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Mysteries of the Rosary

5 Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

  1. The Agony in the Garden
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar
  3. The Crowning with Thorns
  4. The Carrying of the Cross
  5. The Crucifixion

Prayed on Tuesday and Friday.

The Sorrowful Mysteries lead us through the Passion of Christ. With Mary we stay near the cross, asking for a share in his redeeming love.

Traditional day

Traditionally prayed on Tuesday · Friday. You may choose this set any day.

The five mysteries

  1. The Agony in the Garden

    Jesus prays in Gethsemane while his friends sleep. He does not hide the sorrow; he names it and still yields. “Not my will, but yours” is the prayer of a free heart. We stay awake with him for a little while and ask for a share in that yes.

    “Saying: “Father, if you are willing, take this chalice away from me. Yet truly, let not my will, but yours, be done.””

    Luke 22:42 · Fruit: Contrition

  2. The Scourging at the Pillar

    He is wounded for our healing. The body that was given in the manger is given again under the lash. Love does not look away. We offer him our own wounds and the ones we have caused.

    “Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him.”

    John 19:1 · Fruit: Purity

  3. The Crowning with Thorns

    The King of kings is mocked with a crown that cuts. His kingdom is not of this world, so the world cannot recognize it. Moral courage here is to tell the truth without a throne. We ask for a quiet mind when we are small.

    “And the soldiers, plaiting a crown of thorns, imposed it on his head. And they put a purple garment around him.”

    John 19:2 · Fruit: Moral courage

  4. The Carrying of the Cross

    Jesus takes up the cross and walks. He does not run from the weight; he goes the whole way. Patience is not passivity — it is love that keeps walking. We pick up what is ours today and follow.

    “And carrying his own cross, he went forth to the place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha.”

    John 19:17 · Fruit: Patience

  5. The Crucifixion

    From the cross he gives his mother and his life. “It is finished” is not despair; it is a work completed. We stay at the foot of the cross with Mary and let the hour be long. Perseverance is remaining when there is nothing left to say.

    “Therefore, Jesus, when he had taken the vinegar, said: “It is consummated.” And bowing his head, he handed over his spirit.”

    John 19:30 · Fruit: Perseverance

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries now

See also the mysteries of the Rosary hub for all twenty, listed by day.

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