Prayed on Thursday

The five mysteries of light, added by St. John Paul II in 2002.

For most of the Rosary’s history it held fifteen mysteries, and the whole public ministry of Jesus — everything between Bethlehem and Gethsemane — was missing. In 2002 St. John Paul II proposed five Mysteries of Light to fill that gap: the years when Christ walked, taught, healed and revealed Himself.

The Five Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism in the Jordan

The heavens open, the Spirit descends as a dove, and the Father’s voice declares, "This is my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:13-17). Fruit of the mystery: openness to the Holy Spirit.

2. The Wedding at Cana

At His Mother’s word — "Do whatever he tells you" — Jesus turns water into wine, the first of His signs (John 2:1-11). Fruit of the mystery: to Jesus through Mary.

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

Jesus preaches the coming of the Kingdom and calls all to conversion and forgiveness (Mark 1:14-15). Fruit of the mystery: repentance and trust in God.

4. The Transfiguration

On Mount Tabor His face shines like the sun, and the Father again says, "Listen to him" (Matthew 17:1-8). Fruit of the mystery: desire for holiness.

5. The Institution of the Eucharist

At the Last Supper Christ gives His Body and Blood under the appearance of bread and wine (Matthew 26:26-29). Fruit of the mystery: adoration.

About These Mysteries

St. John Paul II proposed them in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, calling them mysteries of light because the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. They are optional — the traditional fifteen remain complete in themselves — but most Catholics have adopted them, praying them on Thursdays.