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The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Sorrowful Mysteries focus on the passion and suffering of Jesus Christ. These mysteries invite us to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and the immense love He showed by willingly enduring suffering for our salvation.

Traditionally, the Sorrowful Mysteries are prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays.

1

The Agony in the Garden

"He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:39)

In this mystery, we contemplate Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He experienced profound anguish knowing the suffering that awaited Him, yet surrendered completely to the Father's will.

Meditate on this mystery
2

The Scourging at the Pillar

"Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged." (John 19:1)

We reflect on Jesus being brutally scourged at the pillar, enduring tremendous physical pain as part of His passion. Through His wounds and suffering, He offers healing for our sins.

Meditate on this mystery
3

The Crowning with Thorns

"And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' And they struck him repeatedly." (John 19:2-3)

We meditate on Jesus being crowned with thorns and mocked as a king. In this painful humiliation, Jesus bore the punishment for our pride and desire for earthly honors.

Meditate on this mystery
4

The Carrying of the Cross

"And carrying the cross himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha." (John 19:17)

We contemplate Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary, enduring falls, pain, and exhaustion along the way. In this mystery, we reflect on how Jesus teaches us to bear our own crosses with patience and love.

Meditate on this mystery
5

The Crucifixion

"And when they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.'" (Luke 23:33-34)

We meditate on Jesus being nailed to the cross and dying after three hours of agony. In this ultimate sacrifice, Jesus demonstrates the depth of God's love for humanity and completes His redemptive mission.

Meditate on this mystery
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Fruit of the Mysteries

Each of the Sorrowful Mysteries is associated with a particular spiritual fruit:

  • The Agony in the Garden: Sorrow for Sin, Conformity to God's Will
  • The Scourging at the Pillar: Mortification, Purity
  • The Crowning with Thorns: Moral Courage, Contempt of the World
  • The Carrying of the Cross: Patience in Adversity
  • The Crucifixion: Salvation, Forgiveness, Self-Denial
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