Luminous Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary Quiz

Answer: In 2002 by Pope John Paul II

The Luminous Mysteries were created in October 2002 in an Apostolic Letter (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, which means "the Rosary of the Virgin Mary"), by the then Pope John Paul II. Clearly he wanted to fill a perceived gap in Roman Catholic prayer and meditation.

The Rosary, prior to 2002, had been in the Roman Catholic Church for many centuries, as an aid to devotion. The Rosary is also much associated with the many visions of the Blessed Virgin Mother seen around the world, such as at Lourdes and Fatima.

Answer: Five

As there are five sorrowful, five joyful and five glorious Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary, so too there are five Luminous Mysteries. The standard set of rosary beads will serve for their recitation.

Answer: Jesus Christ

The first Luminous Mystery invites meditation on the baptism in the Jordan river of Jesus Christ, by Saint John the Baptist. Please see Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22 and John 1:29-34 of the Roman Catholic Bible. The impact and the importance of this occasion is emphasized by all four gospel writers. Saint John the Baptist was the son of Elizabeth, the cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary had visited her cousin Elizabeth just prior to John's birth and while she was pregnant with Jesus. St John The Baptist's conception was revealed to Mary by the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation. Saint John the Baptist was later beheaded on Herod's (the tetrarch of Galilee) orders and died before the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 14:3-12).

Answer: Yes, Saint John the Baptist

Please read Matthew 3:14 of the Roman Catholic Bible. When Jesus came to be baptized by John Matthew writes "and John was for hindering him, and said "It is I that ought to be baptized by Thee, and dost though come to me?" Jesus answered "Let it be so now, for so it becomes us to fulfill all justice".

Answer: a dove

All four gospel writers refer to a dove descending from Heaven. Matthew writes (3:16-17 Roman Catholic Bible) "And when Jesus had been baptized, He immediately came up from the water. And behold, the Heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon Him. And behold, a voice from the Heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". These events are very clear statements of Jesus Christ not only being a man, but also His Divine nature.

The Roman Catholic Church also draws clear links between this Mystery and our own baptism in their writings.

Answer: turning water into wine

Please read John 2:1-12 of the Roman Catholic Bible. The immediate reaction to this might have been that Jesus was a lovely companion to be with! However, this Bible passage has much more and a very deeper meaning. It is often referred to as Jesus' first miracle. Certainly it was His first recorded miracle in public.

However, his Mother Mary knew that he would do it. John writes that Mary said "They have no wine". Jesus replied "What wouldst thou have me do, woman? My hour has not yet come." John writes further that Mary said to the attendants "Do whatever He tells you." One wonders what Mary had seen and heard from her son in the past.

At the age of twelve Mary had lost Jesus (Luke 2:41-50) and eventually found Him with the teachers in the temple.

At that time Luke says that Jesus told her "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:51-52 says Jesus then went back to Nazareth and was subject to his parents. Mary seems so divinely inspired in her dealings with Jesus.

Answer: in Cana of Galilee

This is famously known as the miracle of the wedding feast at Cana. Jesus was with His mother and disciples and it was an opportunity for Him to show His divine nature to those present. He thus gave a sign to His disciples of things to come. Later he was to convert bread and wine, by transubstantiation, into His own body and blood at the last supper.

In this miracle you may also see the importance that Jesus attached to marriage.

Answer: the Kingdom of God

This mystery of the Luminous Rosary refers to the kingdom that God creates in His presence. These Mysteries are also known as the Mysteries of Light, where God's presence and love are shown to shine out from Jesus' public life. This mystery heavily concentrates on conversion and reconciliation (as demonstrated in the Roman Catholic sacrament of this name).

These two aims continuing until the end of the world. This mystery helps us meditate that Jesus embodies this kingdom in His presence and His preachings, miracles and good works, which all give testimony to that kingdom.

Answer: Moses and Elijah

Please see Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:1-7 and Luke 9:28-36 of the Roman Catholic Bible. Jesus takes his disciples, Peter, James and John, up a high mountain. In their presence He was transformed (in appearance and countenance) by a bright light. This shows His divine nature.

He is seen standing with Moses and Elijah. A cloud overshadowed them and there came a voice out of the cloud "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him" (Matthew 17:5).

Answer: at Jesus's Last Supper with his disciples before His crucifixion

Please see Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, and Luke 22:19-20. At the Last Supper before His crucifixion, Jesus turned bread and wine into His own body and blood by transubstantiation. This is something the Roman Catholic Church still commemorates and repeats at the consecration of the Roman Catholic mass.