The five mysteries
Each mystery page also serves as the dedicated decade page for that part of the Rosary.
First Sorrowful Decade
Surrender to God's WillScriptureMatthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46
Grace to askTo say with Jesus, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper. There, He begins to tremble in sorrow as He accepts the cup of suffering for the salvation of the world. While the apostles sleep, Christ watches, prays, sweats blood, and surrenders Himself completely to the will of the Father.
Second Sorrowful Decade
Purity and MortificationScriptureMatthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; John 19:1
Grace to askTo reject sin, honor the body as God’s temple, and be healed by the wounds of Christ.
After being condemned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus is bound to a pillar and scourged by Roman soldiers. His innocent Body is torn and wounded for the sins of humanity. In silence and love, He endures unimaginable suffering to make reparation for sin and to heal souls through His wounds.
Third Sorrowful Decade
Humility and MeeknessScriptureMatthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-5
Grace to askTo surrender pride and let Christ reign over my heart.
After the scourging, the Roman soldiers mock Jesus as a false king. They place a crown of sharp thorns upon His Sacred Head, clothe Him in a purple robe, strike Him, and ridicule Him. Yet Christ, the true King of Heaven and Earth, accepts humiliation and suffering with silent majesty and perfect love.
Fourth Sorrowful Decade
Patience and PerseveranceScriptureJohn 19:16-17; Luke 23:26-32; Matthew 27:31-32
Grace to askTo carry my cross with Jesus and help others carry theirs.
Jesus, weakened from scourging and crowned with thorns, receives the heavy Cross upon His wounded shoulders and begins the painful journey to Calvary. Along the road He falls, meets His Blessed Mother, speaks to the women of Jerusalem, and continues forward in obedience and love. Every step is taken for the salvation of souls.
Fifth Sorrowful Decade
Sacrificial LoveScriptureMatthew 27:33-56; Mark 15:22-41; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17-37
Grace to askTo love as Jesus loves from the Cross.
Jesus is nailed to the Cross on Calvary between two thieves. As He hangs in agony, He forgives His persecutors, entrusts His Mother to the beloved disciple, thirsts for souls, and offers His life completely to the Father for the redemption of the world. After enduring the fullness of suffering and love, He declares, “It is finished,” and gives up His spirit.
Mystery group
Stay close to Jesus in His Passion and learn the depth of redeeming love.
The Sorrowful Mysteries teach repentance, surrender, patience, humility, and steadfast love at the foot of the Cross.
Pray live
When you want a quieter place to begin, return to the live Rosary Prayer Room and keep these mysteries before your heart.
Related tools
Keep the mysteries close by returning to prayer, Scripture, family life, and related Catholic devotion.
Join the Daily Oratory Rosary Prayer Room and pray the mysteries of Christ with others.
Enter the Rosary Prayer RoomReturn to the full Rosary overview, mystery groups, and daily rhythm.
Open the Holy Rosary GuideRead Sacred Scripture with the Church and follow the mysteries back into the Gospel.
Learn the BiblePray with the Word of God before or after a decade of the Rosary.
Pray with ScriptureExplore Marian and Christ-centered devotions that deepen prayer and fidelity.
Browse DevotionsReturn to Daily Oratory prayer guides, suggested prayer, and daily Catholic rhythm.
Begin in PrayerMeet holy men and women who loved Jesus and the Blessed Mother with fidelity.
Meet the SaintsBring the Rosary into a simple, patient, and prayerful family rhythm.
Build Family Prayer