Behind the second door · Ave Maria
The Holy Rosary
Press ▶ Pray. The bead being prayed glows gold. Tap any bead to start there. Or pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet on the same beads.
Pray the Rosary
Opening prayers
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Choose the mysteries
Start praying
Or start at:
Pray the Rosary with a calm voice, one bead at a time. Today’s mysteries are already picked for you. Press Start and pray along. After the first half of each Hail Mary there is a short quiet moment, so you can say the second half out loud. Then the voice says it too, so you learn it. You can start anywhere: tap any bead.
Also here: the Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayed the same way on its own beads. Use the button at the top of the beads to switch.
Switch to the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the button at the top. Tip: tap any bead to start from there. The screen stays awake while you pray. Soft chant plays under the voice; use the Music button (bottom left) to turn it off.
How to Pray Along
- Pick the mysteries. Today’s set is marked Today and already chosen.
- Press Start from the beginning. The gold bead shows where you are.
- Pray along with the voice. On each Hail Mary, the voice says the first half. Then there is a quiet moment: you say “Holy Mary, Mother of God…” out loud. Then the voice says it too.
- Before each decade you hear the mystery and a short verse from the Bible. Picture that moment in the life of Jesus while you pray the ten Hail Marys.
- Want to start somewhere else? Tap any bead, or use the Decade buttons. Pause any time. The page remembers where you stopped.
- At the end: the Hail, Holy Queen, the closing prayer and St. Michael. The Litany of Loreto is there too if you would like to add it.
Why the Rosary Is Biblical
Almost every word of the Rosary comes from the Bible. The 20 mysteries walk through the life of Jesus as the Gospels tell it: His birth, His public life, His death, and His rising. Praying the Rosary is like reading the Gospel slowly with Mary beside you.
| The Bible says | Where | In the Rosary |
|---|---|---|
| “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” | Luke 1:28 | The angel Gabriel’s greeting. The Hail Mary starts with these words. |
| “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” | Luke 1:42 | Elizabeth’s words, filled with the Holy Spirit. The Hail Mary goes on with them. |
| “Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” | Luke 1:43 | Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” That is why we say “Holy Mary, Mother of God.” |
| “Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” | Luke 1:48 | Mary’s own words. Every time we pray the Rosary, this comes true. |
| “Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father who art in heaven…” | Matthew 6:9–13 | Jesus taught us the Our Father Himself. |
| “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” | Matthew 28:19 | The Sign of the Cross and the Glory Be praise the Holy Trinity. |
| “Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.” | John 19:27 | From the Cross, Jesus gave His mother to the beloved disciple, and to us. |
| “Golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” | Revelation 5:8 | In heaven, the saints bring our prayers to God. |
| “Pray one for another, that you may be saved.” | James 5:16 | Christians ask each other to pray. We ask Mary to pray for us too. |
Two things are not in the Bible word for word, and we want to be honest about them. The Fatima Prayer comes from the 1917 apparitions at Fatima. The Assumption and the Coronation of Mary are teachings of the Church; the Bible gives hints, such as the crowned woman of Revelation 12, but it does not tell those stories directly. Each card below says this too.
Do Catholics Pray to Mary as a God?
No. Catholics worship God alone: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Mary is a creature, like us. She is not God, and she is never worshipped as God.
When we pray the Hail Mary, we ask Mary to pray for us, the same way you might ask a friend at church to pray for you. The Bible tells Christians to pray for one another (James 5:16). Those who have died in Christ are alive with Him: “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:38). So we can ask them to pray for us too.
Jesus is the one Mediator between God and us (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary’s prayers do not replace Him. They bring us to Him. Her last words in the Gospels say it all: “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye” (John 2:5). Most of the Rosary is spent thinking about Jesus. Mary simply holds our hand while we do.
Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church 971, 2674–2679; Luke 1:48
The Prayers of the Rosary
Tap a prayer to read it. The ▶ button reads it to you.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Source: Matthew 28:19
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 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.
Prayed on the crucifix. It sums up what Christians have believed since the time of the Apostles.
Source: Roman Missal (ICEL 2010); CCC 194
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.
Prayed on each large bead. Jesus taught it Himself.
Source: Matthew 6:9–13
Hail Mary
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.
Prayed on each small bead. The first half is from the Bible (Luke 1:28 and 1:42). The second half asks Mary to pray for us. On this page the voice pauses after the first half so you can say the second half out loud.
Source: Luke 1:28, 42; CCC 2676–2677
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.
Prayed after each decade.
Source: Matthew 28:19; Revelation 1:8
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
An honest note: this prayer is not in the Bible. It comes from the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, which the Church has approved as worthy of belief. It is a popular, optional custom after each Glory Be. No Catholic has to believe a private revelation (CCC 67).
Source: Fatima, 1917; CCC 67
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.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayed on the medal at the end.
Source: Salve Regina (11th century)
Closing Prayer
Let us pray. 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 meditating upon 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.
Source: Roman Breviary, Feast of the Holy Rosary
St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Source: Pope Leo XIII (1886); Revelation 12:7; Jude 1:9
Litany of LoretoLitaniæ Lauretanæ
English
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
(Answer each line below with: pray for us.)
Holy Mary · Holy Mother of God · Holy Virgin of virgins · Mother of Christ · Mother of the Church · Mother of mercy · Mother of divine grace · Mother of hope · Mother most pure · Mother most chaste · Mother inviolate · Mother undefiled · Mother most amiable · Mother most admirable · Mother of good counsel · Mother of our Creator · Mother of our Saviour · Virgin most prudent · Virgin most venerable · Virgin most renowned · Virgin most powerful · Virgin most merciful · Virgin most faithful · Mirror of justice · Seat of wisdom · Cause of our joy · Spiritual vessel · Vessel of honour · Singular vessel of devotion · Mystical rose · Tower of David · Tower of ivory · House of gold · Ark of the covenant · Gate of heaven · Morning star · Health of the sick · Refuge of sinners · Solace of migrants · Comfort of the afflicted · Help of Christians · Queen of Angels · Queen of Patriarchs · Queen of Prophets · Queen of Apostles · Queen of Martyrs · Queen of Confessors · Queen of Virgins · Queen of all Saints · Queen conceived without original sin · Queen assumed into heaven · Queen of the most holy Rosary · Queen of families · Queen of peace
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Most lines are centuries old. “Queen of families” (1995), “Mother of the Church” (2018) and “Mother of mercy”, “Mother of hope” and “Solace of migrants” (2020) were added by the popes.
Source: Traditional litany (approved 1587); Vatican (Holy See additions); EWTN
The Twenty Mysteries
Before each decade the voice reads the mystery and a short verse from the Bible.
The Joyful Mysteries · Mondays and Saturdays
The Annunciation
“And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.”
Luke 1:38 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: humility
The Visitation
“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.”
Luke 1:41 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: love of neighbour
The Nativity
“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.”
Luke 2:7 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: poverty of spirit
The Presentation in the Temple
“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.”
Luke 2:22 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: obedience
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
“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.”
Luke 2:46 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: joy in finding Jesus
The Luminous Mysteries · Thursdays
The Baptism of the Lord
“And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: openness to the Holy Spirit
The Wedding at Cana
“His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.”
John 2:5 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: to Jesus through Mary
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
“The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel.”
Mark 1:15 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: repentance and trust in God
The Transfiguration
“And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.”
Matthew 17:2 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: desire for holiness
The Institution of the Eucharist
“Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body.”
Matthew 26:26 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: love of the Eucharist
The Sorrowful Mysteries · Tuesdays and Fridays
The Agony in the Garden
“Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done.”
Luke 22:42 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: sorrow for sin
The Scourging at the Pillar
“Then therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged him.”
John 19:1 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: purity
The Crowning with Thorns
“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.”
Matthew 27:29 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: courage
The Carrying of the Cross
“And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha.”
John 19:17 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: patience
The Crucifixion
“And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost.”
Luke 23:46 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: perseverance
The Glorious Mysteries · Wednesdays and Sundays
The Resurrection
“He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid.”
Matthew 28:6 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: faith
The Ascension
“And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
Acts 1:9 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: hope
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak.”
Acts 2:4 (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: love of God
The Assumption of Mary
“Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified.”
Psalm 131:8 (Psalm 132 in newer Bibles) (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: the grace of a holy death
An honest note: the Bible does not tell the story of Mary’s Assumption. It is a teaching of the Church, defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and believed by Christians since the early centuries. This verse is a hint Christians have long read this way (the ark is a picture of Mary, who carried Jesus); it is not a direct account.
The Coronation of Mary
“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.”
Revelation 12:1 (Apocalypse 12:1) (Douay-Rheims)
Fruit of the mystery: trust in Mary’s prayers
An honest note: the Bible does not describe Mary being crowned. Revelation 12 shows a woman crowned with twelve stars, who gives birth to the Messiah; the Church sees in her Mary (and also the people of God). The Coronation is Church teaching (CCC 966), not a scene told in the Gospels.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet
Prayed on the same beads as the Rosary, with the same calm voice. Tap any bead to start there.
- Sign of the Cross.
- On the first beads: one Our Father, one Hail Mary and the Apostles’ Creed.
- On each large bead: “Eternal Father, I offer You…”
- On each of the ten small beads: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion…”
- After five decades: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One…” three times, then (optional) the closing prayer.
▶ Pray the Chaplet with the voice
About the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet comes from St. Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938), a Polish nun. In September 1935 she wrote in her diary that Jesus taught her this prayer (Diary 474–476). It is prayed on ordinary rosary beads and takes about ten minutes.
Jesus’s promises, as St. Faustina recorded them in her diary: “Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death” (Diary 687). “When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the merciful Savior” (Diary 1541). “Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will” (Diary 1731).
Is it approved by the Church? Yes. Pope St. John Paul II made Faustina a saint on April 30, 2000, and on that day named the Second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday for the whole Church. Many people pray the chaplet at 3 in the afternoon, the hour Jesus died (Diary 1320).
An honest note: these words come from a private revelation, the diary of a saint, not from the Bible. The Church has found nothing in them against the faith and encourages the devotion, but no Catholic is required to believe a private revelation (CCC 67). The promises are not magic words; they are about trusting Jesus and turning to His mercy.
Bible roots: “Have mercy on us” is the cry of the blind and the sick in the Gospels (Matthew 9:27). “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One” is a very old prayer of the Church that echoes the angels’ song: “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God of hosts” (Isaias 6:3).
Source: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, “Divine Mercy in My Soul” (Marian Press), 474–476, 687, 1320, 1541, 1731; homily of Pope John Paul II, April 30, 2000; CCC 67
Eternal Father
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Prayed on each large bead, at the start of each decade.
Source: Diary 476
For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Prayed on each of the ten small beads.
Source: Diary 476
Holy God
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Prayed three times at the end.
Source: Diary 476
Closing Prayer (optional)
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.
Source: Diary 950