Scripture & the Rosary:
New Testament Mysteries,
Old Testament Parallels

Looking at both the Old and New Testaments, this in-depth examination of the biblical foundations of the Mysteries of the Rosary is one of our most popular Catholic Bible studies. Written by Jennifer McGaw Phelps and Tami Palladino, Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels contains 26 lessons and has been granted an imprimatur from the Most Reverend Richard E. Pates, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Des Moines. Color photographs of stained glass windows depict the original 15 Mysteries of the Rosary.

The printed study has been converted to a digital version; the first six lessons can be viewed free on our website year-round. Five lessons covering the Luminous Mysteries can be downloaded until the beginning of Advent on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Lessons on the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries will be available during appropriate seasons throughout the liturgical year.

Check out our online study pages for additional commentary to accompany each lesson. In addition, our online glossary for Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels lists every proper noun included in the biblical text, and a separate online page links to Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) cross references in the primary biblical text. Links to the glossary and cross references are accessible at the top of every online study page.

pray the Rosary
We invite you to pray the Rosary along with Turning to God’s Word co-founder Tami Palladino and her daughter Anne Marie. Their videos are available on the online study pages for Lessons 7 through 26, and the Rosary prayers as well as the videos for all 20 mysteries are accessible year-round at how to pray the Rosary. Click on the diagram (right), to watch Tami and Anne Marie’s how-to video to learn more about praying the Rosary and to access the Rosary prayers.

Rosarium Virginis Mariae (Lessons 1–3)
The beginning three lessons in our Rosary study cover Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter written in 2002 to introduce the Luminous Mysteries. Check out the online study pages for additional commentary and links related to Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels—Lessons 1 through 3.

Lesson 1 Contemplating Christ with Mary
Lesson 2 The Rosary: A Compendium of the Gospel
Lesson 3 Assimilating the Mystery of Christ

The Creed (Lessons 4–6)
Lessons 4–6 cover the Apostles’ Creed, prayed at the start of the Rosary—”God the Father,” “God’s Only Son,” and “The Holy Spirit.” Check out the online study pages for additional commentary and links related to Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels—Lessons 4 through 6.

Lesson 4 God the Father: Creation & Faith
Lesson 5 God’s Only Son: Redemption & Hope
Lesson 6 The Holy Spirit: Sanctification & Love

The Luminous Mysteries  (Lessons 22–26)
A digital version of Lessons 22–26 covering the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and their related online study pages will remain posted until the beginning of Advent on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Check the online study pages for additional commentary and links related to Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels—Lessons 22 through 26.

Lesson 22 He Saw the Spirit of God Descending
Lesson 23 You Have Kept the Good Wine Until Now
Lesson 24 Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Lesson 25 This Is My Son, My Chosen; Listen to Him!
Lesson 26 Take, Eat; This Is My Body

The Joyful Mysteries (Lessons 7–11)
A digital version of Lessons 7–11 covering the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary and their related online study pages will remain posted from the beginning of Advent on Sunday, December 1, 2024, until the end of the Christmas season on Sunday, January 5, 202t. Check the online study pages for additional commentary and links related to Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels—Lessons 7 through 11.

Lesson 7 The Angel Gabriel Was Sent to a Virgin
Lesson 8 Mary Arose & Went with Haste
Lesson 9 A Decree Went Out from Caesar
Lesson 10 A Light for Revelation to the Gentiles
Lesson 11 All Who Heard Him Were Amazed

The Sorrowful & Glorious Mysteries (Lessons 12–21)
Digital lessons covering the remaining Mysteries of the Rosary will be made available free on this website on a rotating basis throughout the liturgical year.

Lesson 12 He Began to Be Sorrowful
Lesson 13 Pilate Took Jesus & Scourged Him
Lesson 14 Here Is the Man!
Lesson 15 He Went Out, Bearing His Own Cross
Lesson 16 There They Crucified Him

Lesson 17 They Went to the Tomb When the Sun Had Risen
Lesson 18 Why Do You Stand Looking into Heaven?
Lesson 19 A Sound Came from Heaven Like the Rush of a Mighty Wind
Lesson 20 I Go to Prepare a Place for You
Lesson 21 A Woman Clothed with the Sun

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