The Luminous Mysteries, or Mysteries of Light, contemplate five moments of Jesus’ public ministry: His Baptism in the Jordan, the wedding at Cana, His proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration and the institution of the Eucharist. Pope St. John Paul II added them to the Rosary in 2002. They are prayed on Thursdays, the day of the Last Supper.
The five Luminous Mysteries are:
- The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
- The Wedding at Cana
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
- The Transfiguration
- The Institution of the Eucharist
John Paul II wrote that during Jesus’ public ministry ‘the mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light,’ and that ‘each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus’ (Rosarium Virginis Mariae 19, 21). They fill the gap between the childhood of Jesus and His Passion, and they lead naturally to the Eucharist.
First Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
Scripture: Matthew 3:13–17 · Fruit of the mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17)
Jesus, who has no sin, joins the line of sinners and is baptized by John in the Jordan. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove and the Father’s voice is heard. At our own baptism we became beloved children of the Father. In this mystery we ask for the grace to live our baptismal promises and to be open to the Holy Spirit.
Father, help me to live as your beloved child, as I was made at my baptism.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Second Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
Scripture: John 2:1–12 · Fruit of the mystery: To Jesus through Mary
Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye. (John 2:5)
At a wedding in Cana the wine runs out. Mary notices, tells her Son, and then tells the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Jesus changes water into wine, His first sign. Mary still notices what we lack and still points us to her Son. In this mystery we ask for trust in her intercession and for the grace to do whatever Jesus tells us.
Mary, tell your Son what I lack, and help me do whatever he tells me.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Third Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Scripture: Mark 1:14–15; Matthew 4:17 · Fruit of the mystery: Repentance and trust in God
The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15)
Jesus travels through Galilee preaching the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, forgiving sinners and calling disciples. His first word is a call to conversion. That call continues in the sacrament of confession, where His mercy is offered to us personally. Here we ask for a converted heart and for trust in God’s mercy.
Jesus, call me again to conversion, and let me never doubt your mercy.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Fourth Mystery: The Transfiguration
Scripture: Matthew 17:1–8; Luke 9:28–36 · Fruit of the mystery: Desire for holiness
And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. (Matthew 17:2)
On a high mountain Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James and John, and Moses and Elijah appear with Him. The Father’s voice says, ‘Hear ye him.’ For a moment the disciples see the glory hidden in Jesus, to strengthen them for the Cross ahead. This mystery asks for a desire for holiness and for the grace to listen to Jesus.
Lord, let me see your glory, and give me the grace to listen to you.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Fifth Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
Scripture: Luke 22:14–20; Matthew 26:26–29 · Fruit of the mystery: Love of the Eucharist
This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. (Luke 22:19)
At the Last Supper, on the night before He dies, Jesus takes bread and wine and gives Himself to His disciples as food: His Body and Blood. He commands them to do this in memory of Him. Every Mass makes this gift present. In this last Luminous Mystery we ask for a deeper love of the Eucharist and for reverence at every Mass.
Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, increase my faith and my love for you.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
How to pray the Luminous Mysteries
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles’ Creed.
- Pray an Our Father, three Hail Marys (for faith, hope and charity) and a Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery, read its Scripture or meditation above, then pray an Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be. Many add the Fatima Prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
- Continue in the same way through the fifth mystery.
- Close with the Hail, Holy Queen and the final prayer.
To be guided bead by bead, use the interactive Rosary. To see which mysteries are prayed today, open today’s Rosary mysteries.
Closing prayer
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 meditating upon 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.
Frequently asked questions
What days are the Luminous Mysteries prayed?
On Thursdays, following the schedule proposed by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002 (Rosarium Virginis Mariae 38). The schedule is a help, not a rule: you may pray any mysteries on any day.
How long does it take to pray the Luminous Mysteries?
About 15 to 20 minutes for all five decades, a little longer if you read the meditations.
What are the other mysteries of the Rosary?
The four sets are the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries. See Joyful Mysteries, Sorrowful Mysteries, Glorious Mysteries, or all twenty together on the Mysteries of the Rosary.
The feasts of these mysteries
Sources
- John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (2002)
- Scripture quotations from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2678 and 2708