The Joyful Mysteries
The Joyful Mysteries, traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, focus on the early life of Jesus Christ, from the Annunciation to the finding of Jesus in the Temple. These mysteries invite us to reflect on the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth and early life, along with the profound faith and obedience of Mary.
Pray the Rosary
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
2. Holding the crucifix, pray the Apostles’ Creed.
3. On the first bead, pray the Our Father.
4. On the next three beads, pray three Hail Marys for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.
5. On the fifth bead, pray the Glory Be.
6. Announce the First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Reflect on the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God, and her humble acceptance of God’s will.
Scripture: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Then pray the Our Father.
7. Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the First Joyful Mystery.
8. Pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
9. Announce the Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Consider Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant, and the joy they shared in the blessings of God.
Scripture: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42)
Then pray the Our Father.
10. Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Second Joyful Mystery.
11. Pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
12. Announce the Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Meditate on the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the humble beginnings of our Savior who came into the world to bring peace and salvation.
Scripture: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger.” (Luke 2:7)
Then pray the Our Father.
13. Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Third Joyful Mystery.
14. Pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
15. Announce the Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
Reflect on Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling the Law of Moses and Simeon’s prophecy of Jesus as the Light of the Nations.
Scripture: “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.” (Luke 2:30-31)
Then pray the Our Father.
16. Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Fourth Joyful Mystery.
17. Pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
18. Announce the Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Contemplate the moment when Mary and Joseph found the young Jesus in the Temple, discussing with the teachers, after searching for Him for three days.
Scripture: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)
Then pray the Our Father.
19. Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Fifth Joyful Mystery.
20. Pray the Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
21. After completing all five mysteries, pray the Hail Holy Queen.
22. Finish with the Sign of the Cross.