Little Prayer Stories
Tuesdays and Fridays

Sorrowful Mysteries

The Sorrowful Mysteries are five moments from Jesus’ Passion, from his prayer in the garden to his death on the cross, when he gave his life out of love for us. Catholics pray them on Tuesdays and Fridays, and many families also pray them on Sundays in Lent.

Pray these mysteries →

  1. Stained glass of Jesus kneeling in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as an angel brings him a cup

    The Agony in the Garden

    Jesus goes to a quiet garden to pray to His Father. He feels sad, and an angel comes to comfort Him.

    Read it in Matthew 26:36–46. Fruit of the mystery: Sorrow for sin

  2. Stained glass of Jesus tied to a stone pillar, with his head bowed

    The Scourging at the Pillar

    Jesus is treated roughly, but He does not get angry. He keeps loving everyone.

    Read it in John 19:1. Fruit of the mystery: Purity

  3. Stained glass of Jesus seated in a purple robe, wearing the crown of thorns

    The Crowning with Thorns

    Soldiers put a crown of thorns on Jesus and make fun of Him. Jesus stays brave and kind.

    Read it in Matthew 27:27–31. Fruit of the mystery: Moral courage

  4. Stained glass of Jesus carrying the cross with a man helping him, as Mary looks on and a woman kneels with a cloth

    The Carrying of the Cross

    Jesus carries a heavy cross. A man named Simon helps Him, and Mary is close by.

    Read it in Luke 23:26–32. Fruit of the mystery: Patience

  5. Stained glass of Jesus on the cross, with Mary and Saint John standing beneath him

    The Crucifixion

    Jesus gives His life on the cross because He loves us so much. Mary and John stay with Him to the end.

    Read it in Luke 23:33–46. Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance

All the mysteries of the Rosary