The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary reflect on the Passion of Jesus: His suffering and death for our salvation.
Prayed on: Tuesday and Friday, and traditionally on the Sundays of Lent.
How to Pray Each Mystery
- Announce the mystery (for example, "The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden").
- 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 Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
"Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:39)
After the Last Supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Knowing the suffering ahead of Him, He is filled with sorrow, and His sweat becomes like drops of blood. Still, He surrenders Himself completely to the Father's will.
Fruit of the mystery: Sorrow for sin
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
"Then therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged him." (John 19:1)
Jesus is bound to a pillar and cruelly whipped by Roman soldiers. He bears this suffering in silence, offering His wounded body for our sins.
Fruit of the mystery: Purity
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
"Hail, king of the Jews." (Matthew 27:29)
The soldiers twist a crown of thorns and press it onto Jesus' head. They put a purple cloak on Him and a reed in His hand, and kneel before Him in mockery. The true King of heaven and earth is humiliated and accepts it with patience and love.
Fruit of the mystery: Courage
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
"And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary." (John 19:17)
Weak from His wounds, Jesus carries the heavy cross through the streets of Jerusalem. He falls, meets His sorrowful Mother, and is helped by Simon of Cyrene. Every step is an act of love for us.
Fruit of the mystery: Patience
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." (Luke 23:46)
Jesus is nailed to the cross between two thieves. For three hours He hangs there, forgiving His executioners, promising paradise to the repentant thief, and giving His Mother to the beloved disciple. Then He gives up His spirit and dies for the salvation of the world.
Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance
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
- Glorious Mysteries: Wednesday and Sunday
- Luminous Mysteries: Thursday