How to Pray
The Pro-Life Rosary
The Pro-Life Rosary is a special devotion that combines traditional
Catholic prayer with meditation on the sanctity of human life from conception
to natural death. Each colored bead represents a different stage of human
development and invites us to pray for the protection of life at every age.
The Structure and Color Meanings
The Pro-Life Rosary follows a specific pattern across its five decades,
with each decade having its own color combination that corresponds to different
stages and aspects of human life:
First Decade: White and Aqua/Light
Blue
- White: Purity, innocence, and new life
at conception
- Aqua/Light Blue: The waters of the womb,
baptism, and Our Lady's maternal protection
- Meaning: The beginning of life,
conception through early development
Second Decade: Red and White
- Red: The precious blood of Christ,
the blood of life, sacrifice, and martyrdom
- White: Purity and innocence
- Meaning: The unborn child in the womb,
life threatened by abortion, the blood that cries out
Third Decade: Black/Brown and White
- Black/Brown: Death, mourning, the tomb,
those already lost
- White: Hope, resurrection, eternal
life
- Meaning: The souls of aborted children,
those who have died, remembrance and prayer for the deceased
Fourth Decade: Red, White, and Blue
(Alternating)
- Red: Courage and sacrifice
- White: Purity and peace
- Blue: Loyalty, truth, and heavenly
protection
- Meaning: The whole nation, patriotic
duty to defend life, religious freedom, and the fight for justice
Fifth Decade: Green and White
- Green: Growth, life, hope, and renewal
- White: New beginnings and purity
- Meaning: The flourishing of a culture of
life, healing, and the hope of Heaven
Three Purple Beads (Before the Cross)
- Purple: Penance, conversion, suffering,
and healing
- Meaning: Repentance for the sin of
abortion, healing for those wounded, and conversion of hearts
How to Pray the Pro-Life Rosary
Opening
- Make the Sign of the Cross
- Kiss the Crucifix and offer your
Rosary for the protection of all human life
Introductory Prayers (on the
chain/pendant)
- On the Crucifix: Apostles' Creed
- First large bead: Our Father
- Three small beads: Hail Mary (for faith, hope, and
charity)
- Next large bead: Glory Be and announce the first
mystery
For Each Decade
As you pray each decade, meditate on both the traditional Joyful,
Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous Mystery AND the corresponding pro-life
intention for that decade's color pattern.
On the large bead:
- Announce the mystery
- Pray one Our Father
- Add this Pro-Life intention:
"For the protection of all human life, from the moment of conception
to natural death, Lord hear our prayer."
On the ten small beads:
- Pray ten Hail Marys
- As you pray each colored bead,
hold in your heart the meaning of that color
- Between each Hail Mary, you may
silently pray: "Jesus, protect all life"
After each decade:
- Glory Be
- Fatima Prayer: "O my
Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls
to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."
- Special Pro-Life Decade Prayer:
"Eternal Father, we offer You the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of
Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for the sins
committed against the sanctity of human life. Through His sorrowful Passion,
have mercy on us and on the whole world, especially on the unborn, the
abandoned, and all whose lives are threatened. Amen."
Complete Pro-Life Meditations for All
Four Mysteries
Each set of mysteries follows the same color pattern through the five
decades:
- 1st Decade: White and Aqua
- 2nd Decade: Red and White
- 3rd Decade: Black/Brown and White
- 4th Decade: Red, White, and Blue
- 5th Decade: Green and White
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES (Monday &
Saturday)
First Decade - The Annunciation (White
and Aqua)
Meditate on the moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would
conceive the Son of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word became
flesh in her womb—life beginning at the moment of conception. The aqua beads
remind us of the waters that will surround and protect the Christ child, and
all children in the womb.
Intention: For all newly conceived children, that they may be protected in the
waters of their mother's womb and welcomed with joy as Mary welcomed Jesus.
Second Decade - The Visitation (Red
and White)
Reflect on Mary visiting Elizabeth, both carrying precious lives within
them. John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of Jesus in
Mary's womb. The red beads symbolize the living blood flowing through these
unborn children's veins. Even the tiniest unborn child is fully alive and can
respond to the presence of God.
Intention: For recognition of the full humanity of every unborn child, whose heart
beats and blood flows from the earliest moments of life.
Third Decade - The Nativity
(Black/Brown and White)
Contemplate the birth of Christ. Though He came to bring life, He was
born in the darkness of night, in a humble cave. Many had no room for Him. The
dark beads remind us of those children who find no room in this world, yet the
white beads proclaim that even in darkness, the Light of the World shines.
Intention: For all children rejected or unwanted, that they may find shelter; and
for the souls of children already lost, may eternal light shine upon them.
Fourth Decade - The Presentation (Red,
White, and Blue)
Meditate on Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the temple, fulfilling
the law of their nation. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be a sign of
contradiction. The red, white, and blue beads call us to our patriotic duty to
defend life in our nation, even when it requires courage and sacrifice.
Intention: For our nation to protect life in its laws, for lawmakers to have
courage, and for citizens to defend the right to life as our founding
principle.
Fifth Decade - Finding Jesus in the
Temple (Green and White)
Reflect on Mary and Joseph finding Jesus in the temple after three days.
Their sorrow turned to joy. The green beads represent new growth and the
flourishing of life. Pray that the culture of death may give way to a culture
of life, bringing new hope and healing.
Intention: For the growth of a culture of life, for healing of those wounded by
abortion, and for hope to spring forth in hearts and communities.
THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES (Thursday)
First Decade - The Baptism of Jesus in
the Jordan (White and Aqua)
Meditate on Jesus descending into the waters of the Jordan, and the
Father's voice declaring, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased." In the aqua waters of baptism, we become God's beloved children.
Every person is a beloved child of God from conception, destined for the waters
of baptism and eternal life.
Intention: For all people to recognize their identity as beloved children of God,
infinitely valuable from the first moment of existence.
Second Decade - The Wedding at Cana
(Red and White)
Reflect on Jesus's first miracle at the wedding feast, turning water into
wine—symbol of His blood. He honors marriage and blesses the love between
husband and wife. From this marital love flows new life. The red beads remind
us that Christ's blood sanctifies marriage and the gift of life.
Intention: For married couples to be open to life, for strong marriages that
welcome children, and for the sanctity of marriage to be upheld.
Third Decade - The Proclamation of the
Kingdom (Black/Brown and White)
Contemplate Jesus proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is
at hand." He calls us from darkness into light, from death to life. Though
we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, His Word brings life. The
dark beads remind us we are all sinners in need of mercy.
Intention: For conversion of all involved in abortion—providers, advocates, and
those who have participated—that they may turn from death to life and find
God's merciful forgiveness.
Fourth Decade - The Transfiguration
(Red, White, and Blue)
Meditate on Jesus transfigured in glory on the mountain, His face shining
like the sun, His garments white as light. Peter, James, and John saw His
divine nature revealed. Every human being, made in God's image, has this same
divine destiny—to share in God's glory. We must see beyond the surface to
recognize the transcendent dignity of every person.
Intention: For our nation and world to see the divine image in every person, from
the smallest embryo to the eldest citizen, and to protect that sacred dignity.
Fifth Decade - The Institution of the
Eucharist (Green and White)
Reflect on Jesus at the Last Supper, giving us His Body and Blood,
teaching us total self-gift. "This is my body, given up for you." The
green and white beads remind us that from this sacrifice springs eternal life.
We are called to lay down our lives in love, as Christ did.
Intention: For parents to embrace the sacrificial love required to welcome and
nurture life, and for a spirit of self-giving love to flourish in our culture.
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES (Tuesday &
Friday)
First Decade - The Agony in the Garden
(White and Aqua)
Meditate on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, sweating blood in His
agony, feeling utterly alone. He cried out, "Father, if it is possible,
let this cup pass from me." Yet He surrendered to the Father's will. Like
the waters of aqua beads, tears flow from women in crisis pregnancies, feeling
alone and afraid.
Intention: For women facing crisis pregnancies in their own agony, that they may
not feel alone, and may find the grace to say "yes" to life even in
their fear.
Second Decade - The Scourging at the
Pillar (Red and White)
Reflect on the brutal violence inflicted on Jesus's innocent body, the
blood flowing from His wounds. This same violence is inflicted on innocent
unborn children in abortion. The red beads cry out with the blood of millions
of children whose lives have been taken.
Intention: For an immediate end to abortion, for protection of innocent children
from violence, and for the bloodshed to cease.
Third Decade - The Crowning with
Thorns (Black/Brown and White)
Contemplate Jesus crowned with thorns, mocked, humiliated, and rejected.
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows." The dark
beads remind us of those who suffer and die in darkness, rejected by society.
Yet even in mockery, Jesus remained the King.
Intention: For children with disabilities who are targeted for abortion, for those
deemed "unwanted," and for all who are rejected to know their
infinite worth.
Fourth Decade - The Carrying of the
Cross (Red, White, and Blue)
Meditate on Jesus carrying His cross through the streets of Jerusalem,
falling under its weight, yet continuing on. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to
help Him carry it. We are called to help others carry their crosses,
particularly those bearing the cross of unexpected or difficult pregnancies.
Intention: For our nation to bear the cross of supporting life, for crisis
pregnancy centers and pro-life workers, and for all who help carry the burdens
of others.
Fifth Decade - The Crucifixion (Green
and White)
Reflect on Jesus's death on the cross. From apparent defeat comes the
greatest victory. His death brings life. The green beads remind us that from
the soil of Calvary springs our redemption. Even from the tragedy of abortion,
God can bring healing, conversion, and new life.
Intention: For the souls of all children who have died through abortion, for their
eternal rest, and for resurrection and healing to spring from this great
tragedy.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES (Wednesday
& Sunday)
First Decade - The Resurrection (White
and Aqua)
Meditate on Christ rising from the dead, emerging from the tomb as from a
womb into new life. Death could not hold Him. The white and aqua beads proclaim
that life conquers death, that innocence and hope triumph. Just as Christ
passed through the waters of death to new life, so shall all who trust in Him.
Intention: For hope to triumph over despair, for life to conquer the culture of
death, and for resurrection in hearts, families, and nations.
Second Decade - The Ascension (Red and
White)
Reflect on Jesus ascending into Heaven, returning to the Father. He has
prepared a place for us. Every human life has an eternal destiny. The red and
white remind us that through Christ's sacrifice, Heaven is opened to
all—including the smallest souls who never drew breath on earth.
Intention: For all unborn children who have died, that they may dwell forever in
Paradise, and for trust that every life has eternal meaning and purpose.
Third Decade - The Descent of the Holy
Spirit (Black/Brown and White)
Contemplate the Holy Spirit descending as tongues of fire upon the
disciples, transforming their fear into boldness. They went forth from the
darkness of the upper room into the light of day, proclaiming the Gospel. The
Spirit transforms death into life, cowardice into courage.
Intention: For the Holy Spirit to set hearts ablaze with love for life, to convert
those in darkness, and to embolden all to proclaim the Gospel of Life without
fear.
Fourth Decade - The Assumption of Mary
(Red, White, and Blue)
Meditate on Mary being assumed body and soul into Heaven. Her body, which
bore the Savior, was not allowed to see corruption. This reveals the destiny
and dignity of the human body—not merely matter to be discarded, but temples of
the Holy Spirit destined for glory.
Intention: For our nation to recognize the sacredness of the human body, to reject
all that violates bodily dignity, and to honor the body at every stage of life.
Fifth Decade - The Coronation of Mary
as Queen (Green and White)
Reflect on Mary crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth, the New Eve, the
Mother of all the Living. She who said "yes" to life is now our
greatest intercessor. The green and white beads represent the flourishing
kingdom of life over which she reigns. Under her mantle, the culture of life
will triumph.
Intention: For Mary's queenly intercession for all threatened lives, for her
maternal protection over the unborn, and for the definitive triumph of the
culture of life under her patronage.
The Mysteries to Pray
Traditional Schedule:
- Monday & Saturday: Joyful Mysteries
- Tuesday & Friday: Sorrowful Mysteries
- Wednesday & Sunday: Glorious Mysteries
- Thursday: Luminous Mysteries
You may also pray the mysteries according to the liturgical season or
choose the set that speaks most to your heart on a given day.
Closing Prayers
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our
sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, O most
gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet
Virgin Mary.
Lead: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death, and
Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we
beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what
they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Final Pro-Life Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish
and protect this gift at every stage, from conception to natural death. Give
strength to expectant mothers, heal those wounded by abortion, convert the
hearts of those who threaten life, and guide our society to build a true
culture of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael (Optional)
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against
the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and
do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell
Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of
souls. Amen
Closing
- Kiss the Crucifix
- Make the Sign of the Cross
- In silence, entrust all those
you've prayed for to God's merciful love
A Closing Reflection
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I
dedicated you." - Jeremiah 1:5
May your prayers through this Pro-Life Rosary bring about a
transformation of hearts and a renewed respect for the sacred gift of every
human life. Through Mary's intercession and Christ's redeeming love, may we
build a civilization of life and love.
Mary, Mother of the Unborn, pray for us!
PS: This has taken a lot
of thought and prayer over several days and many weeks to create this. I pray
that you deepen your love for the unborn because of it. This work comes from a
place of deep feeling, driven by a belief that we, as a society, need to
acknowledge and extend our love and support to those vulnerable lives that are
often overlooked, forgotten and discarded. My hope is that this might offer
some comfort or assistance in your own personal reflections and prayers
regarding so many lives lost. Thank you, and God bless you.
©2025 James Dacey, Jr., OFS
