The first Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
At night in the garden, Jesus prays alone while His friends fall asleep.
- Read: Matthew 26:36-46
- Fruit of the mystery: Sorrow for sin
- Pray this decade for: someone facing a hard decision or surgery
The second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Pilate has Jesus scourged before handing Him over to be crucified.
- Read: Matthew 27:26
- Fruit of the mystery: Purity
- Pray this decade for: the sick and those in pain
The third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
The soldiers press a crown of thorns on His head and kneel in front of Him to mock Him.
- Read: Matthew 27:27-31
- Fruit of the mystery: Courage
- Pray this decade for: anyone humiliated or bullied
The fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries His own cross through the streets toward Calvary.
- Read: John 19:17
- Fruit of the mystery: Patience
- Pray this decade for: those carrying a heavy burden
The fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
On the cross, Jesus forgives the people who put Him there and commends His spirit to the Father.
- Read: Luke 23:33-46
- Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance
- Pray this decade for: the dying and those who mourn
When are the Sorrowful Mysteries prayed?
On Tuesday and Friday. Each day of the week has its own set: Joyful on Monday and Saturday, Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday, and Luminous on Thursday. You may pray any set on any day.
How to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
Name each mystery, then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be while you think about the scene. New to the rosary? Read how to pray the rosary, step by step.
The other mysteries: Joyful Mysteries, Luminous Mysteries, Glorious Mysteries.