General & Miscellaneous Roman Catholicism, Prayer - Christianity, Meditations, Christian

The Rosary Hour

Name: The Rosary Hour
Author: Pope John Paul II
ISBN: 9780641619519

by Pope John Paul II, Murphy Guyer (Read by)

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Overview

THE PRIVATE PRAYERS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

The Rosary Hour

The Rosary is an essential form of prayer for many Catholics. It offers the mysteries of Christ's life alongside those of Mary, who has always held a special place for Pope John Paul II. The Pope has said that the Rosary is his favorite prayer and his commitment to it is undiminished. "The Rosary is a prayer about Mary united with Christ in his mission as the savior. At the same time it is a prayer to Mary -- our best mediator with her Son. It is, finally, a prayer that in a special way we say with Mary, just as the Apostles at the last supper prayed with her, preparing to receive the Holy Spirit."

The Rosary Hour is a celebration of the Pope's love of the prayer. It collects many of his public pronouncements and offers examples during the fifteen decades showing how the Rosary is a vibrant, living celebration of faith: "Reciting the holy Rosary is not a matter of repeating formulas but, rather, of entering into confidential conversation with Mary, speaking to her, showing her our hopes, confiding our pain, opening our heart to her, declaring to her our willingness to accept the plan of God, promising faithfulness to her in all circumstances, and especially those which are difficult and painful, sure of her protection and certain that she will obtain for us, from her Son, the grace necessary for our salvation."

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

In the third volume of his "Private Prayers" series, the Pope expresses his deep affection for the Rosary and calls upon the Catholic faithful to recite this "simple" prayer daily. Beginning with short meditations on the Rosary (it is "the memory of the Redemption," the "prayer of solidarity" and "a true conversation with Mary"), his brief remarks go on to explain the significance of each section of the prayer and offer the reader special variations on it for different occasions and needs. Because the entries are drawn from the Pope's remarks during the Wednesday general audience and span over a decade, some repeat each other (he notes that October is the month of the Rosary in more than ten), but the overall presentation will serve to affirm devout believers and encourage those who are less dedicated on to greater prayer and meditation. While this is a meaningful and timeless book for Catholics, some of the prayers for peace (written during the Persian Gulf War) are especially appropriate today. (Oct. 22) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Long committed to the rosary, the Pope has publicly and repeatedly referred to it as his favorite prayer. Many Catholics also look to the rosary as the essential form of prayer; non-Catholics may not know that it offers the mysteries of Christ's life alongside those of Mary. Pope John Paul treasures the connection between mother and son. The Rosary Hour is a celebration of the prayer, the Pope's love of it, and the continuing need for it. A collection of the Pope's public discussions and pronouncements of the prayer, this book, read by Murphy Guyer, offers examples of how the prayer has changed over its lifetime. He feels each Catholic should enter into a personal dialog with Mary. Believing only with a mother can humans open up and share hopes, griefs, and the deepest thoughts of the heart, the Pope encourages the faithful to talk with her in all circumstances. As with all of the Pope's works, this one offers comfort. Recommended for public libraries with large religion collections.-Pam Kingsbury, Florence, AL