Decade Mysteries of the Rosary

20 Decade Mysteries That Reveal the Life of Jesus with Mary

Introduction to the Rosary Mysteries

The Decade Rosary Mysteries form the heart of the Catholic Rosary prayer. Each decade is made up of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be, prayed on the beads while meditating on a sacred mystery from the life of Jesus and Mary. Together, the twenty mysteries make up the complete Rosary, guiding the soul through the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries, and the Luminous Mysteries.

The decade Rosary prayers are not only vocal but also meditative. As the Hail Marys are recited, the mind turns to the events of salvation history: the Annunciation and Visitation, the Cross, the Resurrection, the Transfiguration, and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. Each mystery opens a window into the love of God the Father, the obedience of His Son, and the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin. By praying faithfully, the soul learns the way of humility, courage, and faith.

The Rosary is called a school of prayer. Every bead is a step closer to Christ, every mystery a deeper union with the Holy Spirit, and every prayer a gift offered to the Lord. To recite the Rosary daily is to walk with Mary in the way of Christ, growing in Catholic devotion and drawing nearer to Heaven.

This page gathers the all decade mysteries in one place, linking to detailed reflections for each. It is a guide for those who wish to pray with devotion, learn the meaning of each mystery, and strengthen their life of faith through the Rosary.

Joyful Decade Mysteries

Annunciation of Mary

The Angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth to announce that she would conceive and bear a Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Ghost. With her humble yes—“Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word”—Mary gave her fiat, and the mystery of the Incarnation began (Luke 1:26-38).

Read more about the Annunciation of Mary

Visitation of Mary

Mary went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who, filled with the Holy Ghost, recognized her as the Mother of the Lord and blessed her faith. In response, Mary proclaimed the Magnificat, praising God for His mercy and the greatness of His works, and she remained with Elizabeth about three months (Luke 1:39-56).

The Nativity

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn, while angels announced His birth to shepherds in the fields. The shepherds came in haste to adore the Child and shared the good news with all, and on the eighth day He was circumcised and given the holy Name of Jesus, as the angel had foretold (Luke 2:1-21).

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

Mary and Joseph brought the Child Jesus to the Temple to present Him to the Lord, where Simeon, moved by the Holy Ghost, proclaimed Him the Light to the nations and foretold the sorrow Mary would endure. The prophetess Anna also gave thanks to God and spoke of the Child to all who awaited redemption, and the Holy Family returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew in wisdom and grace (Luke 2:22-40).

Read more about the Presentation in the Temple

Finding Jesus in the Templae at Age Twelve

During a Passover visit to Jerusalem, the twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind in the Temple, and after three days His sorrowful parents found Him among the teachers, astounding all with His wisdom. Though He revealed His mission to be about His Father’s business, Jesus returned with Mary and Joseph to Nazareth, where He was obedient to them and grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men (Luke 2:41-52).

Read more about Finding Jesus in the Temple

Sorrowful Decade Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed in deep anguish, asking the Father to let the chalice pass from Him, yet surrendering fully to His will. As His sweat fell like drops of blood, an angel appeared to strengthen Him in His sorrowful agony (Luke 22:39-46).

The Scourging at the Pillar

Jesus stood before Pilate, accused by the chief priests and elders, yet He remained silent to their charges. Though Pilate declared Him innocent, he yielded to the crowd’s cries for Barabbas and condemned Jesus to be scourged and crucified (Matthew 27:11-26).

Read more about the Scourging at the Pillar

The Crowning with Thorns

The soldiers led Jesus into the governor’s hall, stripped Him, and placed a scarlet cloak, a crown of thorns, and a reed in His hand to mock Him as king. They spat on Him, struck Him, and after their cruel ridicule, led Him away to be crucified (Matthew 27:27-31).

Read more about the Crowning with Thorns

The Carrying of the Cross

As Jesus was led to His crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry His cross, and many women mourned and lamented Him along the way. Reaching the place called Calvary, also known as the Skull, they crucified Him with two others, one on His right and the other on His left (Luke 23:26-33).

Read more about the Carrying of the Cross

The Crucifixion

Standing by the Cross of Jesus were His Mother, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, with the beloved disciple. Seeing them, Jesus entrusted His Mother to the disciple, saying, “Behold thy mother,” and from that hour she was taken into his care (John 19:25-27).

Glorious Decade Mysteries

The Resurrection of Jesus

At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb and found a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord had rolled back the stone. The angel told them not to fear, for Jesus who was crucified had risen as He said, and they were shown the empty place where He had lain (Matthew 28:1-6).

The Ascension of Jesus

As the disciples gathered in fear, the risen Jesus stood among them, offering peace and showing His hands and feet to prove He was truly alive. After opening their minds to understand the Scriptures, He blessed them and was taken up into Heaven while they looked on (Luke 24:36-51).

Pentecost

On Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost as tongues of fire rested upon them, and they began to speak in many languages, astonishing the crowds in Jerusalem. Peter proclaimed that this outpouring fulfilled the prophet Joel’s words, that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh for salvation in Christ (Acts 2:1-21).

The Assumption of Mary

Judith was praised as the glory of Jerusalem, the joy of Israel, and the honor of her people for delivering them from danger. These words foreshadow Mary, who perfectly fulfills them in her Assumption, when she was taken body and soul into Heaven as the joy and honor of all God’s people (Judith 15:10).

The Coronation of Mary

A great sign appeared in Heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars upon her head, laboring to bring forth a Son destined to rule all nations. Though opposed by the dragon, her Child was caught up to God and His throne, and she was given a place prepared by God in the wilderness for her protection (Revelation 12:1-6).

Luminous Decade Mysteries

The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized by John, and though John hesitated, Jesus said it was fitting to fulfill all justice. As He rose from the water, the heavens were opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17).

The Wedding at Cana

At the wedding feast in Cana, when the wine ran short, Mary interceded with Jesus, who at her request performed His first public miracle by changing water into wine. This sign revealed His glory, strengthened His disciples’ faith, and showed Mary’s role in leading others to her Son (John 2:1-12).

Declaring the Kingdom

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee preaching the Gospel of God, saying, “The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe the Gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

The Transfiguration of Jesus

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He was transfigured before them, His face shining like the sun and His garments white as light. Moses and Elias appeared speaking with Him, and the Father’s voice declared from the bright cloud, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him” (Matthew 17:1-9).

The Eucharist

At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, giving it to His disciples, saying, “Take, this is my body.” He then took the chalice, gave thanks, and said, “This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many,” promising to drink it new in the kingdom of God (Mark 14:22-25).

Read more about the Institution of the Eucharist

Why the Rosary Decade Mysteries Matter Today

The decade mysteries are not only memories of long-past events, but living truths for every age. Each mystery draws the mind to Jesus, the heart to Mary, and the soul to deeper faith. In a world filled with noise and distraction, the Rosary offers a simple Catholic prayer that can be carried anywhere—on the beads, in the home, or in silence before God.

The Joyful Mysteries teach us hope, the Sorrowful Mysteries give strength in trials, the Glorious Mysteries remind us of victory, and the Luminous Mysteries shine with the light of Christ’s presence in the sacraments. Every decade Rosary prayed is a step along the way of holiness, uniting us to Christ’s life and Mary’s love.

To recite the Rosary daily is to join countless saints who trusted its power. It is a school of prayer, a shield at the Cross, and a path of peace in a restless world. The mysteries remain a sure way to grow in the love of God, to find strength in the Spirit, and to live each day in the light of Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Decade Mysteries of the Rosary?

The Decade Mysteries of the Rosary are twenty sacred events from the life of Jesus and Mary, grouped into the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries. Each decade is prayed with one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be while meditating on a mystery.

Why do Catholics pray the Rosary Mysteries?

Catholics pray the Rosary Mysteries to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in union with Mary. Meditating on these events strengthens faith, deepens prayer, and helps the soul grow in love of God.

Which days are the Mysteries of the Rosary prayed?

Traditionally, before the addition of the Luminous Mysteries, Catholics prayed

the Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Thursdays,
the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays,
and the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Sundays varying by liturgical season.

Today, the Luminous Mysteries are prayed on Thursdays, and the other Mysteries follow the same pattern.

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