OrabimusThe Sign of the Cross — Signum Crucis
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Pray the Rosary Online — Orabimus
How to Pray the Rosary
The Holy Rosary is a Scripture-based meditative prayer of the Catholic Church. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and requires no special materials — you can begin immediately. Orabimus guides you through every step with the full prayer text in English or Latin, with audio narration available throughout.
Step-by-Step Guide to Praying the Rosary
- Make the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Holding the Crucifix, pray the Apostles' Creed. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
- On the first large bead, pray the Our Father. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- On the next three beads, pray one Hail Mary on each for an increase in faith, hope, and charity. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Pray the Glory Be. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
- Announce the First Mystery of the day and pray one Our Father.
- Pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
- Pray the Glory Be, then the 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 Thy mercy. Amen.
- Repeat steps 6–8 for the remaining four Mysteries (five decades total).
- After the fifth decade, pray the 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. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
- Pray the 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 while meditating on 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.
- Make the Sign of the Cross to conclude. The Rosary is complete.
The Prayers of the Rosary
The Apostles' Creed — Symbolum Apostolorum
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum: qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus; descendit ad inferos; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis; inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
The Our Father — Pater Noster
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
The Hail Mary — Ave Maria
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
The Glory Be — Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
The Fatima Prayer — Oratio Fatimensis
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 Thy mercy. Amen.
This prayer was taught by Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children — Lúcia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto — on July 13, 1917, during the third apparition at Fátima, Portugal. It is customarily added after the Glory Be at the end of each decade.
The Hail Holy Queen — Salve Regina
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.
Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
The Closing Prayer — Oratio Post Rosarium
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 while meditating on 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.
Deus, cuius Unigenitus per vitam, mortem et resurrectionem suam nobis salutis aeternae praemia comparavit, concede, quaesumus: ut haec mysteria sacratissimo beatae Mariae Virginis Rosario recolentes, et imitemur quod continent, et quod promittunt assequamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
The Mysteries of the Rosary
The Rosary is meditated upon through twenty Mysteries, divided into four sets of five. Each Mystery corresponds to a key event in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Pope John Paul II established the Luminous Mysteries in his 2002 Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
Mystery Schedule by Day of the Week
- Monday and Saturday: The Joyful Mysteries
- Tuesday and Friday: The Sorrowful Mysteries
- Wednesday and Sunday: The Glorious Mysteries
- Thursday: The Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light)
- Advent and Christmas Sundays: The Joyful Mysteries
- Lenten Sundays: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Individual prayer pages: Hail Mary — Ave Maria · Our Father — Pater Noster · Glory Be — Gloria Patri · Apostles' Creed — Symbolum Apostolorum · Hail Holy Queen — Salve Regina · Sign of the Cross — Signum Crucis · Litany of Loreto — Litaniae Lauretanae.
The Joyful Mysteries — Mysteria Gaudiosa
Traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays. The Joyful Mysteries contemplate the Incarnation and early life of Christ.
The Annunciation — Annuntiatio
The Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. Fruit of the Mystery: Humility.
Luke 1:26-27 — "And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary."
The Visitation — Visitatio
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is six months pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth greets Mary with words that form the second half of the Hail Mary. Fruit of the Mystery: Love of Neighbor.
Luke 1:39-42 — "And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
The Nativity of the Lord — Nativitas
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. Fruit of the Mystery: Detachment.
Luke 2:6-7 — "And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
The Presentation of the Lord — Praesentatio
Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem, as required by the Law of Moses. The aged Simeon prophesies. Fruit of the Mystery: Obedience.
Luke 2:22-24 — "And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord."
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple — Inventio Iesu in Templo
After three days of searching, Mary and Joseph find the twelve-year-old Jesus teaching in the Temple. Fruit of the Mystery: Perseverance.
Luke 2:46-47 — "And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers."
The Luminous Mysteries — Mysteria Luminosa
Traditionally prayed on Thursdays. Also known as the Mysteries of Light, they were added by Pope John Paul II in 2002. They contemplate the public ministry of Christ.
The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan — Baptismus Iesu
Jesus is baptised by John in the Jordan and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him as a dove. Fruit of the Mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:16-17 — "And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him. And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
The Wedding Feast at Cana — Nuptiae in Cana
At the intercession of His Mother, Jesus performs His first public miracle, turning water into wine. Fruit of the Mystery: To Jesus through Mary.
John 2:1-5 — "His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye."
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God — Praedicatio Regni
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, calls people to conversion, and forgives sins. Fruit of the Mystery: Christian Witness and Conversion.
Mark 1:15 — "The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel."
The Transfiguration — Transfiguratio
Jesus is transfigured on the mountain before Peter, James, and John. His face shone like the sun and His garments became white as snow. Fruit of the Mystery: Spiritual Courage.
Matthew 17:1-2 — "And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow."
The Institution of the Eucharist — Institutio Eucharistiae
At the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist, giving us His Body and Blood. Fruit of the Mystery: Love of Our Eucharistic Lord.
Matthew 26:26 — "And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body."
The Sorrowful Mysteries — Mysteria Dolorosa
Traditionally prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and on all Sundays during Lent. The Sorrowful Mysteries contemplate the Passion and Death of Christ.
The Agony in the Garden — Agonia in Horto
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His Passion, submitting His will to the Father. Fruit of the Mystery: God's Will Be Done.
Matthew 26:39 — "My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
The Scourging at the Pillar — Flagellatio
Jesus is bound to a pillar and scourged by the Roman soldiers. Fruit of the Mystery: Purity.
Matthew 27:26 — "Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to be crucified."
The Crowning with Thorns — Coronatio Spinis
The soldiers weave a crown of thorns, place it on Jesus's head, and mock Him as King of the Jews. Fruit of the Mystery: Reign of Christ in Our Hearts.
Matthew 27:27-29 — "And stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews."
The Carrying of the Cross — Baiulatio Crucis
Jesus carries His Cross through Jerusalem to Calvary. Simon of Cyrene is pressed into service to help. Fruit of the Mystery: Patient Bearing of Trials.
Mark 15:21-22 — "And they forced one Simon a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up his cross. And they bring him into the place called Golgotha, which being interpreted is, The place of Calvary."
The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord — Crucifixio et Mors
Jesus is nailed to the Cross and dies for the salvation of the world. Mary stands at the foot of the Cross. Fruit of the Mystery: Pardoning of Injuries.
Luke 23:33-34, 46 — "And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there... And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do... And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost."
The Glorious Mysteries — Mysteria Gloriosa
Traditionally prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays (outside Advent and Lent). The Glorious Mysteries contemplate the Resurrection of Christ and the glory of heaven.
The Resurrection — Resurrectio
On the third day, Jesus rises from the dead in glory, conquering sin and death. Fruit of the Mystery: Faith.
Luke 24:4-6 — "Why seek you the living with the dead? He is not here, but is risen."
The Ascension of the Lord — Ascensio
Jesus ascends to the right hand of the Father in the presence of His disciples. Fruit of the Mystery: Christian Hope.
Mark 16:19 — "And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God."
The Descent of the Holy Spirit — Descensus Spiritus Sancti
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the Apostles in tongues of fire. The Church is born. Fruit of the Mystery: Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:1-4 — "And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: and suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting."
The Assumption of Mary — Assumptio Beatae Mariae Virginis
At the end of her earthly life, the Virgin Mary is assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Fruit of the Mystery: Desire for Heaven. The doctrine is defined in Catechism 966; its scriptural anchor is the Magnificat.
Luke 1:48-49 — "Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name." Also prefigured: Apocalypse 12:1 — "And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."
The Coronation of Mary, Queen of Heaven — Coronatio Mariae
Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth, Queen of Angels and Saints, reigning at the right hand of her Son. Fruit of the Mystery: Grace of Final Perseverance.
Apocalypse 12:1 — "And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." In every Hail Mary we ask Mary to pray for us "at the hour of our death" — the crowned Queen intercedes for us at that final moment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rosary
- What is the Rosary?
- The Rosary is a Catholic prayer that combines vocal prayer — the recitation of the Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be, and other prayers — with meditative contemplation of twenty Mysteries from the lives of Jesus and Mary. Pope Pius XII described it as "a compendium of the entire Gospel."
- How long does it take to pray the Rosary?
- A full Rosary (five decades) takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes at a meditative pace. Some pray a single decade daily, taking only 3 to 5 minutes. There is no wrong pace — the Rosary adapts to any schedule.
- What are the four sets of Mysteries and what days do you pray them?
- Monday and Saturday: Joyful Mysteries. Tuesday and Friday: Sorrowful Mysteries. Wednesday and Sunday: Glorious Mysteries. Thursday: Luminous Mysteries. During Advent and Christmas, Joyful Mysteries are prayed on Sundays; during Lent, Sorrowful Mysteries are prayed on Sundays.
- Do I need a physical Rosary to pray?
- No. You can count the prayers on your fingers, or use Orabimus — a free online Rosary guide that guides you through every prayer without any physical beads. No download or sign-in is required.
- Can I pray the Rosary in Latin?
- Yes. The Rosary has been prayed in Latin for centuries. Orabimus provides the full prayer text and audio narration in both English and Latin. The Ave Maria, Pater Noster, Gloria Patri, and Salve Regina are among the most ancient Catholic prayers and are equally valid in either language.
- Can I pray the Rosary with others online?
- Yes. Orabimus shows a live count of people praying the Rosary at the same moment worldwide and offers Group Rosary rooms where you can pray together in real time. You can also share a prayer intention with the global community.
- Who created the Rosary?
- Tradition holds that the Rosary was revealed to St. Dominic by the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1221. The devotion developed over several centuries, with the fifteen Mysteries standardised by Pope Pius V in the 16th century. In 2002, Pope John Paul II added the five Luminous Mysteries, bringing the total to twenty.
- What are the Luminous Mysteries?
- The Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light) were introduced by Pope John Paul II in his 2002 Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae. They are: The Baptism of Jesus, The Wedding at Cana, The Proclamation of the Kingdom, The Transfiguration, and The Institution of the Eucharist. They are prayed on Thursdays.
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