Pope John Paul II expands the Rosary with "Mysteries of Light"

On October 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II signed a new apostolic letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (The Rosary of the Virgin Mary) on the 24th anniversary of his election as Pope. He speaks about the rosary in his letter as a powerful prayer for peace, for families and for contemplating the mysteries of the life of Christ. The Holy Father also inaugurated a Year of the Rosary through October of 2003 and introduced an additional five "mysteries of light" which emphasize moments in Christ’s public ministry.

Pope John Paul greatly encourages the recitation of the rosary, especially for families. He says that the rosary actually draws families together with the Holy Family, and brings their hopes and concerns to God. While the Rosary is clearly a prayer that is Marian in character, it is a Christocentric prayer at heart which has in its elements the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety. Praying the Rosary provides an opportunity to really practice Christian contemplation.

The five new mysteries that the Holy Father offers are the "mysteries of light" and they include:

1. Christ’s baptism in the Jordan;

2. His self-manifestation at the wedding at Cana;

3. His proclamation of the kingdom of God with his call to conversion;

4. His Transfiguration and;

5. His institution of the Eucharist.

Thursday is the suggested day for praying the Mysteries of Light with Sunday and Wednesday for the Glorious Mysteries, Monday and Saturday for the Joyful Mysteries, and Tuesday and Friday for the Sorrowful Mysteries.