The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life

Maria V. Gallagher reviews Shannon Wendt's new book about the Rosary, published by Ascension Press.

The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life

By Shannon Wendt

Published by Ascension Press

Perhaps you grew up with your mother fingering her beads as she dealt with your toddler tantrums. 

Or maybe a Rosary is like a foreign object to you, about as familiar as a moon rock.  

Whether you are a devotee of the Rosary or are just curious, chances are you will discover solace and peace by reading The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life by Shannon Wendt. 

The book, published by Ascension Press, offers a refreshing look at a devotion that is still going strong, centuries after its first emergence as a helpful tool for prayer.  

As Wendt writes on page 7, Saint John Paul II encouraged individuals to “rediscover the Rosary in the light of Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of your daily lives.” These words by the Holy Father underscore the structure of the book, with Wendt offering commentary on the Mysteries of the Rosary based on Scripture, the Mass, and anecdotes from her life. 

The Rosary and Scripture 

Take, for instance, the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. We see in Scripture where the archangel Gabriel greets Mary, sharing with her the good news that God will work a miracle within her, establishing her as the mother of Jesus. Meanwhile, with the Visitation, Mary’s cousin Elizabeth offers additional insights, as chronicled in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, verses 42 and 45:

“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb … Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

At the Nativity, Mary experiences the fulfillment of joy. As Wendt writes,

This joy is made complete when in Bethlehem, Hebrew for ‘House of Bread,’ the Bread of Life (see John 6:35, 48) was born and laid in a manger, a place where the lowly sheep would eat. We, the sheep, have discovered the source of all joy! (25)

The Rosary and the Liturgy 

It is possible, as confirmed by Saint John Paul II, to live out the mysteries of the Rosary at Mass. For instance, we can achieve what Wendt describes as the “pinnacle” of joy when the priest elevates the Sacred Host a second time. As she notes,

At this moment, through the mystical Body of Christ, everything—everything we have, everything we do, and everything we are—is swept up out of our open hands and brought into the throne room of God. The veil between heaven and earth is pierced. (39) 

What a wonderful occasion to contemplate! In the Mass, we, in essence, touch heaven. We are transported into a spiritual realm of eternal happiness. Indeed, it can be easier to find joy when we know that Jesus is in our presence — Body and Blood, soul and divinity. 

The Rosary and Daily Life 

There is a commercial which states, “Life comes at you fast.” We can easily become a little discombobulated when confronted with the unexpected. Mary faced this at the Annunciation, when her plans for her life were upended by the archangel Gabriel’s message.  

And yet, Mary found joy in peaceful acceptance of her new life. She did not struggle against her maternity — she leaned into it. This can provide a powerful lesson to us, whether we face an unexpected pregnancy … the challenges of a new job … or the hardships involved in friendships experiencing growth pains.  

The Way of the Rosary, in essence, is not just a book. It is a road map for a joy-filled life, one centered on Christ and aided by the intercession of the Blessed Mother. 

Ask for The Way of the Rosary at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Ascension Press.

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Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva