A simple strand of beads and a crucifix, the rosary has been an aid to prayer, contemplation, and religious worship for centuries. In this superb book, Garry Wills looks at the meaning of the beads and at the mysteries, or events, in the lives of Jesus and Mary that the beads are meant to signify. In an age when self-help methods abound and meditation is increasingly popular, Wills reminds us that the rosary is a "timely and timeless" method for reconnecting with ourselves and with our faith. As he discusses each mystery, Wills guides us through the lives of Jesus and Mary, reflecting on Scripture passages and their teachings with his signature elegant, lucid prose.

With gorgeous full-color reproductions of paintings by Renaissance master Tintoretto illustrating the mysteries, The Rosary will be the perfect book for those who practice the rosary themselves or for those who are seeking a new and timeless form of contemplation.

"Wills (Why I Am a Catholic) shares his personal practice of the rosary in a book that is both inspiring and refreshing. His approach excels chiefly in the reflections he has written on the gospel stories that are used as subjects of contemplation for each section of the rosary beads. In these, Wills relies extensively on the work of the late scripture scholar Raymond Brown to expand upon passages that have become overly familiar to many. The author's own translations of the Christian scriptures are a further enhancement, as is the inclusion of images by Renaissance artist Tintoretto. Though the rosary is often viewed as part of the life of Catholics before the sweeping changes wrought by the Second Vatican Council, Wills considers the devotion to be both timely and timeless. It is timely, he writes, quoting Pope John Paul II, because of its usefulness as a tool for quiet and regeneration in an increasingly noisy society, and timeless because its repetition of prayers said on a strand of beads is an ancient aid to contemplation. Wills begins the book with a brief history of the devotion and carefully explains how to take it up. His guide will be helpful to anyone interested in the rosary, but especially to those seeking new insights into its practice." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Contents

I. BACKGROUND

1. History of the Rosary

2. Elements of the Rosary

II. THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES

1. Annunciation

2. Visitation

3. Nativity

4. Presentation in the Temple

5. Finding in the Temple

III. THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES

1. Baptism of Jesus

2. Marriage at Cana

3. Sermon on the Mount

4. Transfiguration

5. Last Supper

IV. THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

1. Agony in the Garden

2. Scourging

3. Crowning with Thorns

4. Carrying the Cross

5. Crucifixion

V. THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

1. Resurrection

2. Ascension

3. Pentecost

4. Assumption of Mary

5. Coronation of Mary

Background Reading