'The Recovery Rosary' Offers Hope in the Most Trying Times

Maria V. Gallagher discovers a way to pray that can bring comfort amidst addiction. 

The Recovery Rosary: Meditations for Those Impacted by Addiction, Compulsions, and Unhealthy Attachments

By Catholic in Recovery, edited by Scott Weeman

Published by Ave Maria Press

I found myself alone and scared, not knowing where to turn for relief. I was an observer as a loved one’s addiction spiraled out of control. I desperately wanted some assurance that the pain would end, my anxiety would ease, and life would return to a normal course. 

I wish that, at that time, I had had a copy of The Recovery Rosary. This little book is packed with possibility and is heaping with hope. It includes meditations for “those impacted by addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments.” Whether the substance of choice is alcohol, illicit drugs, or food, it can quickly become a god in one’s life, causing grave repercussions for one’s family members, friends, and co-workers. 

Spiritual Healing is Possible 

But there is healing to be found in the arms of Jesus and Mary. The Rosary can be such a soothing prayer. In the repetition of the Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glory Bes, we can discover comfort and peace. When we turn our attention to the Mysteries of the Rosary, we can see the lives of Christ and His mother from a different perspective. 

The Recovery Rosary includes incredible insights from people who have walked the painful path of addiction and have emerged victorious. Consider this meditation from Karen D.: 

Like some of you, I came into recovery with grief and deep loss over my relationship with my mother. What I learned was that our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments are but symptoms of a deeper spiritual malady. My journey home to the fullness of our Catholic faith has been aided by Mary, her presence, her divine touch, and a love that only the mother of our Lord could give. Jesus sends his mother to the lost, the sick, and the suffering, as he did for me. 

Or this meditation from Kathy B.: 

I spiraled out of control using alcohol, drugs, and sex to numb the deep pain, guilt, and shame for years. I recall many times where I felt the presence of God, but I stayed locked in the darkness where there was no hope of rescue. Then one day, God broke through the madness, and I declared aloud, ‘I need help!’ I surrendered and became honest, open-minded, and willing to do anything. With the fellowships of AA and Catholic in Recovery, I was set on a course of action, one that required change and self-sacrifice. The Twelve Steps eventually led me to seek help from ‘Project Rachel’ to heal from my abortions. I was given a second chance, and God conceived in me a new life of peace and healing. I was reborn! 

The Journey to Serenity 

Since recovery is an on-going process, the book provides a roadmap to help readers along the journey to serenity. Through its pages, readers can see how miracles have occurred in the lives of fellow sufferers. It can be quite powerful and inspiring, reading about the roadblocks that have been overcome by others traveling the road toward freedom from addiction. 

As I read and meditated upon The Recovery Rosary, I felt as if the Church Triumphant—those who have already achieved heaven — were cheering me on. With every prayer said, I drew closer to Christ and His mother and broke free of the chains of despondency caused by a loved one’s past drinking. I feel as if I am better equipped to face each day, knowing that I can rely on The Recovery Rosary to give me strength and purpose. 

If your life has been touched by addiction, whether yours or someone else’s, I highly recommend this book to bring you the consolation your heart craves!  

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva