<P> A standard 15 Mysteries of the Rosary , based on the long - standing custom , was established by Pope Pius V during the 16th century , grouping the mysteries in three sets : the Joyful Mysteries , the Sorrowful Mysteries , and the Glorious Mysteries . During 2002 Pope John Paul II said that it is fitting that a new set of five be added , termed the Luminous Mysteries , bringing the total number of mysteries to 20 . These mysteries had been used by Holy Cross father Patrick Peyton during the 20th century . The Glorious mysteries are said on Sunday and Wednesday , the Joyful on Monday and Saturday , the Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday , and the Luminous Mysteries are said on Thursday . Usually five decades are recited in a session . </P>
<P> A standard 15 Mysteries of the Rosary , based on the long - standing custom , was established by Pope Pius V during the 16th century , grouping the mysteries in three sets : the Joyful Mysteries , the Sorrowful Mysteries , and the Glorious Mysteries . During 2002 Pope John Paul II said that it is fitting that a new set of five be added , termed the Luminous Mysteries , bringing the total number of mysteries to 20 . These mysteries had been used by Holy Cross father Patrick Peyton during the 20th century . The Glorious mysteries are said on Sunday and Wednesday , the Joyful on Monday and Saturday , the Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday , and the Luminous Mysteries are said on Thursday . Usually five decades are recited in a session . </P>
who added the luminous mysteries to the rosary
who added the luminous mysteries to the rosary
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II