The Power of the Rosary
by Gabriel Castillo
Published by Sophia Institute Press
A couple of years ago, I participated in an Endow Women’s study on the Rosary. The history of how the Rosary was given to us by the Blessed Mother to St. Dominic completely captivated my heart. In a time when Albigensianism was running rampant, Our Blessed Mother instructed St. Dominic in how God would convert hearts through him – specifically with the Rosary.
Gabriel Castillo’s book, The Power of the Rosary, was the perfect follow up and refresher to the Endow study. This book allowed me to dive even deeper into the history of the Rosary, and provided many practical tools and inspiration for making my time praying the Rosary even more powerful and efficacious.
The History of the Rosary
This book provides a very detailed account of the history of the Rosary. So many Saints have been involved in spreading this devotion! The list starts with St. Dominic and his holy mother, Bl. Jane of Aza. You will learn about the Rosary’s origin from the Angelic Psalter, as well as the origin of the 150 original mysteries.
Later on, another Dominican – Bl. Alan de la Roche – would revive Christians’ devotion to the Rosary. You will also read about the miraculous defeat by the Holy League at the Battle of Lepanto, and learn how St. Pius V (another Dominican!) implored everyone to pray the Rosary for a successful outcome. There are many more pieces to the history of the Rosary (which include more Saints and 2 Marian Apparitions), and this book summarizes them all thoroughly.
Practical Tips for Praying the Rosary
Next, Gabriel Castillo breaks down the “Science of the Rosary” which highlights the parts that make up the Rosary’s beauty and power. He also explains how the Rosary is a deep practice of mental prayer. I think that this section is particularly helpful if you need guidance in how to meditate on the mysteries, or if you would like to go deeper with your mystery meditations.
The book is packed with tons of practical advice. I love how the author includes tips for priests, newlyweds, parents, and families to pray the Rosary. You can tell that Gabriel has a very close relationship with Our Lady! Throughout the whole book, he encourages the reader to pick up a Rosary and pray. If you aren’t inspired to pray your Rosary after reading a few pages of this book, I think you will definitely be convinced by the time you finish it. You will have also gained a wealth of knowledge and practical steps for praying 1, 2, 3, or even 4 (or more!) Rosaries daily. There is also a section that includes practical ways to spread the devotion of the Rosary, and I love the suggestions he gives.
Rosary Testimonies
I can absolutely tell that Gabriel Castillo is practicing what he is preaching. His faithful witness as someone who prays 4+ Rosaries per day is inspiring! He weaves his personal testimony throughout the book of how Our Lady has assisted him throughout his life. The book ends with a chapter of Rosary testimonies. These testimonies provided even more encouragement and inspiration for praying the Rosary.
An Excellent Guide Book for Praying the Rosary
The detailed historical account, wealth of information, practical tips, and personal testimonies make this book a powerful guide for anyone (specifically, teenagers and adults) who wants to start praying the Rosary or take their prayers to the next level. It can be read from cover to cover, or you can use it as a reference book by selecting specific sections to read. I couldn’t agree more with Gabriel Castillo that we should all take up our Rosaries and ask for Our Lady’s intercession as often as possible!
October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary! You can prepare for October and order The Power of the Rosary by Gabriel Castillo from Sophia Institute Press.