From Eve to Mary: discovering the Virgin in Scripture
Explore the life of Mary through church art - prophecies, Old Testament counterparts, and gospel stories.
The Holy Rosary: Opening Prayers
Traditionally, Catholics start the Holy Rosary by making the Sign of the Cross, saying one Our Father, Three Hail Maries and one Glory Be. Then they recite the Apostles' Creed.
The Holy Rosary for October
October is a month that is specially dedicated to the Rosary, the Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary. This online version features biblical images of all 20 of its mysteries.
The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)
While in custody, Jesus was cruelly crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers, who mocked him for claiming to be King of the Jews.
+ Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Virgin
The Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary is the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. It's a meditation on Mary being crowned the Queen of heaven and earth.
+ Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
The Fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It's a meditation on Mary's bodily entrance into heaven at the close of her life.
+ Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary is the Descent of the Holy Spirit. It's a meditation on when Christ sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and his mother, following his Ascension.
+ Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
The Second Glorious Mystery of the Rosary is the Ascension of Christ. It's a meditation on Christ's return to heaven, forty days after his Resurrection.
+ Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary is the Crucifixion. It's a meditation on Christ's death, including being nailed to the cross and his last words to his mother.
+ Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
The Third Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary is the Crowning with Thorns. It's a meditation on Christ's mistreatment by the Roman soldiers, who insulted him and crowned him with a wreath of thorns.