Morris ClarkSunday is the Lord’s Day—the day of the Resurrection, the day when Christians throughout the world gather to celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. It is fitting, therefore, that on Sundays the Church invites us to meditate on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, those mysteries that radiate with the light of Easter and the triumph of our faith.
According to the traditional practice of the Church, reaffirmed by Pope St. John Paul II in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, the Glorious Mysteries are prayed on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the year. This schedule allows the faithful to enter into the fullness of Christ’s life—from the joy of His incarnation, to the light of His ministry, to the sorrow of His Passion, and finally to the glory of His Resurrection on the day that bears its name.
The word “glorious” captures the essence of these five mysteries: the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption of Mary, and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven. They are mysteries of triumph, of fulfillment, of the consummation of all God’s promises. As Pope Leo XIII beautifully expressed: “The Glorious Mysteries reveal the mediation of the great Virgin, still more abundant in fruitfulness. She rejoices in heart over the glory of her Son triumphant over death, and follows Him with a mother’s love in His Ascension to His eternal kingdom”.
On Sundays, as we contemplate these mysteries, we lift our eyes from the struggles of this world to the glory that awaits those who remain faithful. We stand with the apostles at the empty tomb, with Mary in the upper room at Pentecost, and with the angels as they crown the Queen of Heaven. We are reminded that the cross is not the end of the story—that death gives way to life, sorrow to joy, and exile to eternal glory.
This guide will walk you through each of the five Glorious Mysteries as prayed on Sundays, providing Scripture passages, reflections, traditional prayers, and the fruits of each mystery to deepen your devotion. May these mysteries fill your Sunday with the radiant joy of the Resurrection and the unshakeable hope of everlasting life.
The Traditional Schedule of the Rosary Mysteries
Before delving into the Glorious Mysteries themselves, it is helpful to understand the full weekly rhythm of Rosary prayer that has developed in the Church’s tradition. Following Pope St. John Paul II’s addition of the Luminous Mysteries, the customary schedule is as follows :
| Day of Week | Mysteries Prayed |
|---|---|
| Monday | Joyful Mysteries |
| Tuesday | Sorrowful Mysteries |
| Wednesday | Glorious Mysteries |
| Thursday | Luminous Mysteries |
| Friday | Sorrowful Mysteries |
| Saturday | Joyful Mysteries |
| Sunday | Glorious Mysteries |
The Glorious Mysteries are prayed on Sundays—the day we celebrate the Resurrection—as well as on Wednesdays. They may also be prayed on Ascension Thursday, on the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15), and every day during the Octave of Easter.
How to Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
Before beginning the five decades of the Glorious Mysteries, here is a brief guide to praying the Rosary, adapted from traditional Catholic practice :
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. Pray the Apostles’ Creed (while holding the crucifix)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
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3. On the first large bead, pray 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 .
4. On the next three small beads, pray three Hail Marys (for an increase in faith, hope, and charity)
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 .
5. Pray 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 .
6. Announce the First Glorious Mystery and for each of the five decades, pray:
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One Our Father
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Ten Hail Marys
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One Glory Be
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(Optional) The Fatima Prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy” .
For each mystery, it is recommended to read the associated Gospel passage and spend a moment in silent meditation before beginning the decade .
7. After the five decades, pray the Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary .
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
8. Conclude with the Closing Prayer and the Sign of the Cross
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen .
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Why the Glorious Mysteries on Sunday?
Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, the “first day of the week” when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb and found it empty . It is the day when Christians have gathered from the earliest times to celebrate the Eucharist and to proclaim that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Praying the Glorious Mysteries on Sunday, therefore, is a natural extension of the liturgy—a way of carrying the Easter mystery with us throughout the day .
The Glorious Mysteries are “perfect to pray with throughout the Easter season, although it’s fitting to remember the victory Our Lord won over sin and death anytime of year” . They remind us that our faith is not merely about following a moral teacher or remembering a historical figure—it is about encountering the Risen Lord who conquered death and opened for us the gates of everlasting life.
As one source explains, praying the Glorious Mysteries helps us to “increase in faith and holiness,” provides us with “special graces and Our Lady’s protection,” and gives us “deeper insight into important events during and after Jesus’ Resurrection”.
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The Five Glorious Mysteries
The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-6
“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said'” .
Reflection: The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Christ’s victory over death confirms His divinity and assures us that we, too, shall rise. After a brief period of uncertainty and grief for His followers, Christ rose again on the third day. It was the true epiphany to all the world that He was who He said He was, and the fulfillment of the many prophecies and words He had spoken .
This mystery calls us to a lively and concrete faith. As one reflection notes: “We have to have a lively and concrete faith in order to fully experience the joy of this event and trust in God’s great mercy and love for us” . The guards at the tomb, the Pharisees who spread false rumors—they chose to remain in darkness. But Peter and John, Mary Magdalene and the other women—they were open to grace and believed.
Fruit of the Mystery: Faith
Virtue to Pray For: An increase in faith, that we may believe in the Resurrection and live as people of Easter joy .
Questions for Reflection :
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How deeply rooted is my faith in God and His actions and love for us?
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Am I willing to completely abandon myself to Him when it seems like my life is going wrong and my faith is a bit shaken?
Prayer to Our Lady for This Mystery:
O Mary, in this mystery, we contemplate the resurrection of Christ and His victory over death, sin, selfishness, our “idols” and whatever that keeps us from the Resurrected Christ .
The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:6-11
“When they had gathered together they asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He answered them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight” .
Reflection: Jesus ascends not to abandon us, but to prepare a place for us and to send the Holy Spirit. The words of the angels to the apostles—”Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky?” (Acts 1:11)—are a gentle rebuke and a commissioning. We are not to stand idle, gazing heavenward, but to go forth and preach the Gospel to all nations.
This mystery teaches us the virtue of hope. Our hope that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us must be rooted in faith. The question posed by the angels also reminds us to look forward to our destination at the end of this life, not to get stuck in the past .
Fruit of the Mystery: Hope
Virtue to Pray For: An increase in hope, that we may fix our eyes on our heavenly home and live as pilgrims on this earth.
Questions for Reflection :
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Do I find it difficult to surrender to God and hold on to hope when I don’t understand something about the Faith?
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Do I get stuck in the past too often and lose sight of where I am going after my time on earth is finished?
Prayer to Our Lady for This Mystery:
O Mary, you returned with the disciples to Jerusalem, believing that Jesus would be with us always to the end of time .
The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim” .
Reflection: This mystery is commonly referred to as “the birthday of the Church”. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and Mary, bestowing His seven gifts: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts filled them with zeal, and they went forth to win souls for Christ.
Where were the apostles before the descent of the Holy Spirit? In the upper room, praying. This teaches us the importance of prayerful preparation. The same Spirit who descended at Pentecost continues to be poured out in the Sacrament of Confirmation, commissioning us to go forth and spread the faith. But we, too, must cultivate a prayerful attitude to receive what God wants to give us.
Fruit of the Mystery: Zeal for the Kingdom of God
Grace to Pray For: A fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and zeal for evangelization.
Questions for Reflection :
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Do I spend time alone with God each day in prayer?
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Am I open to the consistent prayerful attitude that I need in order to hear what God is asking of me and carry it out?
Prayer to Our Lady for This Mystery:
O Mary, in this mystery, we contemplate the beginning of the Church, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit who enabled them to proclaim the Good News to all peoples .
The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary
Scripture Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1
“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a violent hailstorm. A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” .
Reflection: After a life of obedience to God and constant prayer and contemplation of His works, Mary “fell asleep in the Lord” and was taken up body and soul into heaven . This privilege was granted to her because she was created without the stain of Original Sin and lived without sin for her entire life. By the merits of Christ, she experienced the first fruits of the Resurrection .
While we cannot be assumed body and soul like Mary, we can pray for the grace of a holy death. We are called to unite our sufferings with Christ’s and to never cease praying, so that when our final hour comes, we may be ushered into the gates of heaven with the assistance of the angels and saints .
Fruit of the Mystery: The grace of a holy death
Virtue to Pray For: A peaceful and holy passing from this life to the next.
Questions for Reflection :
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Have I been storing up treasures for myself in heaven during this life as Scripture asks us to do?
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How do I feel about death, and if I were to die today, do I feel like I would be ready to face the judgment of God?
Prayer to Our Lady for This Mystery:
O Mary, you listened to God’s Word, pondered it in your heart and put it into practice. By the merits of Christ, you experienced the first fruits of the Resurrection .
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The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary
Scripture Reading: Revelation 12:1, 5
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars…. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne” .
Reflection: Following her Assumption, Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth by her Divine Son . In the history of Israel, the Queen Mother held a position of great influence with the king, and she could intercede on the people’s behalf. This is what Mary does for us. She is our Mother, given to us by Jesus from the cross, and she constantly intercedes for her children.
This mystery invites us to cultivate true devotion to Mary. As Jesus told St. John from the cross, “Behold, your Mother” (John 19:27), so He gives His Mother to each of us. Honoring Mary is not an optional devotion but a gift of her Son, and through her intercession, we are drawn ever closer to Jesus.
Fruit of the Mystery: True devotion to Mary
Grace to Pray For: A deeper love for the Blessed Virgin and confidence in her maternal intercession.
Questions for Reflection :
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How do I view Mary and what is my relationship with her like?
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Do I accept her as my Mother as Jesus intended?
Prayer to Our Lady for This Mystery:
O Mary, your faithfulness to God’s call was confirmed in heaven, and now you show your loving care for all your children by constantly interceding for us .
The Glorious Mysteries and the Fatima Prayer
The Fatima Prayer, often added after each decade of the Rosary, reflects the urgent plea of Our Lady at Fatima in 1917: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy”.
During the first Marian apparition at Fatima, one of Our Lady’s messages was a call to pray the Rosary daily for world peace and an end to World War I. A daily devotion to the Rosary has since spread throughout the Church and remains popular today.
As we pray the Glorious Mysteries on Sundays, we can unite our intentions with the message of Fatima—praying for peace, for the conversion of sinners, and for the grace to respond to God’s call with the same faithfulness as Mary.
Traditional Prayers for the Rosary
The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary .
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen .
The Rosary Prayer
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Sunday and the Glorious Mysteries
Sunday holds special significance as the day of the Resurrection, making it especially fitting to meditate on the Glorious Mysteries. As the day when Christians gather to celebrate the Eucharist, Sunday is a weekly Easter—a reminder that we are an Easter people and “Alleluia” is our song.
To deepen your Sunday devotion, consider these practices:
Attend Mass with a prayerful heart. Before Mass, pray one or more decades of the Glorious Mysteries, asking for the grace to encounter the Risen Lord in the Eucharist.
Spend time in thanksgiving after Communion. The fifth Glorious Mystery, the Institution of the Eucharist, is closely connected to the Sunday liturgy. After receiving Holy Communion, spend time in silent adoration, giving thanks for the gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood.
Make Sunday a day of rest and joy. The Glorious Mysteries remind us that our ultimate destiny is not labor and struggle but eternal rest and joy in heaven. Let Sunday be a foretaste of that eternal Sabbath.
Pray for peace as Our Lady requested at Fatima. The Glorious Mysteries, prayed with the intentions of Fatima, become a powerful weapon for peace in our world.
Living the Glorious Mysteries
The Glorious Mysteries are not merely events to be remembered but realities to be lived. Here are some ways to carry the grace of these mysteries into your daily life:
1. Live in the hope of the Resurrection. The First Glorious Mystery reminds us that death does not have the final word. No matter how difficult your circumstances, let this hope shape your perspective and your choices.
2. Keep your eyes fixed on heaven. The Ascension calls us to look beyond the horizon of this world to our true home with God. This doesn’t mean neglecting earthly responsibilities, but holding them lightly, knowing they are not ultimate.
3. Be open to the Holy Spirit. The descent of the Spirit at Pentecost was not a one-time event. Ask the Holy Spirit daily to fill you, guide you, and empower you for witness.
4. Prepare for a holy death. The Assumption reminds us that our bodies, too, are called to share in the Resurrection. Live each day in such a way that you would be ready to meet the Lord at any moment.
5. Honor Mary as your Mother. The Coronation invites us to cultivate a deep and loving relationship with the Blessed Virgin. Pray the Rosary, wear the Scapular, and entrust yourself to her maternal care.
Conclusion
The Sunday Rosary, with its meditation on the Glorious Mysteries, leads us into the deepest joy of our faith—the joy of the Resurrection and the triumph of God’s love. These five mysteries—the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption, and the Coronation—reveal that the cross is not the end, that death gives way to life, and that those who remain faithful will share in Christ’s victory.
As we pray these mysteries on Sundays, the day of the Lord’s Resurrection, we unite ourselves with the Church throughout the world in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. We stand with Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, with the apostles on the Mount of Olives, with the disciples in the upper room at Pentecost, and with the angels as they crown the Queen of Heaven.
Pope St. John Paul II called the Rosary a “compendium of the Gospel” . In the Glorious Mysteries, we encounter the Gospel in its most triumphant form—the good news that death has been defeated, that Christ reigns in glory, that the Holy Spirit empowers the Church, and that Mary, our Mother, intercedes for us from her place in heaven.
May these Glorious Mysteries, prayed on Sundays and throughout our lives, draw us ever closer to the heart of Jesus and to the maternal intercession of Mary. And may we, like her, one day share in the glory of the Resurrection, the joy of eternal life, and the crown that never fades.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.
St. Joseph, guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.
All you angels and saints, pray for us.
Morris Clark