Why did St. JPII Add 5 New Mysteries to the Rosary?

For over 700 years, Catholics prayed the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, but that changed in the year 2002. In his Apostolic Letter on the Rosary, St. John Paul II added five more mysteries that he requested to be prayed on Thursdays. Why would St.John Paul II want to do that?  

This beloved Saint had an incredible devotion to Our Lady, and the Rosary was a very important form of prayer in his life. St. JPII frequently prayed the Rosary, and he noticed that although the mysteries gave an account of the birth (Joyful Mysteries) and death (Sorrowful Mysteries) of Jesus, many important events in the life of Christ were not mentioned.

He felt a call to add the Luminous Mysteries, which would allow us to meditate on the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. St.JPII strongly believed that spending time praying through these important aspects of Jesus’ earthly life would draw us deeper into union with the Lord..  

Today we are offering an opportunity for you to download a FREE Rosary cheat sheet that walks you through the Mysteries of the Rosary and the prayers. Access your copy to support you in your prayer life!

Get Your Free Rosary Cheat Sheet!