The Holy Rosary and the Litany Explained 

by Fr Nilesh Parmar, SJ

Pauline Publications

143, Waterfield Road, Bandra

ISBN 978-93-93782-55-7, Pp174, Rs 200

www.paulineindia.org

Devotion to the Rosary Prayer is popular amongst Catholics and non-Christian devotees of Our Lady as well. We often face distractions whilst praying the Rosary. The repetitive nature of the Rosary Prayer and a lack of understanding of the Invocations in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, often said mechanically, reduces the effects of an otherwise powerful and effective prayer. Children and youth find it difficult to pray the Rosary, and those praying the Litany by heart daily often struggle to understand what we mean, despite the respect one has for Mother Mary.

Fr Nilesh Parmar in his book, The Holy Rosary and the Litany Explained, provides a step by step explanation of each of the Prayers of the Rosary and the Invocations in the Litany of Loreto. The handy book explains in simple terms the background of the prayers said on each bead, beginning with the Sign of the Cross. Part II of the book explains each Invocation in the Litany approved by the Church Fathers, including the 11 recent Invocations added by different Popes.

 The author groups the Invocations in the Litany into seven groups namely, God's Titles, Mary's Holiness, Mary the Mother, Mary the Virgin, Symbolic Titles, Mary the Helper, Mary the Queen. Each of the 69 Invocations in the Litany is briefly yet clearly explained in a chapter each, so as to bring out the spiritual treasure and the riches we appropriate when we invoke Mary under her titles e.g. Why is Mary called Seat of Wisdom or Mirror of Justice?

Each chapter provides a thorough explanation of the Biblical roots of the Rosary, citing Church doctrines, commentaries, quotes, etc. It helps to get a fresh understanding of the richness of the Rosary, helping us to focus with a deeper fervour as we pray.

Understanding the attributes, qualities, virtues and titles of Mary helps us to appropriate these in our personal lives, and gives us a grasp of the graces we obtain through the intercession of Mary, the Mediatrix of all graces. We can all hope to be transformed into docile and loving children of Mary, our Mother, understanding her love and power over our lives, desiring to emulate her through the Rosary Devotion. Praying the Rosary and Litany reflectively gives us an understanding of how Mary is with us today, and continues to hold our hands, leading us to Jesus.

One can see that Fr Parmar has worked hard to put across his findings on Mary after much discernment and study. The book is written with a lay person's perspective, as an outcome of teaching pastoral seminars in answer to many questions about the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially about the components of the Litany. This beautiful book is useful to help children and youth grow in their love for Mary, more so for those who are fond of reciting the Litany by heart at home during family prayers. It will surely help one and all to pray the Rosary reflectively. Rosary time will be something we will look forward to.

 Fr Nilesh Parmar SJ is a Jesuit priest working among the tribals of North East India for more than 30 years. He is a Retreat preacher who has authored ten books. He is also a prolific lyricist and a great composer, with over 100 songs composed in various languages to his credit.

SEVERINA PERES