The Holy Rosary

How to Pray the Rosary

1. 1

   Begin

   Make the Sign of the Cross and say the Apostles' Creed, holding the crucifix.

2. 2

   Opening

   On the first large bead, say one Our Father. On each of the three small beads, say a Hail Mary (for faith, hope, and charity). End with a Glory Be.

3. 3

   Announce the Mystery

   Announce the first mystery, then say one Our Father on the large bead.

4. 4

   Ten Hail Marys

   On the ten small beads (a 'decade'), say one Hail Mary each while meditating on the mystery.

5. 5

   Glory Be & Fátima Prayer

   After the decade, say the Glory Be, then the Fátima Prayer: 'O my Jesus, forgive us our sins…'

6. 6

   Repeat

   Announce the next mystery and repeat steps 3–5 for all five mysteries.

7. 7

   Closing

   After the fifth decade, pray the Hail Holy Queen, followed by the closing versicle and prayer. End with the Sign of the Cross.

8. 8

   St. Michael Prayer

   Optional but traditional: conclude with the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel.