Do I have to pray the luminous mysteries?

[concerned18]

For the past number of years I’ve been leading the rosary after daily Mass. Recently I was told that because I wasn’t praying the luminous mysteries on Thursdays, I was teaching improperly and misguiding others. I was told that because the mysteries were introduced by a pope (John Paul II) they are now considered as being binding. Is it compulsory to pray the luminous mysteries?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Is it compulsory to pray the luminous mysteries?

No. In Rosarium Virginis Mariae, John Paul II made it clear that the luminous mysteries were an optional addition. See, for example, this statement:

I believe, however, that to bring out fully the christological depth of the rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the traditional pattern [the luminous mysteries] which, while left to the freedom of individuals and communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ’s public ministry between his baptism and his passion (RVM 19, emphasis added).

That said, leaders of public recitations of the rosary should be sensitive to the fact that some of the group may wish to pray the luminous mysteries and should not use their own position of leadership to make their personal preferences binding on others. It would be nice for you to ask the regulars at the daily rosary if they would like to begin praying the luminous mysteries and, if so, including the luminous mysteries into the weekly schedule. When praying on your own, you are certainly free to skip the luminous mysteries if you wish.

**Recommended reading:

Light for the World by Michelle Arnold (sidebar**)