Une Minute avec Marie
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The rosary, a favorite devotional prayer of many Catholics throughout the world, goes back to the 13th century. It was in the 1500s that Pope Pius V designated the original 15 mysteries of the rosary, as prayed by Catholics today. He also designated Oct. 7 as the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the month of October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.
What are these mysteries and why do we pray them within the rosary? These are not mysteries as we might think of the word but are happenings in the lives of Jesus and his blessed Mother, Mary, that sometimes defy reason.
These mysteries are divided into five each: the Joyful mysteries prayed on Monday and Saturday are: 1) the Annunciation by the angel announcing to Mary that she would be the Mother of Jesus, who is God. That is a mystery, “how can this be?” she said, but after she questioned and pondered the message, said “yes;” 2) the Visitation when Mary traveled a distance to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, and to share with her what she was told; 3) the Birth of Jesus — why we celebrate Christmas; 4) the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, where he was dedicated to God per the Jewish custom; 5) Finding in the Temple. At the end of the Passover feast, when Jesus was 12, he stayed behind to talk to the teachers. Each parent thought he was with the other and rushed back to find him there!
The Sorrowful mysteries, prayed on Tuesday and Friday are centered on the happenings at the end of Jesus’ life, and are recalled during Holy Week in Lent. They are, Jesus’ 1) Agony in the Garden; 2) Scourging (beating) at the Pillar; 3) Crowning with Thorns; 4) Carrying the Cross; (5) Crucifixion and Death.
The Glorious mysteries, prayed on Wednesday and Sunday, call on our Faith because they “defy reason.” They are: 1) the Resurrection, which is why we celebrate Easter Sunday; 2) Jesus’ ascension into heaven, celebrated in the Catholic church on Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Easter; 3) the Coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles; 4) the Assumption of Jesus’ Mother, Mary, into heaven; 5) the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of heaven and earth, who intercedes for us.
In 2002, five Luminous mysteries were added: 1) the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan; 2) the Wedding Feast at Cana; 3) the Proclamation of the Kingdom; 4) the Transfiguration; 5) the Institution of the Eucharist.
All of these mysteries are found in the New Testament gospel readings. We hear them read on various Sundays in Catholic and Protestant churches.
The purpose of praying the rosary is to meditate, reflect, on each mystery — what does it mean? How does it relate to my life experiences, whether in times of joy, sorrow, challenges, concern for loved ones or to just find some peace? People say the rosary for different reasons, for someone who is ill, for those preparing their life’s journey together, who requested prayers or to just be in solitude with Jesus.
Sister Jeanne Snyder, RSM, a Sister of Mercy – September 18, 2021