Catholic Mom Book Club Rosary Book Selections

The Luminous Mysteries: Biblical Reflections on the Life of Christ
by Tim Gray

Inspired by the Holy Father’s call to “contemplate the face of Christ,” Scripture scholar and popular author Tim Gray takes a closer look at the life and mission of Jesus Christ in his newest book, The Luminous Mysteries: Biblical Reflections on the Life of Christ. With clear and inviting language, Gray guides the reader through the rich biblical foundations of the Baptism in the Jordan, the Wedding of Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. Accompanying Gray’s reflections are five meditations from the Church Fathers—John Chrysostom, Origen, Pope St. Leo the Great, and Hippolytus—showing that these Mysteries of Light are deeply rooted in both Scripture and Catholic Tradition. These selections have been made more inviting to a modern audience while still preserving the beauty of the original text. A prayer inspired by the mystery and points for further personal reflection complete each chapter.

The Rosary: Worry Beads for Anxious Parents
St. Anthony Messenger Press, September 2003, 98 pages

What parent hasn't awakened in the middle of the night and lain awake worrying about his or her children? Whether awakened by a crying baby or waiting for a teenager to return home with the family car, The Rosary: Worry Beads for Anxious Parents can ease a parent's mind at such a time. Written from a parent's perspective, this collection of meditations on the mysteries of the rosary, including the five mysteries of light added by Pope John Paul II, can be read at the dentist's office or while waiting for soccer practice to end. The book includes the prayers of the rosary. More information

The Joy of Praying the Rosary
by Msgr. James M. McNamara

Reflections on Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter, THE ROSARY OF THE VIRGIN MARY, and each of the Mysteries—including the Mysteries of Light—will help you to focus your mind and heart on each event so that you can prayerfully and joyfully own the richness of this blessed and holy prayer form. Discover how “reclaiming the full meaning of the Rosary” can transform your life.

Your Own Mysteries: Praying Your Life Through the Rosary
Ave Maria Press, February 2004, 125 pages

The Rosary has enjoyed renewed popularity since Pope John Paul II added a new mystery to the Rosary in 2002, the first such addition since Catholics began praying the Rosary in 1569. The new Luminous Mysteries join the three traditional Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries. Now Br. Armstrong encourages us to tap our imaginations, aided by inspiration, to create additional, personal mysteries as well. He suggests that the catalyst for these new, personal mysteries can be diverse elements, such as our own vocation, scripture, memories from our youth, and The Golden Rule. More information

Rosary Meditations for Real Life
Real Life Rosary, 2003, 231 pages

Discover your life within the Mysteries of the Rosary. Unique meditations on marriage, children, the Mass, addiction, work, and more. This book was written to help you find meaning in everyday life events. By contemplating these events we can draw closer to Mary and ultimately to Christ. Book Spotlight More information

Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries
by Michael Dubruiel and Amy Welborn

For someone looking to "make a difference" in our world so filled with unrest and need, responding to Pope John Paul II's call to embrace the Rosary is one affirmative step that can be taken immediately. As a resource for making contemplation of the Rosary a part of your life, authors Michael Dubruiel and Amy Welborn have compiled the book Book Spotlight More Information

The Rosary: A Path into Prayer
by Liz Kelly

An introduction to the rice tradition of rosary devotion, with new material on the recently added luminous mysteries. The rosary is a central element in the prayer lives of countless people, though it is still often neglected and misunderstood. The Rosary, an updated and revised version of The Seeker's Guide to the Rosary (Loyola Press, 2001), is a comprehensive look at the history, practice, and benefits of rosary devotion. Designed to introduce the reader to the mysteries of this simple meditative prayer, author Liz Kelly gently guides the reader on an exploration of this powerful prayer that is well suited even to this modern world.

Chatting with Mother Mary: Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary
Twenty-Third Publications, October 2004, 56 pages

Readers looking for informal and heartfelt reflections on the mysteries of the gospel, will love Chatting with Mother Mary. These intimate conversations with Mary, written as if the author were sitting down comfortably with her, connect the major events of Jesus' and Mary's lives with the experiences of all families: at birth and during each step of the family's growth, including the death of loved ones. Written with warmth and a personal touch, the meditations and stories in Chatting with Mother Mary will help readers develop a closer relationship with Mary and her Son. Each mystery is followed by questions for journaling and the introduction includes guidelines on how to pray the rosary. More information

Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries
Our Sunday Visitor, June 2003, 64 pages

Rediscover — or experience for the first time — the comfort, hope, and strength so many have found in this ancient prayer to deepen your love of Christ and His mother. Based on the format suggested by Pope John Paul II in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae (“The Rosary of the Virgin Mary”), authors Michael Dubruiel and Amy Welborn present meditations that show you how to: Announce the Mystery: Focus on a moment in the life of Christ. each mystery illustrated with a beautiful icon, listen to the Word of God: Examine an appropriate Scripture passage, offer ten Hail Marys: Incorporate a phrase specific to the mystery being contemplated (A practice promoted by Pope Paul VI), end with a short prayer: Finish each decade with an intention that asks for the grace the Mystery highlights, and more. More information

The Secret of the Rosary
Tan Books, August 1993

Probably the finest book ever written about the Rosary; appeals to all ages. Shows the great spiritual power of the Rosary, which is appreciated by few. 4,200,000 sold! A miracle book. More information

Praying the Rosary
St. Anthony Messenger Press, September 2003, 96 pages

Pope John Paul II calls the rosary a powerful prayer for peace, for families and for contemplating the mysteries of Christ's life. In this revised and expanded edition of Praying the Rosary, an expansion that includes the pope's newly created Mysteries of Light, Gloria Hutchinson breathes life into the rosary for readers who seek to make the rosary relevant to their daily lives and spiritual practices. Hutchinson begins each mystery with a personal reflection linked in some way with the Mary-Jesus event, a meditation based on Scripture, tradition or the author's interpretation of the event, and a brief "Response" that challenges readers to make the rosary their own. More information