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The Joyful Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries

This set of five meditations on five significant and joyful events in the lives of Jesus and His Mother Mary are linked by their connection to Jesus' birth and childhood. Often recited on Mondays and Thursdays or Saturdays, these five mysteries span the time between the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, to the finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple.

The Five Joyous Mysteries

The Annunciation

The Visitation

The Nativity

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

Let's look at each Joyful Mystery in more detail

The Anunciation

The angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman, Mary, in the town of Nazareth and announced that she would bear a child whose name would be Jesus, and that he would be Emmanuel “God with us.” Despite the fact that she was a virgin and engaged, Mary accepted the will of God as her own and said yes. Her affirming response brought salvation into the world.

The Visitation

Shortly after Gabriel appeared to her, Mary sought out her cousin Elizabeth who was also miraculously pregnant. When they met, the child in Elizabeth's womb (who would be John the Baptist) leaped for joy and Mary proclaimed the Magnificat, a song of praise to God for what God had done and would do. The two women were able to support and affirm each other.

The Nativity

In a stable in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. This changed the world for all time. Wonder surrounded Christ's birth. Angels told shepherds in the fields, and the shepherds came to see the miracle. A star in the East guided wise men to the stable, and they too came bringing their treasures.

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

In keeping with Moses' law, Jesus was brought to the Temple on the eighth day after his birth to be circumcised and dedicated to God. His presence there was acclaimed by two elders, Anna and Simeon. Along with the affirmation came a prophecy that a sword would pierce Mary's own soul.

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple: When Jesus was twelve, he and his family went to Jerusalem for a festival. When it was time to leave, Jesus stayed behind, remaining to discuss the Law with the learned men. His anxious parents returned to find him there, and chided him. Jesus responded, “Didn't you know that I needed to be about my Father's business?” This too was something that Mary treasured in her heart.

Prayers of the Rosary include meditation on the Joyful Mysteries. Continue to learn How To Pray the Rosary!

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