Spring Series - Marian Titles: Our Lady of the Rosary

In the 13th century, Mary appeared to Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominicans. She gave him a rosary, taught him how to pray it, and asked that Christians everywhere pray the rosary. The original rosary given to Saint Dominic had 15 decades. Now, there are 5 decades in a rosary, but we cycle through 4 different mysteries throughout the week. On Sundays and Wednesdays, we pray the Glorious Mysteries, which allow us to meditate on the resurrection of our Lord, his ascension into heaven, the decent of the Holy Spirit, the assumption of Mary into Heaven, and the crowning of Mary as queen of Heaven. On Mondays and Saturdays, we pray the Joyful Mysteries, where we meditate on the different events of Christ's conception and birth. On Tuesdays and Fridays, we pray the sorrowful mysteries, where we meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. In 2002, Saint Pope John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries which we pray on Thursdays, where we meditate on the miracles Christ performed. Many Catholics strive to devote time everyday to pray a rosary, as Mother Mary promises protection and grace to those who pray it.