“Mysteries of the Holy Rosary: The Life of Jesus and Mary”
by Jane Morrone and Heather Lean, illustrated by Yorris Handoko.
With Love Above Books Inc., 59 pages, 2022, K-3 and Adults reading for family.
For centuries people have found solace and grace in the recitation of the Rosary. Continuously recommended by pope after pope, the Rosary is a source of grace and hope. Why is this so? When we say the Rosary, the Mysteries draw us into the life of Christ and His beloved Mother, Mary.
We ask the Blessed Virgin to help us take our prayers and present them to Her Son. This does not mean that Jesus doesn’t want us to directly ask Him for assistance. The problem is with us. Sometimes God seems so large that we don’t know how to approach Him. For this, we need another human being like us. That person is Mary.
The recitation of the Rosary is not a mindless saying of the Hail Mary. Rather, we ponder on the mysteries of the faith that are found before beginning each decade. The Mysteries of the Rosary explain the life of Jesus and the role of Mary in the Church.
For those doubting the role of Mary, I would recommend you read St. Luke 2:34-35 when Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce Her own heart so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. Why Mary’s heart? Quite simply because God has given Her a special role in salvation history.
In Church tradition at the Council of Ephesus In 431 A.D., Our Lady is given the title of “Theotokos.” This means “God Bearer.” Therefore, both Church Tradition and Sacred Scripture attest to the extraordinary role Mary has in the life of the Church. The Rosary is a special set of prayers given by the Queen of Heaven to assist us on our own heavenly journey.
“Mysteries of the Holy Rosary: The Life of Jesus and Mary” begins with all of the prayers that will be used when saying the Rosary. All the four different mysteries are listed and well explained. This is primarily done through a series of beautiful drawings. The illustrations draw readers into the meaning of each mystery and help us understand the spiritual meaning of each one. Since the four mysteries of the Rosary depict Our Lord’s life, some of the pictures are charming and peaceful while others depict the immense suffering our Holy Savior endured for our redemption.
As a teaching tool, this text is excellent. The authors have listed all the prayers used in the Rosary and given marvelous art work for each decade. Parents will find this book of great value as they teach their children the value of the Rosary. The tender pictures of Our Lady with the Infant Jesus are moving. But as Simeon said, a sword will eventually pierce Mary’s heart. This is painfully shown in the drawing of Mary watching Jesus carry the Cross in the Sorrowful Mysteries. The picture of Mary being assumed into heaven is gorgeous.
In Lincoln, you will likely have to order this book from a local bookstore like Gloria Deo or Barnes and Noble. Amazon also has the text for purchase. Owning this book and using it with your family is one of the best decisions you will every make. It is instructive and prayerful with lovely, powerful artwork. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
October is a month dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Give yourself and your family a great gift and purchase “Mysteries of the Holy Rosary: The Life of Jesus and Mary” by Jane Morrone and Heather Lean.
