Joy, Light, Sorrow and Glory: Praying the Mysteries of the Rosary

 Margaret Rash reviews a booklet of reflections on each of the Mysteries of the Rosary by Catholic Mom contributing writer Leigh Ann Roman. 

 Joy, Light, Sorrow and Glory: Praying the Mysteries of the Rosary 

By Leigh Ann Roman

Published by Creative Communications for the Parish

Joy, Light, Sorrow & Glory is a brief booklet packed with thoughtful reflections, questions to take to prayer, and resources on praying the Rosary. This devotional is beneficial for those just starting to learn the prayers of the Rosary or someone familiar with the prayer, but who wants a little prayerful guidance to assist meditation along the way.

Scripture Connection

Author Leigh Ann Roman introduces each Mystery of the Rosary with an associated verse from Scripture. This beautifully sets the tone for the reader's time of conversation with God.

You can use this Scripture verse to assist with meditating on the Rosary Mystery you are about to pray, or also use it separately as a Lectio Divina prompt. Regardless of how you choose to use the verse for your particular prayer practice, the connection of each Mystery to a passage from Scripture is the perfect way to begin these reflections.

Reflections and Questions to Consider

Roman then provides a brief, one-page or shorter, reflection on the Scripture verse, the Mystery of the Rosary, and a connection to our daily lives. She then closes the reflection with a prayer and question for consideration.

Her reflections are practical and relatable, and her tone is encouraging.

In our own lives, concerns about the future can overshadow the blessings of the present. But God is with us in the present moment. (Pg. 8)

The “Consider” portion she has included, offering the reader a question to take to prayer, is a thoughtful addition for any reader:

How can I keep our Lord's patient endurance ever before me when I am burdened by daily disappointments? When I fall, may I look to Jesus for the strength to rise once again, shoulder my load and move forward. (Pg. 20)

How to pray the Rosary and Resources

Each reflection wraps up by encouraging the reader to pray the Mystery of the Rosary that they have been reading about and reflecting on, and gives a quick outline of what prayers are to be used. However, at the end of the booklet, there is a more in-depth “How to pray the Rosary” guide, including each of the prayers and a diagram for following along with traditional Rosary beads.

There is also a resources section with reasons to pray the Rosary, quotations from the saints, and more all packed into this brief devotional.

This is the perfect prayer companion to keep in a purse or prayer tote. You can take it with you to Adoration, or use it with a group or for personal prayer time at home. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Margaret Rash
Images: Canva