Saints LightThe Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary are the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption of Mary and the Coronation of Mary. They are prayed on Wednesday and Sunday.
For each mystery, read the Scripture, hold the meditation in mind, and pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be. See how to pray the Rosary for the opening and closing prayers.
1. The Resurrection
He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid.
On the third day the tomb is empty. Jesus is risen, in His own body, just as He promised. Death, sin and every darkness have been defeated, and nothing will ever be the same. Because He lives, your story does not end in loss either. Bring Him whatever in your life feels dead or hopeless, and ask Him to raise it.
Intention. For a living faith in the risen Christ, in ourselves and in our families.
2. The Ascension
And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Forty days after Easter, Jesus blesses His disciples and is taken up into heaven before their eyes. He does not abandon them; He goes ahead to prepare a place for them, and for us. Our human nature is now with the Father in glory, which tells us where we are headed. Heaven is your true home. Live today as someone who is expected there.
Intention. For a steady hope of heaven, and for those who have lost hope.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak.
The apostles are gathered in prayer with Mary when the Holy Spirit comes upon them like wind and tongues of fire. Frightened men become bold witnesses, and the Church goes out to the whole world. The same Spirit was given to you in baptism and confirmation. You are not left to live the Christian life on your own strength. Ask Him today for the one gift you most need.
Intention. For the Church, and for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
4. The Assumption of Mary
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.
At the end of her earthly life, Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory. The one who first said yes to God is the first to share fully in her Son's resurrection. What God did for her, He wants to do for all His children at the end of time. Your body and your life matter to Him forever. Ask Mary to be with you at the hour of your death, as every Hail Mary asks.
Intention. For a holy death for ourselves, and for those who will die today.
5. The Coronation of Mary
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars:
Mary is crowned Queen of heaven and earth by her Son. Her queenship is not about power over us but about a mother's care for all her children. She who stood at the foot of the cross now prays for us before the throne of God. You have a Mother in heaven who knows your name. Give her your worries today, and let her bring them to Jesus.
Intention. For the grace to trust Mary as our Mother, and to follow her to her Son.
The other mysteries
- The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)
- The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
- The Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)
Pray these mysteries bead by bead
The Saints Light app guides you through each decade with the Scripture, the meditation and a sacred painting for every mystery. The Rosary is free in the app.
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