The rosary is a traditional meditative Catholic prayer that is divided into four mystery groups: the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries.
Each of these groups contains five specific mysteries.
Joyous Mysteries (prayed on Mondays and Saturdays)
The Annunciation: the archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus.
The Visitation: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.
The Nativity: Jesus is born in a manger in Bethlehem.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: Mary and Joseph present the baby Jesus in the Temple.
The Recovery of Jesus in the Temple: Mary and Joseph find Jesus discussing with the doctors of the Law in the Temple.
Luminous Mysteries (praying on Thursday)
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan: Jesus is baptised by John the Baptist.
The Wedding at Cana: Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine.
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God: Jesus preaches and calls for conversion.
The Transfiguration: Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor in the presence of Peter, James and John.
The Institution of the Eucharist: Jesus institutes the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
Mysteries of Sorrow (praying on Tuesdays and Fridays)
The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives: Jesus prays and suffers in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Flagellation of Jesus: Jesus is flogged by order of Pilate.
The Crowning with Thorns: Jesus is crowned with thorns by the soldiers.
The Carrying of the Cross: Jesus carries his cross to Golgotha.
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus: Jesus is crucified and dies on the cross.
Glorious Mysteries (prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays)
The Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead.
The Ascension: Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples.
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles.
The Assumption of Mary: Mary is raised to heaven body and soul.
The Coronation of Mary: Mary is crowned Queen of heaven and earth.
Each of these mysteries is meditated on during the praying of the rosary, offering an opportunity to reflect on key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
