In 2002, Saint John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary
In October 2002, Saint John Paul II proclaimed a “Year of the Rosary.” He mentions this in the apostolic letter he wrote on the subject, titled Rosarium Virginis Mariae. It is in this Letter that he added the famous “Luminous Mysteries” to the already established mysteries of the Rosary. This new cycle of the Rosary (1) leads us to contemplate the mystery of Christ who is light.
This dimension is particularly evident during the years of his public life.
Saint Mark’s account begins in the desert, hence his symbol, the lion. Mark was a companion of the Apostle Paul on his first journey. He lived in Rome around the year 70, where he served as Peter’s confidant and secretary. His Gospel thus conveys the catechesis of the Prince of the Apostles. It is the shortest of the four Gospels, written in a simple, lively, and vivid style, rich in concrete details. No doubt Peter had retained from his trade as a fisherman the ability to observe!
Five moments in the life of Christ were chosen by John Paul II. The Baptism in the Jordan allows us to hear the voice of the Father proclaiming Jesus as his beloved Son. At Cana, Christ, through his first miracle, opens the hearts of the disciples to faith thanks to Mary’s intercession. When Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God and calls for conversion, he begins his ministry of mercy. At the Transfiguration, Christ shines with the glory of divinity, and the Father reveals him to the Apostles so that they may listen to him. When he institutes the Eucharist, Christ becomes food through his Body and Blood, under the signs of bread and wine.
(1) The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary were added to the other three traditional sets of mysteries They recall the three years of Jesus’ public life and are added to the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries that make up the Rosary.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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