resurrection)
- Luminous Mysteries (e.g., the Baptism of Jesus)
We rotate one mystery each week.
Purpose
The Rosary is meant to draw the faithful closer to Christ by contemplating key events of His life, through the perspective of Mary. It’s a prayer of meditation, intercession, and praise.
