The Rosary is a powerful prayer in the Catholic tradition, incorporating both vocal and meditative elements. Reciting the Rosary can be a deeply enriching spiritual experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to say the Rosary in English, providing instructions for both formal and informal ways. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your prayer practice, here you will find helpful tips, examples, and a clear step-by-step process.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Rosary
Before we delve into the specific prayers and their translations, let’s gain a basic understanding of the structure of the Rosary. The Rosary consists of four sets of Mysteries: the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries, and the Luminous Mysteries (added by Pope St. John Paul II). Each set of Mysteries is comprised of five individual meditations connected to significant events in the life of Jesus and Mary. While praying the Rosary, it is customary to hold a set of Rosary beads, which aids in keeping count of the prayers.
1. The Sign of the Cross
Begin the Rosary by making the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. The Apostles’ Creed
Recite the Apostles’ Creed, which is a summary of the Christian faith:
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; 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 there 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.
3. The Our Father
Recite the Our Father, also known as the Lord’s Prayer:
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.
4. The Hail Mary
The Hail Mary is one of the most essential prayers of the Rosary. It consists of two parts: the greeting by the Angel Gabriel to Mary and Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary. This prayer is recited multiple times while reflecting on the Mysteries. Here is the full text:
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.
During the recitation of the Hail Marys, it is customary to focus on the Mystery being contemplated, such as the Annunciation or the Crucifixion.
5. The Glory Be
After each set of Hail Marys, recite 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.
6. The Fatima Prayer
In between the decades, consider including the Fatima Prayer (optional), which has particular significance:
Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
7. The Mysteries
Now that you are familiar with the fundamental prayers of the Rosary, let’s explore the Mysteries. When praying the Rosary, it is customary to meditate on the different Mysteries connected to the lives of Jesus and Mary. Each set of Mysteries corresponds to specific days of the week:
- Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays)
- Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays)
- Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays)
- Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays)
As you begin each set of Mysteries, announce the specific Mystery you will be contemplating.
8. Conclusion
After completing all five decades (one decade consists of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be), finish the Rosary with the Hail Holy Queen prayer:
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.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Finish the entire Rosary with the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Congratulations! You have completed the Rosary in English. Remember, the Rosary is not just a mechanical recitation of prayers; it is a deeply spiritual practice that invites you to enter into the mysteries of Christ’s life and the love of His mother, Mary.
May the peace and blessings of the Rosary be with you always as you deepen your connection with God through this beautiful prayer.
