How to Pray the Rosary: A Complete Beginner's Guide
How to Pray the Rosary: A Complete Beginner's Guide
The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel's words announcing Christ's birth and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary.
The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and—added by Saint John Paul II in 2002—the Luminous.
The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells.
How to Pray the Rosary
Sign of the Cross & Apostles' Creed
Hold the crucifix. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the Apostles' Creed.
First Bead — Our Father
On the first bead above the crucifix, say the Our Father.
Three Beads — Hail Marys
Say three Hail Marys on the next three beads, for faith, hope, and charity.
Glory Be
Before the centerpiece, say the Glory Be.
Five Decades
For each decade:
- Announce the Mystery — Focus on the sacred event
- Say one Our Father — On the large bead
- Say ten Hail Marys — On the small beads
- Say the Glory Be — Give praise to the Trinity
- Optional: Say the Fatima Prayer — A traditional addition
Closing
After all five decades, say the Hail Holy Queen, followed by the closing prayer. End with the Sign of the Cross.
The Prayers of the Rosary
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
