The Rosary is made up of twenty "mysteries" (significant events or moments in the life of Jesus and Mary), which, following the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, are grouped into four series.

The first contains joyful mysteries (recited on Mondays and Saturdays); the second, the luminous mysteries (Thursdays); the third, the sorrowful mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays); and the fourth, the glorious mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays).

"This indication is not intended to limit a rightful freedom in personal and community prayer, where account needs to be taken of spiritual and pastoral needs and of the occurrence of particular liturgical celebrations which might call for suitable adaptations"  (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 38).

As an aid to the meditative and contemplative journey of the Rosary, two texts are given for each 'mystery': one from Sacred Scripture, the other from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.