Rosary Aides

You know that in an Apostolic Letter in 2002, Pope John Paul II added five Luminous Mysteries. Did you know that in that same Letter he also called for a new way of praying the Rosary?

St. John Paul II's new way of praying the Rosary was based on the teachings of St. Theresa of Avila and has become known as the Contemplative Rosary because it more perfectly unites vocal prayer and meditation, transforming the prayers of the Rosary into a contemplative meeting with God.

Did you know about these changes? Have you tried them?

In our new book, The Contemplative Rosary, we have not only incorporated the five new Luminous Mysteries, we have included as well the many other changes Pope John Paul made to the Rosary.

Here are his additions to the texts and prayers -- additions small and large -- that, as John Paul intended, unite the Rosary more closely to the official liturgical prayers of the Church as well as to Scripture.

Here are also scores of full-color images for your contemplation that anchor your attention in each Mystery and transform your Rosary from a hasty, habitual recitation into a profound speaking to God and a keen listening to Him.

Following the wise advice of St. Theresa of Avila and the new method proposed by St. John Paul, you'll find here for each mystery:

A lovely, full-color classical painting depicting the events in the Mystery, for help in your contemplation.

A unique announcement of the Mystery.

A statement of the expected fruits of the Mystery.

The Scriptural passage you should consider before embarking on your prayers of the Mystery.

A call for a moment of silence in order to recollect yourself before entering the presence of God.

Each Mystery's own unique Hail Mary, including within each a John Paul II recommended statement of faith "to pull wandering minds back to Christ and center them in the mystery."

Seven meditations tailored to each Mystery, to accompany your recitation of the Hail Marys (but only employ one at a time).

A concluding short prayer asking God for the fruits specific to that Mystery.

Plus much more, so that finally you can begin to pray the Rosary as Saint John Paul wants you to pray it!

This beautiful purse- or pocket-sized My Pocket Rosary features a flexible, illustrated cover and reverent, full-color illustrations. My Pocket Rosary, by Rev. J. M. Lelen, Ph.D., is a handy companion for the popular devotion to Our Lady. My Pocket Rosary is perfectly suited for both those who already recite the Rosary and those who wish to learn more about this wonderful devotion. Available individually, the conveniently-sized 72-page booklets also may be purchased in sets of 80 with a free display box for parish and group use.

The Power of the Rosary, by Gabriel Castillo, is more than a book: It is a theological bombshell, a detonator for spiritual renewal, and a lifeline for modern Catholics who feel lost in the storm. At once mystical, scholarly, and deeply personal, this work deserves to be placed alongside the classics of Marian devotion. It is The Secret of the Rosary for a new generation--expanded, clarified, and intensified.

From the very first pages, Castillo makes clear that the Rosary is not a sentimental string of beads for the weak but a divine weapon forged by the Queen of Heaven and designed to sanctify, deliver, and transform. With the precision of a scholar and the urgency of a preacher, he traces the Rosary's roots from Sacred Scripture and the Gospels, through St. Dominic and Bl. Alan de la Roche, to Lourdes, Fatima, and the towering figure of St. John Paul II. Every chapter is saturated with insights from the greatest saints, grounded in tradition, and supported by the lived witness of souls who have been changed by Mary's intercession.

Yet what makes this book shine is not just its doctrinal clarity but its deep intimacy. Castillo writes as one who has been saved by the Rosary. He speaks not just to minds but to hearts--to the young who are searching for purpose, to sinners trapped in mortal sin, to heartbroken parents, exhausted priests, and lukewarm souls in need of fire. His voice is bold but fatherly, convicting but compassionate.

Particularly illuminating is his teaching on mental prayer--how to truly pray the Rosary, and pray it well, using the method of the saints. He combines Carmelite mysticism with Dominican structure. It is here that mystical theology becomes tangible. Readers are not just invited to recite prayers but to encounter Christ face-to-face through Mary, to gaze into the eyes of Jesus in the mysteries of the Rosary, and to converse with God from the heart.

With clarity and conviction, Castillo reveals:

The true goal of the spiritual life and how the Rosary leads you there

Why the Rosary is not just piety but theological genius and divine power

The forgotten role of mental prayer and how to do it simply in the Rosary

The signs of spiritual warfare in your life and the way to use the Rosary to overcome every obstacle

How to discern what role the Rosary should play in your life

How to successfully implement the Family Rosary and share it with others

How to pray with fire, conviction, and constancy--even in dryness and distraction

This book will pierce you. It will awaken you. It will challenge you to live differently. If you are willing to take up your beads and go to war with Mary at your side, you will not only change your life; you will help save the world, one bead at a time.

Pray The Rosary 978-0-89942-052-3

This new, expanded version of the tremendously popular Pray the Rosary by Catholic Book Publishing offers the traditional shorter devotion as well as a longer devotion which includes Scriptural texts. This extended edition of Pray the Rosary is designed to provide a greater context for praying the Mysteries of the Blessed Mother and Jesus, her Son. The additional text, which can also be used as alternative text, enhances the celebration of the Rosary by focusing more deeply on the Mysteries. This 112-page Pray the Rosary has an illustrated, flexible cover and is available individually or in sets of 60 with a free display box for parish and group use.

Among the features of this book are:

Sturdy flexible softcover

Size 3-3/8" x 5-3/4"

Beautiful, full color illustrations throughout

Durably binding

High-quality paper

Informative information on the life of St. Joseph

Conveniently sized to accommodate nightstand or purse

Nihil Obstat

Imprimatur

Visit our website for more spiritual resources and Bibles www.catholicbookpublishing.com
The Rosary is a beautiful and powerful prayer that helps us grow closer to God and the Blessed Mother. It is like a spiritual journey through the life of Jesus, allowing us to reflect on His love, mercy, and sacrifice. Each decade of the Rosary invites us to meditate on important moments, called the Mysteries, which remind us of God's plan for our salvation.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Rosary is its simplicity. Anyone can pray it, from young children to the elderly. The repetition of the prayers brings peace to the heart, calming our minds and drawing us into God's presence. As we say the Hail Marys, we are not just repeating words but offering our love and devotion to Mary, who always leads us to Jesus.
The Rosary is also a powerful prayer for protection, healing, and guidance. Many saints and popes have spoken of its importance in bringing peace to the world and strength to our souls. It is a gift from Heaven, reminding us that through prayer, we are never alone, and God's love is always with us.

Benefits of a compact book

Portability - A small, compact book is easy to carry, making it convenient for travel, commuting, or reading on the go.

Accessibility - Its size allows for quick reference, whether for study, prayer, or casual reading, without the bulk of a larger volume.

Discreetness - A compact book can be read in public or private without drawing much attention, making it ideal for personal reflection or study.

Durability - Smaller books often have sturdier bindings and covers, allowing them to withstand frequent handling and travel.

Efficiency - Concise and well-organized content ensures that the reader gets essential information without unnecessary bulk, making learning or devotion more focused and effective.

"Dear brothers and sisters! A prayer so easy and yet so rich truly deserves to be rediscovered by the Christian community." - Pope St. John Paul II

During his papacy, Pope John Paul II ardently encouraged the faithful to return to the Rosary - his own favorite prayer. He demonstrated his love for it by praying all the mysteries every day, and by writing, speaking, and preaching about it. He knew from his personal experience of prayer that we come to know the person of Jesus Christ through Mary and the Rosary.

With this book, you can pray the Rosary with the saint who loved it so much. For each mystery of the Rosary, you will find:

The spiritual fruit that accompanies each mystery

A short reflection on how Pope St. John Paul II embodied the spiritual fruit

A Scripture passage for reflection

An excerpt from a talk or writing of John Paul II

Whether the Rosary is already your favorite prayer or you're just learning to pray it, Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II will help you "rediscover the Rosary in the light of Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of your daily lives."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gretchen R. Crowe is editorial director for periodicals for Our Sunday Visitor, where she oversees the digital and print publication of OSV Newsweekly, The Priest, Deacon Digest and Simply Catholic. An award-winning writer and photographer, Crowe has been a member of the Catholic Press Association since 2005. Crowe joined Our Sunday Visitor in March 2013 as OSV Newsweekly editor. She is also the author of Why the Rosary, Why Now? (OSV, 2017). Crowe lives in Indiana with her husband and two children.