What Prayers Are Said During the Rosary? A Complete Guide for Catholic Devotion

Sep 25, 2025

🙏 Introduction: Why Every Prayer in the Rosary Matters

“The Rosary is a prayer that always accompanies me; it is also the prayer of the ordinary people and the saints... it is the prayer of my heart.” — Pope Francis

The Rosary is more than a repetition of prayers—it's a meditative journey through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, viewed through the heart of His Blessed Mother, Mary. Whether you're just learning how to pray the Rosary or revisiting its meaning, understanding the place and purpose of each prayer can transform your experience.

In this guide, we outline each prayer said during the Rosary, its purpose, and how it fits into this beloved Catholic devotion.

📿 Structure of the Rosary: A Quick Overview

The standard five-decade Rosary consists of:

The Introductory Prayers
Five decades (each with 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer)
The Closing Prayers

Each decade is paired with a Mystery from the life of Christ: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, or Glorious.

🕊️ Prayers of the Rosary (In Order)

1. Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Apostles' Creed (On the crucifix)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth...

This foundational statement affirms our Catholic beliefs.

3. Our Father (First large bead)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name...

Prayed to honor God the Father and begin each decade or section.

4. Three Hail Marys (Next three small beads)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

Offered for the growth in faith, hope, and charity.

5. Glory Be (Before the first Mystery)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...

A doxology that praises the Holy Trinity.

6. Fatima Prayer (Optional, after each decade)

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell...

Given to the shepherd children of Fatima by Our Lady in 1917.

7. Announcement of the Mystery

Before each decade, state the appropriate Mystery and take a moment to meditate on it.

8. Decade of the Rosary

1 Our Father (on the large bead)
10 Hail Marys (on each of the ten small beads)
1 Glory Be
(Optional) Fatima Prayer

Repeat for each of the five decades.

9. Hail Holy Queen (After the five decades)

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope...

A powerful prayer of praise and petition to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

10. Final Rosary Prayer (Optional Closing)

O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection...

Traditionally said by the leader in group settings.

🌹 Bonus: Optional Rosary Additions

Many Catholics include these at the end of the Rosary:

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Personal Intentions

🛒 Call to Action: Enrich Your Rosary Devotion

At Guadalupe Gifts, we offer:

🌟 Handcrafted rosaries from Italy, Mexico, and the Holy Land
🛍️ Rosary bracelets and cases for prayer on the go
📜 Prayer cards with all Rosary prayers and Mysteries

👉 Shop the Full Rosary Collection Here

These make perfect Catholic gifts for:

First Holy Communion
Confirmation
Marian feast days
Prayer groups and RCIA candidates

📥 DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE: Want to keep these prayers with you? Click here to download our free Rosary Prayer Card PDF (Coming soon)

✨ Conclusion: A Lifetime of Grace in Every Bead

Each prayer of the Rosary is like a rose offered to Our Lady, a moment of spiritual connection with Christ through the intercession of Mary. By understanding and praying each part with intention, you unlock a treasure of grace, peace, and divine companionship.

“The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” — St. Padre Pio

📚 Further Reading

Ready to deepen your devotion? Pick up your rosary, and begin today.

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