Traditionally Thursday
Mysteries of the Rosary
Luminous Mysteries
The Luminous Mysteries contemplate major moments in the public ministry of Jesus.
In brief
The five Luminous Mysteries are the Baptism of Jesus, Wedding at Cana, Proclamation of the Kingdom, Transfiguration and Institution of the Eucharist. Catholics normally pray them on Thursdays.
What they contemplate
The heart of these mysteries
The Luminous Mysteries move through key moments of Jesus' public ministry, from His Baptism in the Jordan to the Eucharist at the Last Supper. They show Christ revealing the Kingdom, calling people to conversion and making His identity increasingly visible.
Spiritual focus
What to bring into prayer
These mysteries invite Catholics to listen to Christ, respond to His call to conversion, recognise His glory and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist.
Scripture & Tradition
How these mysteries relate to the Bible
Each Luminous Mystery is rooted directly in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' public ministry. St John Paul II proposed this group of mysteries in the 2002 apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
Contemplate
The five Luminous Mysteries
Announce each mystery, pause to contemplate it, then pray the decade while keeping the mystery before your mind.
Mystery 1 of 5
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
Matthew 3:13–17
Jesus is baptised, the Spirit descends and the Father's voice identifies Him as the beloved Son.
Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while contemplating this mystery, then the Glory Be. The Fatima Prayer may also be added devotionally.
Mystery 2 of 5
The Wedding at Cana
John 2:1–11
At Mary's request Jesus performs His first sign at Cana, revealing His glory to the disciples.
Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while contemplating this mystery, then the Glory Be. The Fatima Prayer may also be added devotionally.
Mystery 3 of 5
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Mark 1:14–15
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God and calls His hearers to repentance and faith.
Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while contemplating this mystery, then the Glory Be. The Fatima Prayer may also be added devotionally.
Mystery 4 of 5
The Transfiguration
Matthew 17:1–8
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James and John, revealing His glory and preparing them for the Cross.
Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while contemplating this mystery, then the Glory Be. The Fatima Prayer may also be added devotionally.
Mystery 5 of 5
The Institution of the Eucharist
Luke 22:14–20
At the Last Supper Jesus gives His Body and Blood and commands His disciples to continue this memorial.
Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys while contemplating this mystery, then the Glory Be. The Fatima Prayer may also be added devotionally.
Practical guide
How to pray the Luminous Mysteries
The mystery changes, but the structure of each decade stays simple.
Announce
Name the mystery and pause briefly to bring the event before your mind.
Our Father
Pray one Our Father at the beginning of the decade.
Ten Hail Marys
Pray ten Hail Marys while continuing to meditate on the mystery.
Glory Be
Conclude the decade with praise of the Trinity, then move to the next mystery.
Questions
Common questions about the Luminous Mysteries
Short answers to the things people most often need clarified before praying.
What are the five Luminous Mysteries?
They are the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, the Transfiguration and the Institution of the Eucharist.
What day are the Luminous Mysteries prayed?
They are traditionally prayed on Thursday.
Who introduced the Luminous Mysteries?
St John Paul II proposed the five Mysteries of Light in his 2002 apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
Why were the Luminous Mysteries added?
They allow the Rosary to contemplate major events from Christ's public ministry, a period not covered extensively by the traditional Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious groups.
Keep praying
Explore the other mysteries
The four groups together move through the Incarnation, public ministry, Passion, Resurrection and glory of Christ.
Ready to pray?
Sacred Reply can guide you through the Rosary one bead at a time.
Return to the main Rosary page, choose these mysteries and begin the interactive prayer mode.
Begin Rosary