How to Properly Pray the Rosary

Millions of people pray the rosary daily, but not all of them are praying correctly. This scripture-based prayer to Our Father has Mary as its advocate. St. Louis de Montfort stated, “When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer.” The Rosary contains 50 Hail Marys broken into five decades. The repetition of the prayers leads to quiet contemplation as our hearts open to where Jesus dwells. Students in Catholic schools in Orlando learn to pray the Rosary in elementary school and practice it frequently. Knowing the correct steps and which mysteries are to be contemplated on Mondays, for instance, is difficult to remember if the Rosary is not prayed frequently; therefore, the Diocese of Orlando has provided the following information on how to properly pray the Rosary.The beads of the Rosary are divided into decades of 10 beads interspersed with a single bead surrounded on either side by a link of chain. This pattern continues in a circle with five decades. Each bead and the spaces (links of chain) between the beads have a prayer associated with them. Along with the circle of five decades of beads, a length of chain with one bead, three beads, and another singular bead hang from the circle. A crucifix is affixed to the end of the length of chain. The crucifix begins the prayers for the Rosary.Holding the crucifix, make the sign of the cross and recite the Apostle’s Creed. Move to the first bead and recite an Our Father. The next series of three beads are for three Hail Marys. The final bead is for a Glory Be.Before each decade begins, the Mystery is announced. Depending on the day and time within the liturgical calendar, the Mysteries change. As the Mystery is announced, focus on the meaning of the words and think about each Mystery as the Rosary is recited.After the Mystery is announced, recite an Our Father at the intersection of the two strands of the circle with the chain. One Hail Mary is prayed over each of the next ten beads. End the decade at the chain between the decade and the lone bead with a Glory Be. Many churches include a prayer Mary requested at Fatima as the lone bead is held. If your church does not, move to the second Mystery at the lone bead, then recite the Our Father. Continue with each decade, changing the Mystery before each decade. At the end of the fifth decade, return to the chain and recite one Hail, Holy Queen, and close with a dialogue and prayer. Make the sign of the cross while holding the crucifix.Sign of the Cross (Recite as your fingertips touch your forehead, abdomen, left shoulder, then right shoulder)In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.Apostles’ CreedI believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again 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 the life everlasting.Amen.Our FatherOur 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 MaryHail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you!Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.AmenGlory BeGlory 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.

• Joyful Mysteries: Prayed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Advent Sundays

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Nativity
4. The Presentation in the Temple
5. The Finding in the Temple

• Sorrowful Mysteries: Prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Lenten Sundays.
  1. The Agony in the Garden
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar
  3. The Crowning with Thorns
  4. The carrying of the Cross
  5. The Crucifixion and Death

• Glorious Mysteries: Prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays not during Lent or Advent.
  1. The Resurrection
  2. The Ascension
  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
  4. The Assumption
  5. The Coronation of Mary

• Luminous Mysteries: Prayed on Thursdays.
  1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
  3. Jesus’ Proclamation of the Coming of the Kingdom of God
  4. The Transfiguration
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist

Hail Holy QueenHail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy: Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.Prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima 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.At the end of the Rosary, pray:Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son,by his life, Death, and Resurrection,has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life,grant, we beseech thee,that while meditating on these mysteriesof the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,we may imitate what they containand obtain what they promise,through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.The Blessed Virgin Mary has appeared to several people holding a Rosary and beseeching us to continue to pray the Rosary. With Mary’s intercession, our prayers lead to God. Praying the Rosary strengthens our relationship with God, Jesus, and Mary as we contemplate the mysteries of Jesus’ life. The Diocese of Orlando has dedicated times for praying the Rosary as a group. Call 407-246-4903 for more information and read our blogs concerning our Catholic schools in Orlando.