The rosary is a Catholic prayer that includes mysteries, i.e. significant episodes from the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. These mysteries are meditated on during the recitation of the rosary to deepen faith and devotion. There are four series of mysteries in the rosary: the Joyful Mysteries, the Luminous Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries and the Glorious Mysteries.

The Joyful Mysteries: 

These mysteries focus on happy events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. They recall moments of joy and grace. The five joyful mysteries are:

The Annunciation (the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of the Saviour).

The Visitation (Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting a miraculous child).

The Nativity (the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem).

The Presentation in the Temple (Mary and Joseph present Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem).

The Recovery in the Temple (Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple after having lost him).

The Luminous Mysteries: 

These mysteries were added by Pope John Paul II in 2002 to meditate on the moments of Jesus' public life. The five luminous mysteries are:

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan.

The Manifestation of Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana.

The Announcement of the Kingdom of God and the invitation to conversion.

The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor.

The Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

The Sorrowful Mysteries: 

These mysteries focus on the sufferings and passion of Jesus. They recall the most difficult moments of his earthly life. The five sorrowful mysteries are:

The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Flagellation of Jesus.

The Crowning with Thorns.

The Carrying of the Cross.

The Crucifixion and death of Jesus.

The Glorious Mysteries: 

These mysteries focus on the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the glory of the Virgin Mary. They recall the victory over death and the triumph of faith. The five glorious mysteries are:

The Resurrection of Jesus.

The Ascension of Jesus into heaven.

Pentecost (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles).

The Assumption of Mary into heaven.

The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

When reciting the chapelet, we usually choose a series of mysteries to meditate on according to the day of the week, but you can also choose them according to your intentions or spiritual need at the time. The mysteries of the rosary offer an opportunity to reflect on the lives of Jesus and Mary, strengthen your faith and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.