ROME -- Pope John Paul II is expected to order a significant change in the rosary, the common method of Catholic prayer, according to The New York Times.
The Pope intends to issue a document Oct. 16 calling Catholics to increase the number of events, or "mysteries," in Jesus' life that they contemplate during prayer. The change to the rosary is the first in centuries, according to Vatican officials.
The five new mysteries being recommended in the rosary will be drawn from the following themes: Jesus' baptism, temptation in the desert, transfiguration and entrance into Jerusalem.
The rosary currently encompasses 15 mysteries grouped into three sets: the joyful mysteries, revolving around Jesus' birth and infancy; the sorrowful mysteries, revolving around his suffering and death; and the glorious mysteries, revolving around his resurrection.
The document will be released in conjunction with the celebration of John Paul's 24th anniversary as pope, according to the Times.
