Book Helps Catholic Faithful to "Rediscover the Rosary"

Antony Outhwaite of Mountain Top, PA felt compelled to respond in a concrete way to Pope John Paul II's request that the Catholic faithful "rediscover the rosary." His pursuit of this goal has resulted in the publication of a new book that provides a clear, simple, practical way for people to pray the rosary in the spirit of Pope John Paul's insights.

(PRWEB) July 21, 2006 -- When Pope John Paul II wrote an apostolic letter calling for a renewal of devotion to the rosary, Antony Outhwaite of Mountain Top, PA felt compelled to do something about it.

"I read the Pope's letter, and I was struck by his humble request that we all make an effort to reconsider this misunderstood prayer, that we 'rediscover the rosary'. He talked about the rosary like a precious treasure that many of the faithful have never appreciated for what it is. It is easy to think that we know all about the rosary, but there is so much richness and beauty in the Holy Father's musings on this simple, profound prayer."

The Holy Father's apostolic letter, "On the Most Holy Rosary", made international news because of its announcement of five new "Luminous Mysteries", but despite the proliferation of rosary books and of meditations on the new luminous mysteries, Mr. Outhwaite was surprised not to see much notice taken of the rest of the Pope's letter. "There is so much more to this letter than just an announcement of five new mysteries."

The Holy Father's letter contains extensive suggestions on how the rosary should best be prayed. "I thought that the best thing to do was to write a book of rosary meditations that implements the Pope's suggestions, and provides a clear, simple, practical way for people to pray the rosary in the spirit of Pope John Paul's insights." The result is "Rediscovering the Rosary", published last month, and available from Lulu Press (http://rosary.vendage.net).

Today, many people are looking to Eastern traditions for instruction on meditation and contemplation to promote relaxation, spirituality, and physical health. Pope John Paul II reminded Catholics that they need not look beyond their own rich tradition of meditative prayer, and sought to promote the renewal of that tradition in the rosary.

In November 2005, the Mind & Life Institute held a three-day conference on "The Science and Clinical Applications of Meditation", in which researchers presented their findings about the positive effects of meditation on brain structures and circuitry. Daily meditation ameliorates the body's response to stress, boosts immunity, modifies negative emotions like anger, helps pull people out of the self-centered ruminations of depression, and transforms an individual's relationship to chronic pain.

Monsignor John Esseff, a priest of the Diocese of Scranton, describes Outhwaite's new book as "a powerful little fire," and declares "Treasures are waiting for us as we rediscover the Rosary. This book is timely, simple, encouraging, and necessary for our day."

###