The first of these Saturday Mysteries is the Mystery of the Raising of Lazarus. This event is found in the Gospel of John, and tells the story of how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, after he had been dead for four days. This miracle showed Christ’s divine power, and marked a turning point in His ministry, as many who witnessed it came to believe that He was indeed the Son of God.
The second Saturday Mystery is the Mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist. This event took place on the Saturday before Christ’s crucifixion, when He gathered His disciples together for the Last Supper. During this meal, Christ instituted the Eucharist, which is the sacrament of His Body and Blood, and commanded His disciples to do this in memory of Him. This Mystery is a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love for us, and calls us to imitate Him by laying down our lives for others.
The third Saturday Mystery is the Mystery of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. This event took place on the Saturday after Christ’s ascension, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and gave them the power to preach the Gospel to the world. This Mystery reminds us that we too have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and calls us to be bold witnesses to the truth of Christ’s message of salvation.
The fourth and final Saturday Mystery is the Mystery of Mary’s Coronation as Queen of Heaven and Earth. This Mystery reflects on Mary’s unique role in salvation history, as the Mother of God and the first disciple of Christ. It celebrates her faithfulness and humility, and illustrates how she was exalted by God to the highest place of honor in heaven. This Mystery reminds us that we too are called to be faithful disciples of Christ, and to imitate Mary’s virtues of trust and obedience.
Praying the Rosary of the Mysteries of Saturday can be a powerful way to deepen your relationship with Christ and to grow in holiness. To pray this Rosary, begin by making the Sign of the Cross and reciting the Apostle’s Creed. Then, proceed to the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries, as in a regular Rosary. After the Glorious Mysteries, recite the four Saturday Mysteries in the order listed above, pausing for reflection and meditation after each Mystery. Finally, conclude with the Hail Holy Queen and the Sign of the Cross.
As you pray the Rosary of the Mysteries of Saturday, reflect on the events of Christ’s life and teachings, and ask for His grace and guidance in your own walk of faith. Seek to imitate the virtues of Christ and His Mother, and to become a faithful witness to the truth of the Gospel. Through this powerful prayer, may you grow in holiness and come to know Christ more deeply, and may His love and mercy fill your heart and soul.