The Luminous Mysteries, also called the Mysteries of Light, reflect on the public ministry of Jesus, the years when He revealed Himself as the Light of the World.
Prayed on: Thursday.
Pope St. John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries to the Holy Rosary in 2002, in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
How to Pray Each Mystery
- Announce the mystery (for example, "The First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus").
- Pray one Our Father.
- Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery.
- Pray one Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
New to the Holy Rosary? Start with How to Pray the Holy Rosary.
The First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
Jesus comes to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. As He comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a dove, and the Father's voice declares Him His beloved Son.
Fruit of the mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit
The Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
"Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye." (John 2:5)
At a wedding feast in Cana, the wine runs out. Mary brings the need to her Son and tells the servants to do whatever He says. Jesus turns water into wine, His first miracle, and His disciples believe in Him.
Fruit of the mystery: To Jesus through Mary
The Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
"Repent, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15)
Jesus travels through Galilee announcing that the Kingdom of God is near. He heals the sick, forgives sinners, and calls everyone to turn back to God and believe the Good News.
Fruit of the mystery: Repentance and trust in God
The Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him." (Matthew 17:5)
On a high mountain, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear with Him, and the Father's voice tells the disciples to listen to Him.
Fruit of the mystery: Desire for holiness
The Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
"Take ye, and eat. This is my body." (Matthew 26:26)
At the Last Supper, on the night before He dies, Jesus takes bread and wine and gives them to His apostles as His Body and Blood. He gives us Himself in the Eucharist, to remain with us always.
Fruit of the mystery: Love of the Eucharist
After the Fifth Mystery
Close the Holy Rosary with the Hail Holy Queen, the Holy Rosary Closing Prayer, and the Sign of the Cross.
The Other Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
- Joyful Mysteries: Monday and Saturday
- Sorrowful Mysteries: Tuesday and Friday
- Glorious Mysteries: Wednesday and Sunday