The Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary were entrusted to the Church through the apostolic guidance of Pope Saint John Paul II (1920–2005), who introduced them in his 2002 apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae. These mysteries invite the faithful to contemplate the public ministry of Christ — the radiant moments in which His divinity shines forth and the Kingdom of God is revealed.

In praying these mysteries, we enter into five luminous events: Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan, the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. Each reveals a new facet of the Light of the World, drawing us into deeper discipleship and union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the maternal intercession of His Blessed Mother.

The Holy See formally promulgated these mysteries in 2002, enriching the Rosary with meditations that illuminate the life of Christ and strengthen devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life.

May these Luminous Mysteries fill our souls with the radiance of Christ’s presence, guiding us along the path of holiness and leading us to behold His glory forever.

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary lead the faithful into the profound contemplation of Christ’s Passion — the mystery of a Love that suffers, sacrifices, and redeems. In these sacred moments, we walk beside Our Lord in His agony and unite our hearts to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who shared fully in the sufferings of her Divine Son.

These five mysteries — the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion — draw us into the depths of Christ’s redemptive suffering. Each mystery reveals the infinite mercy of God poured out for the salvation of the world and invites us to offer our own trials in union with His holy Passion.

The Holy See has consistently affirmed the Sorrowful Mysteries as central to the Rosary, venerating them as a wellspring of grace that strengthens virtue, purifies the soul, and draws the faithful closer to the Sacrifice of Calvary made present in every Holy Mass.

May the Sorrowful Mysteries pierce our hearts with contrition, deepen our love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and unite us to the saving power of His Cross.

The Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary draw the faithful into contemplation of the hidden beginnings of our redemption. Through these mysteries, we behold the humility, obedience, and radiant grace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and we meditate on the tender humanity of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh for our salvation.

These five mysteries — the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity of Our Lord, the Presentation in the Temple, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple — immerse us in the wondrous events of Christ’s early life, where divine love first unfolded quietly within the Holy Family. Mary’s “fiat,” Joseph’s silent fidelity, and the Infant Savior’s hidden majesty invite us to imitate their virtues and welcome Christ more fully into our own lives.

The Holy See has continually affirmed the Rosary as a central devotion of the Church, with these Joyful Mysteries forming part of its ancient and treasured structure since the Middle Ages.

May the Joyful Mysteries fill our hearts with the peace of Bethlehem, the faith of Nazareth, and the abiding joy of Christ’s presence dwelling among us.