The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
The Joyful Mysteries focus on the early life of Jesus and Mary—moments of anticipation, wonder, and profound joy at the coming of the Savior. These mysteries are traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, and during the Advent and Christmas seasons.
As you pray each decade, try to place yourself in the scene. Imagine being present at the Annunciation, standing beside Mary as she visits Elizabeth, or kneeling with the shepherds at the manger. Let these joyful events fill your heart with gratitude and hope.
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Luke 1:26-38
"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!'... And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'"
Meditation
In a quiet room in Nazareth, a young virgin receives the most extraordinary news in human history. The angel Gabriel announces that she has been chosen to be the Mother of God. Mary's response—"Let it be done to me according to your word"—changed the course of salvation. In this moment, the Word became flesh.
Fruit of the Mystery: Humility
Mary, though chosen for the highest honor, called herself "the handmaid of the Lord." Ask for the grace to accept God's will with the same humility.
Pray: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Luke 1:39-56
"Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'"
Meditation
Mary, newly pregnant with the Savior, travels to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously with child. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John the Baptist leaps for joy in the womb—the first to recognize the presence of Christ. Mary responds with the Magnificat, her great song of praise.
Fruit of the Mystery: Charity / Love of Neighbor
Mary immediately thought of serving others, traveling a long distance to help her cousin. Ask for the grace to serve others with generous love.
Pray: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Luke 2:1-20
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them... 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
Meditation
In a humble stable in Bethlehem, the King of Kings enters the world. Mary and Joseph gaze upon the face of God made man. Angels announce the birth to shepherds, and they come to adore. The eternal Word, through whom all things were made, lies as a helpless infant in a feeding trough.
Fruit of the Mystery: Poverty of Spirit / Detachment
Jesus chose to be born in poverty, teaching us that true riches are not of this world. Ask for the grace to be detached from material things and rich in love.
Pray: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
Luke 2:22-38
"And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon... He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 'Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace... for my eyes have seen your salvation.'"
Meditation
Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the Law. There, the elderly Simeon recognizes the Messiah and proclaims Him "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." But he also prophesies that a sword will pierce Mary's heart—foreshadowing the suffering to come.
Fruit of the Mystery: Obedience / Purity
Mary and Joseph obeyed the Law even though they knew Jesus was above all law. Ask for the grace to be obedient to God's commands and pure in heart.
Pray: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple
Luke 2:41-52
"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And his mother said to him, 'Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.' And he said to them, 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?'"
Meditation
At age twelve, Jesus stays behind in Jerusalem after the Passover feast. Mary and Joseph search for three agonizing days before finding Him in the Temple, astonishing the teachers with His wisdom. This event foreshadows both the three days in the tomb and Jesus's mission to be about His Father's business.
Fruit of the Mystery: Joy in Finding Jesus / Piety
The joy Mary and Joseph felt when they found Jesus reminds us of the joy we should feel in finding Christ in prayer, the sacraments, and daily life. Ask for the grace to seek Jesus always and to rejoice in His presence.
Pray: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
Concluding Prayers
After the five decades, pray:
Hail Holy Queen: 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. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.