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When I was growing up, my mother and I would say the rosary every day together. Before each decade, she would announce the mystery and the fruit, or virtue, associated with it. I have continued the practice of saying the rosary in my adult life. Indeed, it is one of my favorite devotions and can’t imagine life without it. I do remember all the mysteries of the original Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious sets of five decades. It took me a while, but I even managed to memorize the Luminous Mysteries established by Pope John Paul II. My memory had long since forgotten the fruits of the mysteries, however. In talking to some friends recently, we realized we were all in the same boat. No one knew the fruits of the mysteries of the rosary – only that there were some! To rectify that ignorance, here are the mysteries of the rosary and their corresponding fruits along with a brief reflection on each one. They offer yet one more good reason to say the rosary.

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation – Humility

It is appropriate to begin the rosary with the virtue of humility. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought,’ are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. ‘Man is a beggar before God.’ “ (CCC 2559)

2. The Visitation – Love of Neighbor

Mary hastened to her cousin’s Elizabeth’s house to help her in her time of need. In what ways can we be of service to our own neighbor’s today, whether we find that neighbor in our own home, in our community, at work, or on the internet?

3. The Nativity of the Lord – Poverty of Spirit, Detachment from the Things of the World

We live in a very consumerist culture. This mystery invites us to detach ourselves from our many possessions. What do we truly need and what is excess? What can we share with others?

4. Presentation – Obedience

Mary and Joseph humbly brought Jesus to the temple in accord with Jewish law. Obedience to God and to others can be very difficult, but offers us the opportunity to subjugate our own will to that of our heavenly Father. Not my will, but God’s will be done.

5. Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple – Piety

Piety is dedication to the Church’s sacramental life and devotions. Mary and Joseph were surprised to find Jesus in the temple. We, too, should be dedicated to our Church and the sacraments.

The Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus – Openness to the Holy Spirit

We each receive the Holy Spirit in a special way in Baptism and again at Confirmation. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. We need only ask the Holy Spirit for help and help will be provided.

2. The Miracle at Cana – To Jesus through Mary

Mary encouraged her Son to perform his first miracle at the Wedding at Cana. She simply told the servants to “do whatever he tells you.” She helps us in a similar way – always pointing us to her Son and interceding on our behalf. We need only to turn to her and ask for help.

3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God – Repentance, Trust in God

Jesus spent the active years of his ministry preaching and performing miracles to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He asks us to express sorrow from our sin, turn away from sin, and trust in God.

4. Transfiguration – Desire for Holiness

Jesus gave three of his closest friends a glimpse of His glory at the Transfiguration. We, too, are called to holiness, and to ultimately live in glory in heaven. But, we need to want it and we need to want it more than what the world and the devil attempts to offer us.

5. Institution of the Eucharist – Eucharistic Adoration, Active Participation at Mass

Jesus gave us the greatest gift in the Eucharist. He gave us His very self. This mystery invites us to appreciate that gift fully and to participate at Mass often

Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden – Contrition, Conformity to the Will of God

Jesus, both fully human and fully divine, suffered immensely in the garden. He knew what was coming and he was terrified. He begged His Father to spare him, but submitted Himself fully to His will. We, too, are called to do this.

2. Scourging at the Pillar – Purity, Mortification

Mortification isn’t popular these days, but making small sacrifices and offering them up can be a great help to one’s spiritual life. There is an opportunity every day to sacrifice and to suffer in some small way.

3. Crowning with Thorns – Moral Courage

Jesus remained resolute even as he was being made fun of. Do we have the courage to stand up for our convictions even when we are being laughed at? Whose opinion matters more – God’s or those who surround us?

4. Carrying of the Cross – Patience

Patience is something we all seem to have difficulty with. Jesus patiently carried his cross through the streets of Jerusalem on the way to his Crucifixion. We can look to him for help when we are tempted to lose our patience.

5. Crucifixion – Salvation, Self-Denial

Jesus gave up everything for us on the cross. His took on the sins of the world, past, present, and future, and died for our salvation. We need to be so thankful for that gift. At the same time, when we are asked to die to ourselves and put others first, we can look to the cross for the example of total self-giving.

Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection – Faith

It takes great faith to believe that Jesus rose from the dead and that we, too, shall rise. As Jesus told his apostles, “Blessed are that who have not seen, and yet believe.” This mystery offers us help in maintaining that faith. “Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief!”

2. The Ascension – Hope, Desire for Heaven

We hope for a world that is better than this one. We desire to live forever with Jesus in heaven. May that hope help shape our lives here on Earth.

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Love of God

The disciples were scared. They huddled together in that upper room not sure of what to do. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon them and they were ready to go out and give their very lives in service to God. May the Holy Spirit also grant us that wisdom and love of God.

4. The Assumption of Mary – Devotion to Mary

We believe that Mary was brought up to heaven body and soul. We are devoted to her because of her relationship to her Son and because God saw fit to raise her up. “Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”

5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Eternal Happiness

We believe that Mary is the Queen of Heaven, enjoying forever her rightful place next to her Son. May we one day share in her happiness.

For more by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur, please visit her website at:  http://spiritualwomanthoughts.blogspot.com

The First Luminous Mystery – The Baptism in the Jordon

Spiritual Fruit:  Gratitude for the Gift of Faith

John the Baptist, while preaching the gospel of repentance, proclaims that although he baptizes with water, one is soon to come who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus comes to John to receive the gift of baptism at the river Jordan.  The sky is opened and the Trinity is made manifest as the voice of the Father is resounds, and the Holy Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove.  It is at this moment that the sacrament of baptism is instituted, and Jesus’ public ministry is initiated.  This mystery teaches us of the extraordinary gift of the faith.  In baptism, by no claim of our own, we are invited into God’s family.  We are to go forth spreading the goodness of His name and healing those with which we live.

The Second Luminous Mystery – The Wedding Feast at Cana

Spiritual Fruit:  Fidelity

On the third day, there was a wedding at Cana, to which Jesus, His mother and disciples were invited.  During the feast, the wine ran short.  Mary went to Jesus with this concern, although His hour had not yet come.  Jesus, upon request of His mother, instructs the waiters to fill six stone jars with water.  After the jars are filled, the waiters draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.  Upon tasting the wine, the steward calls to the bridegroom in amazement that the best wine has been saved for last.  Jesus performed this miracle as the first of many miracles that would reveal His glory.  Through this mystery Jesus raises the dignity of Christian marriage to the level of a sacrament.  It is when one loves another in complete obedience that he or she is sharing in the same love that Christ has for His Church. 

The Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom

Spiritual Fruit:  Desire for Holiness

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, many gathered around Him to hear what He had to say.  Jesus preached the good news, and lifted many hearts with His words.  Jesus taught a gospel of forgiveness and love, previously unheard of by the majority.  He told of a Heavenly Kingdom from which He had come to reconcile sinners back to God.  Jesus revealed His ability to forgive sins, just as the Father forgives sins, and no one could doubt His authority by the miracles he performed.  This mystery teaches us of the immense love that Christ has for His children.  Christ presents Himself as a shepherd who is willing to die for His sheep.  This is this selfless love we are to strive for in our lives. 

The Fourth Luminous Mystery – The Transfiguration

Spiritual Fruit:  Spiritual Courage

Jesus took Peter, John and James up a high mountain to pray.  As He was praying his face began to radiate as if light was issuing forth from it, and his clothing became dazzling white.  Jesus wished to give His apostles a sign of the faith, a visible manifestation of His glory, so that they could withstand the inevitable tragedy of the Passion to come.  This mystery teaches us that God’s glory can shine in even the darkest places of our lives, if we allow that light of faith to shine in.

The Fifth Luminous Mystery – The Institution of the Eucharist

Spiritual Fruit:  Love of our Eucharistic Lord

On the night before He died, Jesus desired to give His followers a lasting sign of His love.  He came together with His apostles to eat the Passover meal.  At this Eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass as he offered bread and wine as His body and blood.  Now, at every mass, the sacrifice of Calvary is made present in true form.  Through the mystery of the Eucharist, Christ gives us true life, in that by receiving His flesh and blood, He resides in us and we in Him.

Click here to view other mysteries of the rosary:  Joyful Mysteries

                                                                                                    Sorrowful Mysteries

                                                                                                    Glorious Mysteries

         When praying the rosary it is ideal to have a short meditation for each mystery, so that one may contemplate on the significance of the mysteries as the prayers are recited.  Below, we have compiled a short meditation for each mystery of the rosary.  Also included, is the spiritual fruit embodied within each mystery.  As you pray each decade, it is a wonderful time to ask God for help in those areas of your life where a particular fruit is especially needed. 

The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurection

Spiritual Fruit:  Faith

On Good Friday, Jesus’ body is placed in the tomb and His soul descends to the dead to announce the news of redemption.  Fearing that the body may be taken, the chief priests place guards in front of the tomb.  On Easter Sunday, the angel rolls back the stone of the tomb to reveal its emptiness, and the guards flee in astonishment and fear.  Christ then appears to His disciples, risen from the dead in all His glory and splendor.  This mystery teaches us that Christ Himself is the source of our future resurrection.  Christ lives in the hearts of His faithful who await their fulfillment. 

The Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension

Spiritual Fruit:  Hope

 Jesus reigned on Earth for forty days, confirming the authenticity of His resurrection from the dead.  During this time, Christ employs His apostles with a mission of preaching the gospel to all the ends of the Earth.  Jesus then, spreading his pierced hands over His people, ascends gloriously into Heaven.  Although Christ’s visible presence left the Earth, He did not leave His people as orphans.  Rather, expressed that He would be with them in Spirit until the end of time.   This mystery teaches us of the unfailing hope we are to have in Christ and His promise.  No longer is our home merely the here and now, rather, we have an eternal home that awaits us in Heaven with Christ.

The Third Glorious Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Spiritual Fruit:  Gifts of the Holy Spirit

 On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles, along with the Blessed Mother gathered together in the upper room where the last supper had taken place just a short time ago.  A mighty wind began to fill the house and the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of flames.  Infused with the gifts of the Spirit, the Apostles began to speak in tongues and preach the gospel message with new found vigor and fearlessness.  Christ’s Church is instituted at this time, and the Holy Sprit rests upon Her, never to leave.   This mystery teaches us of the many gifts Christ grants us through His Holy Spirit.  The most precious gift being the gift of His Church, with which we are brought together to share in the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

 The Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption of Mary

Spiritual Fruit:  Eternal Happiness

 The Blessed Mother Mary lives many years on Earth following Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, during which time, she provides comfort and support to the beloved apostles.  When Mary’s Earthly mission came to completion, She was assumed body and soul into Heaven, since she was uncorrupted by sin.  Mary’s assumption presents us with the beauty and dignity found in the perfect union of body and soul.  Through this mystery we are given insight into the last judgment, when we will all be reunited eternally with our souls in Heaven.

The Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of Mary

Spiritual Fruit:  Devotion to Mary

 Mary was certainly imbued with a unique holiness from the moment of her conception.  As she comes before her Divine Son, she is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth, and their hearts overflow with joy from this Heavenly reunion.  Mary serves as a powerful intercessor because she stood so close to Christ in His suffering.  Through the mystery of the coronation, we are shown Mary as our merciful Queen and loving Mother, who will plead our cause until the very end.

Click here to view other mysteries of the rosary:  Luminous Mysteries

                                                                                                     Sorrowful Mysteries

                                                                                                     Joyful Mysteries

The First Sorrowful Mystery – The Agony in the Garden

Spiritual Fruit:  God’s Will be Done

Together with His disciples, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray to His Heavenly Father.  Although accompanied by His followers and friends, Jesus feels utterly alone as He contemplates the mission He is soon to complete.  Although fully submissive and dedicated to His Father’s will, Jesus allows His humanity to feel the immense horror and pain that His sacrifice will entail.  Jesus sees the sins of all mankind, whose guilt he will take upon Himself.   This mystery teaches us that in times of darkness and anguish, God is present to give us strength against the temptation towards weakness.  We are comforted by our trust that God’s Mercy and Justice will prevail. 

The Second Sorrowful Mystery – The Scourging at the Pillar

Spiritual Fruit:  Mortification of the Senses

After Jesus was seized in the garden and taken in as a criminal, Pilate orders Jesus to be scourged to satisfy the hardened people.  Jesus is bound to the pillar and mercilessly scourged with leather thongs and sharp bones.  The scourging strips Him of every ounce of His strength, and every inch of His body is covered in wounds. This mystery teaches us to stand strong in the face of ridicule, criticism, and persecution.  It is in Christ alone that we find peace and the strength to defend truth.

The Third Sorrowful Mystery – The Crowing With Thorns

Spiritual Fruit:  Reign of Christ in our Hearts

Jesus is taken into the Praetorium and clothed in an old purple cloak.  The soldiers weave a crown of thorns and placing it on His head, they force the thorns deep into His scalp.  The soldiers bow and spit upon Him in mockery of His claimed Kingship.  Jesus is tortured horrendously and then taken to Pilate for final judgment.  Pilate, noticing that the crowds are still not appeased by the pitiful sight before them, allows for Jesus to be turned over to death, and the murderous Barrabas to be released in His place.  This mystery teaches us of the unspeakable humiliation Christ endured for reparation of our sins.  Through Christ’s humiliation, He upholds the dignity of all those who are demeaned by violence. 

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery – The Carrying of the Cross

Spiritual Fruit:  Patience in Suffering

Jesus submits to His fate, and bears the cross on his bruised and wounded shoulders.  The journey to Calvary is excruciating as the soldiers ruthlessly drive Him forward.  However, Jesus’ battered body is to weak to endure, and succumbing to the limits of His humanity, He falls three times under the weight of the Cross.  Jesus, at last, encounters His grief stricken Mother, and they share in unmatched heartache.    The soldiers recognizing that Jesus is physically unable to go on, force Simeon of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Him.  This mystery teaches us that we are to bear our trials with patience and pure acceptance of God’s will.  With Christ living in us, we too can take up our cross and follow Him. 

 The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery – The Crucifixion

Spiritual Fruit:  Pardoning of Injuries

The soldiers lay Jesus upon His cross, and drive nails into His hands and feet.  The cross is erected, and Christ hangs blamelessly between two criminals in the presence of His afflicted Mother.  Christ promises forgiveness to the repentant thief on His right, and finally, with His last utterance, commends His Spirit to His Father in Heaven.  The side of Jesus is pierced with a lance, and His body is taken down from the cross and into the longing arms of His mother.  This mystery teaches us to forgive those who trespass against us.  Christ lovingly bore the persecution that hatred caused.  We too are to pardon the injuries we face from the hatred of others.

Click here to view other mysteries:  Joyful Mysteries

                                                                         Glorious Mysteries

                                                                         Luminous Mysteries

 The First Joyful Mystery – The Annunciation

Spiritual Fruit:  Humility

The Angel Gabriel declares Mary as the handmaid of the Lord.  She will conceive by the Holy Spirit, and bear a son who will be called the Son of the Most High.  Mary accepts this honor, while also accepting, without fully understanding, the pain and sorrow that would accompany its fulfillment.  This mystery teaches us that even the purest joy we experience in this life necessarily entails suffering.  It is with full reliance and trust in God that we are able to accept our suffering in order to fulfill our mission and forward God’s plan of salvation with humility and love. 

The Second Joyful Mystery – The Visitation

Spiritual Fruit:  Charity and Love

Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who learns that she has conceived a child in her old age.  Their visit is marked by happiness and thanksgiving as they rejoice in the wonderful gifts of God.  Mary, with the Holy one inside of her, makes Elizabeth’s unborn child leap within her womb.  Though such a simple visit, both are moved with God’s love and strengthened by His Grace.  This mystery teaches us that we are to cherish our encounters with others.  Each person God puts in our path is an opportunity to love, and share in the blessings God has bestowed upon us. 

 The Third Joyful Mystery – The Nativity

Spiritual Fruit:  Poverty in Spirit

The time for the birth of Christ has come.  Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem where they find there to be no room at the inn.  Mary is left to give birth to her Son in a modest and meager stable.  Along with the interminable glory of Christ’s birth, Christ’s entrance into the world is marked by poverty and suffering.  This mystery teaches us the virtue of poverty in spirit.  Christ calls us to continual detachment from earthly things, and in so doing; we move closer to Christ and join our sufferings with His. 

The Fourth Joyful Mystery – The Presentation

Spiritual Fruit:  Purity of Mind and Body

In observance of the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary take the child Jesus to be presented in the temple to God.  Although not subject to this law, Jesus submits in obedience, and in like manner, Mary, not subject to the law of purification, humbly submits herself to it.  It is at this time also, that the old man Simeon beholds the Son of Man.  Simeon immediately recognizes the child as the King and Savior foretold, and declares the fate of Jesus as a sign that will be contradicted.  This mystery teaches us the importance of purity in thought and deed.  It is in humility that we are able to see our weaknesses and failings, while we recognize our constant need of God’s mercy and grace.

The Fifth Joyful Mystery – The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Spiritual Fruit:  Obedience to God

At twelve years of age, Jesus goes with his parents to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.  It is on their return journey home that Joseph and Mary realize that their son is missing.  Joseph and Mary seek Him endlessly.  On the third day, they find Jesus preaching in the temple amongst teachers, who were at once astonished at his wisdom.  Despite their grief and anxiety, Jesus assures His parents that all is well, as He is doing is Father’s work.  Although Joseph and Mary do not fully understand this at the time, they will see that this event foreshadows the mission of ministry and sacrifice that Jesus will fulfill in obedience of His Heavenly Father.  This mystery teaches us that submission to God our Father comes before all else. There is always joy to be found when we seek Jesus in the spirit of obedience. 

Click here to view other mysteries of the rosary:  Sorrowful Mysteries

                                                                                   Glorious Mysteries

                                                                                   Luminous Mysteries

         The rosary contains 20 mysteries, which are each in honor of a particular event in Our Lord’s Life and that of his Blessed Mother.  The mysteries are divided into Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous mysteries.  The mysteries are designed in such a way, to draw our focus to the ministry, love, and passion of Christ.  In this way, one is to meditate on each mystery as he or she recites the decade of prayers.  It can be said that within the rosary lies our story of salvation.  By meditating on the mysteries of joy, sorrow, and glory that we encounter Christ in every form – in the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and through his Mother Mary.  It is in this way that we can truly come to know our redeemer.

The Five Joyful Mysteries

Monday & Saturday

• The Annunciation by the Angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
• The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)
• The Nativity (birth of Our Lord) (Luke 2:1-21)
• The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)
• The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

Tuesday & Friday

• The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-56)
• The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26)
• The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)
• The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:32)
• The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord (Matthew 27:33-56)

The Five Glorious Mysteries

Sunday & Wednesday

• The Resurrection of Our Lord (John 20:1-29)
• The Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven (Luke 24:36-53)
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41)
• The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
• The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

The Five Luminous Mysteries

Thursday

• The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordon (Matthew 3:13-16)
• The Wedding Feast at Cana (John 2:1-11)
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15)
• The Transfiguration of Our Lord (Matthew 17:1-8)
• Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper (Matthew 26)