To pray the Rosary as a beginner, follow these step-by-step instructions:
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Begin by making the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.[1]
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While holding the crucifix, pray the Apostles’ Creed[1].
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On the first bead after the crucifix, pray one Our Father[5].
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On the next three beads, pray a Hail Mary on each bead (these are often offered for an increase in faith, hope, and charity)[5].
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On the next bead, pray the Glory Be[5].
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Now you begin the decades (five in total, each reflecting on a “Mystery” from the life of Jesus and Mary). For each decade:[3]
- Announce the Mystery (e.g., “The Annunciation”).
- On the single bead before each decade, pray one Our Father.
- On each of the ten beads of the decade, pray a Hail Mary while meditating on the Mystery.
- After the ten Hail Marys, pray a Glory Be.
- (Optional) Pray the “O My Jesus” Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.
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Repeat the steps for each of the five decades (Mysteries), moving around the Rosary beads[3].
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After completing the five decades, pray the Hail, Holy Queen prayer[5].
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If you wish, recite any final prayers (such as a prayer for the Pope) and finish with the Sign of the Cross[5].
The standard Mysteries are divided across the days of the week: Joyful (Monday, Saturday), Sorrowful (Tuesday, Friday), Glorious (Wednesday, Sunday), and Luminous (Thursday). Each set of Mysteries focuses on a different aspect of Jesus’ and Mary’s lives.[3]