Saturday Rosary
The Joyful Mysteries
Saturday is the Church’s day for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and there is no more fitting way to keep it than by praying her Rosary through the Joyful Mysteries. These five meditations — from the Annunciation to the Finding of Jesus in the Temple — return again and again to Mary: her “yes” to the angel, her haste to serve Elizabeth, her quiet pondering at the manger. To pray them on Saturday is to spend Our Lady’s day inside the moments where her faith was first made visible.
This page gives you the complete Rosary for Saturday—every prayer in order, the full Douay-Rheims Scripture for each decade, and a free printable PDF. Whether this is your first Rosary or your thousandth, you can pray it here from the Sign of the Cross through the closing prayers.
The Joyful Mysteries Prayed on Saturday
The Rosary for Saturday is prayed with the Joyful Mysteries, which lead the faithful through the early life of Jesus Christ and the faithful response of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These five mysteries begin with the Annunciation and end with the Finding of Jesus in the Temple.
The Joyful Mysteries are:
1. The Annunciation of Mary – Luke 1:26–38
2. The Visitation of Mary – Luke 1:39–56
3. The Nativity of Jesus – Luke 2:1–21
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – Luke 2:22–40
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple – Luke 2:41–52
Through these mysteries, the faithful reflect on Mary’s trust in God, her loving service to Elizabeth, the humble birth of Jesus, the obedience of the Holy Family, and the desire to seek Christ when He seems distant. The Joyful Mysteries are customarily prayed on Saturday and Monday.
Saturday's Rosary Prayer Order
Saturday’s Rosary is prayed from beginning to end in the order shown below. This brief outline helps beginners understand how the prayer is arranged. The complete prayers are written out in full in the sections that follow.
Opening Prayers
- Sign of the Cross
- Queen of the Holy Rosary
- Apostles’ Creed
- One Our Father
- Three Hail Marys
- One Glory Be
- One Fatima Prayer
For Each of the Five Joyful Mysteries
- Announce the mystery.
- Pray one Our Father.
- Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery.
- Pray one Glory Be.
- Pray the Fatima Prayer.
Closing Prayers
- Hail Holy Queen
- Rosary Closing Prayer
- Fatima Pardon Prayer
- Sign of the Cross
The full Rosary for Saturday begins below with the Opening Prayers. Every prayer is written out in its proper place so the reader can continue straight through without searching elsewhere on the page.
Opening Prayers
Sign of the Cross
In the Name Of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(As you say this, with your right hand touch your forehead when you say Father, touch your breastbone when you say Son, touch your left shoulder when you say Holy, and touch your right shoulder when you say Spirit.)
Queen of the Holy Rosary Prayer
Queen of the Holy Rosary,
you have deigned to come to Fatima,
to reveal to the three shepherd children
the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary.
Inspire my heart with a sincere love of this devotion,
in order that by meditating on the Mysteries of our Redemption,
which are recalled in it,
I may be enriched with its fruits,
and obtain peace for the world,
the conversion of sinners and of Russia,
and the favor which I ask of you in this Rosary.
(Mention your request here)
I ask it for the greater glory of God,
for your own honor,
and for the good of souls,
especially for my own.
Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son,
our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified,
died, and was buried.
He descended into hell;
the third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God,
the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen.
Our Father
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Hail Mary
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Fatima Prayer
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.
Amen.
Five Joyful Mysteries Prayed on Saturday
The Annunciation of Mary
And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the most-High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end.
And Mary said to the angel “How shall this be done because I know not man?” And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most-High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: Because no word shall be impossible with God.
And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)
Meditation on the Annunciation of Mary
On the day traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first Joyful Mystery begins with her complete surrender to God. Mary does not demand to know every detail before giving her answer. She listens, believes, and says yes. This decade asks for her help in making the same response to God. The person praying can place a difficult decision or uncertainty before Mary and ask her to teach the heart to trust her Son.
Decade Prayers
Our Father
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Hail Mary
Repeat 10 Times
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory Be to the Father
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Fatima Prayer
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.
Amen.
The Visitation of Mary
And Mary rising-up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Judah. And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy: As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house. (Luke 1:39-56)
Meditation on the Visitation of Mary
Mary carries Jesus to Elizabeth and brings joy into her home. Her first action after the Annunciation is one of charity. On Saturday, this mystery reveals what Marian devotion should produce: a life that carries Christ to others. The person praying can ask Mary for a heart ready to notice another person’s need, serve without seeking praise, and bring the presence of Jesus into family life, friendship, and ordinary acts of kindness.
Decade Prayers
Our Father
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Hail Mary
Repeat 10 Times
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory Be to the Father
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Fatima Prayer
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.
Amen.
The Nativity of Jesus
And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. All went to be enrolled, everyone into his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.
And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. They came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:1-21)
Meditation on the Nativity of Jesus
At Bethlehem, Mary receives the Child she carried and adores the Son of God in poverty and simplicity. She does not control the circumstances surrounding His birth, yet she remains close to Him. This Saturday mystery asks for Mary’s help in welcoming Jesus when life is not arranged as hoped. The person praying can seek a quieter heart, less attachment to comfort, and a deeper love for Christ simply because He is present.
Decade Prayers
Our Father
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Hail Mary
Repeat 10 Times
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory Be to the Father
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Fatima Prayer
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.
Amen.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And Behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.
And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. (Luke 2:22-40)
Meditation on the Presentation of Jesus
Mary carries Jesus into the Temple and offers Him to the Father. There she also hears Simeon speak of the sword that will pierce her own soul. Her obedience does not depend on an easy future. On Saturday, this mystery asks for Mary’s help in giving loved ones, hopes, and fears back to God. The person praying can ask for trust when obedience involves sacrifice and for patience with God’s timing.
Decade Prayers
Our Father
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Hail Mary
Repeat 10 Times
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory Be to the Father
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Fatima Prayer
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.
Amen.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.
And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintances. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.
And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.
And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. (Luke 2:41-52)
Meditation on the Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Mary searches for Jesus in sorrow and does not stop until He is found. Her perseverance gives hope to anyone who feels spiritually dry, distracted, or distant from Christ. On Saturday, the person praying can ask Mary to help lead the heart back to her Son. This mystery asks for the grace to keep seeking Jesus in prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments, and the duties of life until He is again at the center.
Decade Prayers
Our Father
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Hail Mary
Repeat 10 Times
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory Be to the Father
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Fatima Prayer
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.
Amen.
Closing Prayers
Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)
Hail, holy Queen,
Mother of Mercy!
our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus;
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us,
O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Rosary Closing Prayer
O God whose only begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life,
Grant that we beseech Thee while meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Fatima Pardon Prayer
My God,
I believe,
I adore,
I hope, and I love You.
I beg pardon of You for those who do not believe,
do not adore,
do not hope,
and do not love You.
Amen.
Sign of the Cross
In the Name Of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Why Pray Saturday's Rosary?
Saturday’s Rosary has a strongly Marian character. The Joyful Mysteries show Mary receiving God’s word, carrying Christ to Elizabeth, adoring Him at Bethlehem, offering Him in the Temple, and searching for Him when He seems lost. Her life teaches trust, charity, obedience, patience, and perseverance.
Praying the Joyful Mysteries on Saturday gives the person praying time to remain close to Our Lady and ask her help in following Jesus more faithfully. These mysteries are especially suited to family needs, decisions, spiritual dryness, and the ordinary duties of life. Mary never keeps attention on herself; she leads the heart to her Son and teaches it to say yes to Him.
My Rosary Testimony
“I have experienced the profound power of the Rosary and a deep relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which helped me overcome both a struggle with alcoholism and a widow maker heart attack on a golf course in which I died. They say I coded twice, but I don’t really know. I come from a family with no history of heart problems. I have recovered fully through faith, the Rosary and the efforts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (read My Catholic Conversion – A Marian Journey into the Catholic Church)
I invite you to discover the same strength and peace freely available to you in your life. It all begins here with the Daily Rosary.”
Charles Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rosary Mysteries prayed on Saturday are the Joyful Mysteries.
Each of the Joyful Mysteries is drawn from the life of Jesus and Mary as recorded in Scripture:
- The Annunciation of Mary - Luke 1:26-38
- The Visitation of Mary - Luke 1:39-56
- The Birth and Nativity of Jesus Christ - Luke 2:1-21
- The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple - Luke 2:22-40
- Finding Jesus in the Temple - Luke 2:41-52
There are ten main prayers used in the Rosary, including on Saturdays:
- The Queen of the Holy Rosary Prayer
- The Sign of the Cross
- The Apostles’ Creed
- The Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)
- The Hail Mary
- The Glory Be
- The Fatima Prayer
- The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
- The Rosary Closing Prayer
- The Fatima Pardon Prayer
If the Scriptural Rosary is being prayed, all scriptures are read aloud, which takes about forty-five minutes. If the non-scriptural Rosary is being prayed, it will take about twenty-five minutes.
From early in the Church's history, Saturday has been kept as a day dedicated to Our Lady — a weekly remembrance of her faithfulness on Holy Saturday, when she alone kept the faith between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Praying the Joyful Mysteries on Saturday joins that ancient devotion: the day of Mary, prayed through the mysteries that begin with her *fiat*.
Yes. The beads are an aid to counting, nothing more. What matters is the prayer and the meditation on each mystery. You can pray the full Saturday Rosary with only your fingers to keep your place.
There are no separate graces promised only for praying the Rosary on Saturday. The graces associated with the Rosary are offered to those who pray it faithfully and with devotion on any day. The traditional 15 Promises of the Rosary speak of spiritual help, growth in grace and virtue, strength against sin, and assistance at the hour of death. Because Saturday is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is a fitting day to seek these graces while meditating on the Joyful Mysteries.
More Rosary Resources
PDFs
Litanies & Chaplet
Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he came to faith in Jesus Christ early in life. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hands, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
May Our Lady of the Rosary lead you deeper into the grace you have been given. Pray always, and trust the mercy of God while the door remains open.
— Two Percent Survival