To pray the luminous mysteries is to combat the errors of our time.

QUESTION?

I love the Rosary! St. John Paul II gave us the Luminous Mysteries. My question, is it better to pray 15 decades, or 20 decades? Thank you for your help!

ANSWER!

Pope John Paul II recommended the luminous mysteries (which are all biblical). I know that there are traditional leaning Catholics (which I consider myself) who only pray the 15 decades because that is what Our Lady gave St Dominic in 1214 A.D. to combat heresy.  

In addition, here is what Fr. Donald Calloway says, he is an expert on the Most Holy Rosary and on Our Lady.

“Technically, St John Paul II made the luminous mysteries optional. However, you should know that St Louis de Montfort already talked about additional mysteries three centuries ago, and he specifically named four of the current five luminous mysteries. I always include the luminous mysteries when I do the 54 day rosary novena. I’m sure St Dominic, Blessed Bartolo Longo (who is responsible for spreading the 54 day rosary novena) and Our Lady herself would want the luminous mysteries prayed. Remember, they are to combat the errors of the time: Lack of Baptism, Same Sex Marriage, Lack of Repentance, Religious Pluralism and lack of Belief in the Real Presence. To pray the luminous mysteries is to make reparation to the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Besides, St John Paul II didn’t invent them, St George of Preca was the first to call them the luminous mysteries in the 1940’s. Yes, pray the luminous mysteries in your 54 day novena.”