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The Holy Rosary

59 beads — five decades with the crucifix and the introductory beads

Wooden Catholic rosary beads and crucifix on pale linen

The Rosary grew from the monastic recitation of the psalter and reached its familiar form in the medieval West. Saint John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries in 2002.

Its rhythm is deliberately gentle: the words of the Hail Mary carry the mind while the heart contemplates the mystery.

Praying it, step by step

  1. 1.

    The Sign of the Cross

    Hold the crucifix, make the sign of the cross and pray the Apostles' Creed.

  2. 2.

    The Introductory Beads

    One Our Father, three Hail Marys for faith, hope and charity, and one Glory Be.

  3. 3.

    Announce the Mystery

    Name the first mystery of the day and pray the Our Father on the large bead.

  4. 4.

    The Decade

    Pray ten Hail Marys on the small beads, holding the mystery quietly in mind.

  5. 5.

    Glory Be

    Close each decade with the Glory Be and, if you wish, the Fatima prayer. Continue through all five decades.

  6. 6.

    Hail, Holy Queen

    Conclude with the Salve Regina and the sign of the cross.

Source: Vatican News — The Rosary