The Rosary

The Rosary is a Catholic prayer that I have always liked for its symbolic value. 50 Hail Marys are recited in blocks of 10. Every 10 Hail Marys a "Mystery" is read. There are 5 mysteries and they are divided into categories. They change based on the day of the week. The 50 Hail Marys represent roses. At the end of this prayer we will therefore have offered a bouquet of 50 roses.  

1 Make the Sign of the Cross.

2 Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles' Creed.

3 On the first bead, say an Our Father.

4 Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.

5 Say the Glory Be

6 For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture) then say the Our Father.

While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, next say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery. Then say a Glory Be.

7 (After finishing each decade, some say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.)

8 After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Queen, followed by this dialogue and prayer:

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 while meditating on 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.

Here are the mysteries:

The mysteries of Joy (Monday, Saturday)

First mystery of joy:

the angel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary.

Second mystery of joy:

Maria visits her cousin Elisabetta.

Third mystery of joy:

Jesus, the son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary.

Fourth mystery of joy:

Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the Temple.

Fifth mystery of joy:

Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple, among the doctors.

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The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)

First mystery of pain:

Jesus prays and sweats blood in the garden of olive trees.

Second mystery of pain:  

Jesus is scourged by soldiers.

Third mystery of pain:  

Jesus is crowned with thorns.

Fourth mystery of pain:

Jesus travels the road to Calvary carrying the cross

Fifth Mystery of Sorrow:

Jesus is crucified and dies on the cross.

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Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday).

First mystery of glory:

Jesus is resurrected and alive.

Second mystery of glory:

Jesus ascends to heaven.

Third mystery of glory:

The Holy Spirit descends on Mary and the apostles.

Fourth mystery of glory:

Mary is taken up into heaven.

Fifth mystery of glory:

Mary is our mother and queen of heaven and earth.

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Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

First mystery of light:

Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan.

Second mystery of light:

Jesus present at the wedding at Cana transforms water into wine.

Third mystery of light:

Jesus announces the Kingdom of God.

Fourth mystery of light:

Jesus is transfigured before the disciples.

Fifth mystery of light: 

Jesus institutes the Eucharist during the Last Supper.