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Oeuvres complètes #4
The Secret of the Rosary
Biographers have already told us much about Saint Louis De Montfort and the Rosary; now, with this first English edition of The Secret of the Rosary, we can listen to Saint Louis De Mont- fort speaking for himself. Drawing upon his won experience as well as the experiences of oth- ers (See “Tenth Rose” for some of his sources), he endeavors to bring home to the reader, “in a simple and straightforward manner”, as he himself tells us, the authentic message of the Rosary; namely, that it is a veritable school of Christian life. He sees it as including essentially the meditation of the mysteries of the life, death and glory of Jesus and Mary, with a view not only to honoring but especially imitating their virtues as held up to our consideration in each mystery.For our Saint, the Rosary was not simply a method of prayer; it was his most effective tool and weapon in his apostolic work. Fittingly has the Church called him, “Extraordinary preacher of the Rosary.” He preached it in season and out of season; established it in every parish where he gave a mission (It is estimated that he enrolled over 100,000 persons in the Rosary Confraternity. (Le Crum, S.M.M. Saint Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort Ch. XV, p. 311.)) and judged the fruits of the mission by the subsequent perseverance of its recitation. There was no limit to the power of the Rosary and to it he attributed much of his success with sin- ners. “Let me but place my Rosary around a sinner’s neck,” he was wont to say, “and he will not escape me.”A Dominican Tertiary himself, De Montfort represents the best in the Dominican Rosary tradition. Speaking of our Saint’s contribution to the Rosary, Father R. Poupon, well known Dominican writer says, “Montfort’s genius prolongs in one straight line that of Blessed Alan de la Roche and of Saint Dominic. He completes them by bringing forth a personal grace and interpretation.” Commenting on De Montfort’s book, Father F.M. William says, “It goes far be- yond mere research. We might say that it contains everything that can be said about the Rosary, about its content and form, its real worth, about the instruction necessary for its appreciation and use.” (F.M. William, The Its History and Meaning, Benziger Bros., 1952. P.115)The Secret of the Rosary was written almost two and a half centuries ago, it is true, but it has lost none of its freshness and timeliness. Indeed, today, in light of the specific requests of Our Lady of Fatima, it will be doubly welcomed by true clients of Our Lady. We feel confident that it will bring many souls to a better understanding of the Rosary not only as a prayer but especially as a way of spiritual life.
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First published January 1, 1710
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About the author
Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort
76 books169 followersLouis-Marie Grignion de Montfort est un prêtre catholique français, né le 31 janvier 1673 à Montfort-la-Cane en province de Bretagne (aujourd'hui Montfort-sur-Meu en Ille-et-Vilaine) et qui est mort le 28 avril 1716 à Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre en province du Poitou) (de nos jours dans le département de la Vendée). Il est le fondateur de deux congrégations religieuses : la Compagnie de Marie (les Pères montfortains) d'où seront issus les Frères de Saint-Gabriel et une congrégation féminine : les Filles de la sagesse. Béatifié par Léon XIII, en 1888, il est canonisé par Pie XII, en 1947.
Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (31 January 1673 – 28 April 1716) was a French Roman Catholic priest and Confessor. He was known in his time as a preacher and was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI.
As well as preaching, Montfort found time to write a number of books which went on to become classic Catholic titles and influenced several popes. Montfort is known for his particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the practice of praying the Rosary.
Montfort is considered as one of the early writers in the field of Mariology. His most notable works regarding Marian devotions are contained in The Secret of Mary and the True Devotion to Mary.
The Roman Catholic Church, under the pontificate of Pope Pius XII canonized Montfort on July 20, 1947. A "founders statue" created by Giacomo Parisini is located in an upper niche of the south nave of Saint Peter's Basilica.
Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (31 January 1673 – 28 April 1716) was a French Roman Catholic priest and Confessor. He was known in his time as a preacher and was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI.
As well as preaching, Montfort found time to write a number of books which went on to become classic Catholic titles and influenced several popes. Montfort is known for his particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the practice of praying the Rosary.
Montfort is considered as one of the early writers in the field of Mariology. His most notable works regarding Marian devotions are contained in The Secret of Mary and the True Devotion to Mary.
The Roman Catholic Church, under the pontificate of Pope Pius XII canonized Montfort on July 20, 1947. A "founders statue" created by Giacomo Parisini is located in an upper niche of the south nave of Saint Peter's Basilica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
August 25, 2020
The following paragraph from the 47th Rose summarizes why you should/shouldn't read this book:
"[I]f you want to lead a fashionable life and belong to the world- by this I mean if you do not mind falling into mortal sin from time to time and then going to Confession, and if you wish avoid conspicuous sins which the world considers vile and yet at the same time commit 'respectable sins'- then, of course, there is no need for you to say so many prayers and Rosaries. You only need to do very little to be 'respectable': a tiny prayer at night and morning, an occasional Rosary which may be given to you for your penance, a few decades of Hail Marys said on your Rosary (but haphazardly and without concentration) when it suits your fancy to say them- this is quite enough. If you did less, you might be branded as a freethinker or a profligate; if you did more, you would be eccentric and a fanatic. But if you want to lead a true Christian life and genuinely want to save your soul and walk in the saints' footsteps and never, never, fall into mortal sin- if you wish to break Satan's traps and divert his flaming darts, you must always pray as Our Lord taught and commanded you to do."
This book is very challenging.
It challenges you to engage in this prayer. The Rosary is an ancient practice that sometimes seems is only seen through people wearing the Rosary as a necklace, giving no notice to its spiritual import, or through groups before Mass who blast through the 5 decades like nobodies business.
In this book, St. Montfort supplies us with a spiritual history of the practice, and a breakdown of the prayers and mysteries associated with the sacramental.
I especially like the shorter Montfort Method (Method #2) which adds words to the Hail Mary in an attempt to aid with the meditation on the individual mysteries.
All in all, a great read for anyone interested in this great practice. And a true challenge to those who wish to plum these depths further.
"[I]f you want to lead a fashionable life and belong to the world- by this I mean if you do not mind falling into mortal sin from time to time and then going to Confession, and if you wish avoid conspicuous sins which the world considers vile and yet at the same time commit 'respectable sins'- then, of course, there is no need for you to say so many prayers and Rosaries. You only need to do very little to be 'respectable': a tiny prayer at night and morning, an occasional Rosary which may be given to you for your penance, a few decades of Hail Marys said on your Rosary (but haphazardly and without concentration) when it suits your fancy to say them- this is quite enough. If you did less, you might be branded as a freethinker or a profligate; if you did more, you would be eccentric and a fanatic. But if you want to lead a true Christian life and genuinely want to save your soul and walk in the saints' footsteps and never, never, fall into mortal sin- if you wish to break Satan's traps and divert his flaming darts, you must always pray as Our Lord taught and commanded you to do."
This book is very challenging.
It challenges you to engage in this prayer. The Rosary is an ancient practice that sometimes seems is only seen through people wearing the Rosary as a necklace, giving no notice to its spiritual import, or through groups before Mass who blast through the 5 decades like nobodies business.
In this book, St. Montfort supplies us with a spiritual history of the practice, and a breakdown of the prayers and mysteries associated with the sacramental.
I especially like the shorter Montfort Method (Method #2) which adds words to the Hail Mary in an attempt to aid with the meditation on the individual mysteries.
All in all, a great read for anyone interested in this great practice. And a true challenge to those who wish to plum these depths further.
August 29, 2015
Rereading The Secret of the Rosary was a pleasant surprise. I don’t remember it affecting me so much the first time. Then I thought it just sounded a bit dated. De Montfort’s pious stories—included to convince one of the value and efficacy of the rosary—didn’t. I was already a devotee. This time, although I still didn’t need any reasons (to pray the rosary or pray it well) the vignettes were encouraging in showing the commonality of our struggles to remain faithful to a lifetime of prayer.
I was delighted to read the explanation of the origin and meaning of the Angelic Salutation, which is the name St. Louis gives to the “Hail Mary”. Chapters are numbered roses corresponding to the fifty beads on a rosary. We’re encouraged to see our prayers as lovely flowers we can present to Our Lady to decorate the Heavenly Gardens. Although perhaps just sweet mental images, these can help visualize abstract concepts. Some of the information on prayer was general, the rest specific to the rosary; most was at least somewhat familiar, but all good to review: value of prayer, how and what to pray for, importance of communal prayer and techniques to improve individual and group meditation. Also, the methods for saying/offering the mysteries at the end of the book and virtue(s) associated with each are something I plan to start using.
My favorite parts of the book were the explanations of the Creed, Our Father and Hail Mary. Although called, The Secret of the Rosary, there are no real secrets aside from the power, beauty and simplicity of this ancient prayer.
I was delighted to read the explanation of the origin and meaning of the Angelic Salutation, which is the name St. Louis gives to the “Hail Mary”. Chapters are numbered roses corresponding to the fifty beads on a rosary. We’re encouraged to see our prayers as lovely flowers we can present to Our Lady to decorate the Heavenly Gardens. Although perhaps just sweet mental images, these can help visualize abstract concepts. Some of the information on prayer was general, the rest specific to the rosary; most was at least somewhat familiar, but all good to review: value of prayer, how and what to pray for, importance of communal prayer and techniques to improve individual and group meditation. Also, the methods for saying/offering the mysteries at the end of the book and virtue(s) associated with each are something I plan to start using.
My favorite parts of the book were the explanations of the Creed, Our Father and Hail Mary. Although called, The Secret of the Rosary, there are no real secrets aside from the power, beauty and simplicity of this ancient prayer.
May 31, 2013
Very powerful exhortation from this small book to love and pray the Rosary. Never underestimate such the impact. Once I finished this book, I ended up reciting the mysteries of the Rosary for long hours daily. I was even motivated by love for Jesus and Mary to add Luminous mysteries in my Rosary even though Saint Louis de Montfort recommended 15 decades. 20 decades of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous mysteries) could last for two hours if contemplation and meditation are included. I would not mind reading this book again if I were to find my enthusiasm for the Rosary cool down.
April 5, 2013
I have a greater understanding of the depth of the Rosary, and I probably will be saying it more often. It's a motivation, not a Magic Bullet to find the time, unfortunately; that's not its point. A person still needs to adjust their priorities.
This little volume encourages one to do just that.
This little volume encourages one to do just that.
February 25, 2014
Very quick read. Beautiful story regarding the power of the Rosary and how much the Church honors, respects, reveres Mary! Did you know she is the one person the Devil fears the most? Ever think that's why the Protestants and some Catholics tend to dismiss her power, her glory, and her strength. The Devil doesn't want you to know that she is his #1 human enemy. That by asking for her help, she helps to defeat evil!
Her son, always obeying the commandment of "honor thy mother", never denies her requests. Remember the wedding at Cana or how about what she said to the disciples during his Passion, or what about her beautiful magnificat?
Since Christians have eternal life, Mary and the Saints are not dead. They have a direct pipeline to the Father. If you ask people in your Church, friends and family to pray for you, why not also ask Mary and the Saints? They are tugging on the Father's coat, they have his ear and attention. They are saying, "That person has asked me to ask you for help. - Help them Father!"
Her son, always obeying the commandment of "honor thy mother", never denies her requests. Remember the wedding at Cana or how about what she said to the disciples during his Passion, or what about her beautiful magnificat?
Since Christians have eternal life, Mary and the Saints are not dead. They have a direct pipeline to the Father. If you ask people in your Church, friends and family to pray for you, why not also ask Mary and the Saints? They are tugging on the Father's coat, they have his ear and attention. They are saying, "That person has asked me to ask you for help. - Help them Father!"
June 6, 2022
There are certain books that one can appreciate and benefit from regardless of whether they were written three hundred or one thousand years ago. Reading such a book, you feel that you are speaking with a kindred spirit or learning wisdom that is universal to the human condition.
The Secret of the Rosary on the other hand, seemed to be a book so riddled with superstition, prejudice and brutal acceptance of its status quo that I am surprised (in optimistic vein) that it is still so widely read in the modern age. For example, we are told about how men had pious recourse to the Rosary before they rode off and victoriously slaughtered great numbers of 'heretics' in the bloody crusade against the Albigensians.
If I had not already discovered the value of the Rosary, I fear this book would have put me off. At its worst the book is in danger of unwittingly reinforcing the position that it argues against, namely that the Rosary is for the foolish and superstitious.
I had read this book in hope that it would offer further help for reaching higher levels of contemplative prayer via the Rosary. It did not help on that score. For that, I found Theresa of Avila's The Way of Perfection much more helpful. She doesn't mention the Rosary specifically, but her discussion of how vocal prayer and meditation are invaluable starting points to contemplation is applicable to the Rosary.
Where de Montofort's book was helpful was in its emphasis on maintaining a regular practice of the prayer and giving it one's full attention rather than doing it sporadically or half heartedly. In spite of my criticisms, it succeeded in conveying something of the beauty and importance of the prayer and of the value of commitment to it, which seems to have been the primary aim of the author.
The Secret of the Rosary on the other hand, seemed to be a book so riddled with superstition, prejudice and brutal acceptance of its status quo that I am surprised (in optimistic vein) that it is still so widely read in the modern age. For example, we are told about how men had pious recourse to the Rosary before they rode off and victoriously slaughtered great numbers of 'heretics' in the bloody crusade against the Albigensians.
If I had not already discovered the value of the Rosary, I fear this book would have put me off. At its worst the book is in danger of unwittingly reinforcing the position that it argues against, namely that the Rosary is for the foolish and superstitious.
I had read this book in hope that it would offer further help for reaching higher levels of contemplative prayer via the Rosary. It did not help on that score. For that, I found Theresa of Avila's The Way of Perfection much more helpful. She doesn't mention the Rosary specifically, but her discussion of how vocal prayer and meditation are invaluable starting points to contemplation is applicable to the Rosary.
Where de Montofort's book was helpful was in its emphasis on maintaining a regular practice of the prayer and giving it one's full attention rather than doing it sporadically or half heartedly. In spite of my criticisms, it succeeded in conveying something of the beauty and importance of the prayer and of the value of commitment to it, which seems to have been the primary aim of the author.
January 26, 2012
A wonderful small glimpse into the Catholic life of the 17th Century. A very fast read focused on converting the original readers to praying the Rosary (somewhat outdated to modern sensibilities). But the overall theme is true: that the Rosary is the most focused and preferred devotion to Mary, and its effectiveness lies in the simplicity of its two main prayers, the Our Father, and Hail Mary.
January 27, 2014
Super concise, to the point, yet uber inspiring read. Practical yet so critical... so marvelous. Someone told me I would never regret reading this book, and I don't. St. Louis de Montfort is the best. I think this is even better than his True Devotion, and I was absolutely blown away by that.
December 9, 2014
Pray the Rosary! If I learned nothing else from this book beside that one idea it would have been worthwhile! The rosary has always been a struggle for me...it's kind of like going to confession; you dread going but once it's all over you wonder why you don't do it more frequently because it makes you feel so great! This book has kind of lit me on fire though, not just because of how it explains the benefits of praying the rosary ( and there are a LOT), but also because of the fact that it shows how it can be accessible to average people like myself. I'm no saint and I may get distracted but the Blessed Mother still loves to have me come to her. It's kind of like a small child who comes to their parents with a scribbled drawing. It may not look like much but it came from the child's heart and, as he or she grows older, the drawings will get better and better with all the practice the child put in! If we just start out small eventually we will be happily and devotedly offering up rosaries to Our Lady! When I started reading the book I managed to squeeze out a decade a day and now, I'm getting out five whole mysteries with a decent amount of consistency.
March 24, 2012
father montfort suggests on page 92, don't forget to ask for special graces, and pause, slow down when praying the rosary.
This was a summary of good advice. To critic the book, I don't mind entering into montfort's dimension, therein, a spiritual dimension, even though the criticism is sometimes out dated. how does the advice work for me? perhaps, helping me knowing to pray often; my dimension has stretched to how many times I pray, the Ava Maria , on the awakening hour in the morning, at driving to work, to bed time. This can be relaxing, even when busy, using pause and relax...it all adds up.
This was a summary of good advice. To critic the book, I don't mind entering into montfort's dimension, therein, a spiritual dimension, even though the criticism is sometimes out dated. how does the advice work for me? perhaps, helping me knowing to pray often; my dimension has stretched to how many times I pray, the Ava Maria , on the awakening hour in the morning, at driving to work, to bed time. This can be relaxing, even when busy, using pause and relax...it all adds up.
October 18, 2010
this books was really good and very enlighting i learned a lot about the rosary and how important it really is. I would really recommend this book to anyone who wanted to find their spiritual path. It teaches many things and how much our beloved Holy Mother of God loves and cares for us. It shows us how much she can do for us if we only ask for it with complete love, faith, and devotion.
October 21, 2008
I have this sitting next to my bed. Skyler loves looking at the cover too. I swear that kid is gonna be Catholic, I keep telling Britney.
He's mesmerized by pictures of the Virgin Mary.
He's mesmerized by pictures of the Virgin Mary.
October 21, 2009
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about Catholcism and the importance and beautiful benefits of praying the Rosary. Highly Recommended!!!!!
December 28, 2020
Pray the rosary darn it. Just pray it. Can’t pray it enough. Persevere.
Such a simple yet sublime prayer.
Such a simple yet sublime prayer.
April 7, 2015
This book was critical in helping me understand the history, reasons, and importance of the Holy Rosary. If you have any hesitations or questions about the value of meditating on the mysteries of the Lord in this manner, I highly recommend that you read. Outstanding book!
Highly recommended for those wanting to grow in their spiritual life and those with questions about the Rosary.
Highly recommended for those wanting to grow in their spiritual life and those with questions about the Rosary.
October 31, 2021
My goal was to read this in the month of October and I did it!
This is a beautiful and convicting book that includes many variations of methods to help you focus while praying the Rosary. The only thing I can recommend more than this book is praying the Rosary itself!
This is a beautiful and convicting book that includes many variations of methods to help you focus while praying the Rosary. The only thing I can recommend more than this book is praying the Rosary itself!
July 15, 2018
Love this book.
December 31, 2020
This is a beautiful book! Please read it to learn more about and be inspired to say the Holy Rosary!
December 19, 2024
Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary: get me in there
New addition to my life changing must reads
New addition to my life changing must reads
August 29, 2019
3.5/5
Spiritual reflections on the rosary, its value, how to pray it most profitably, and many stories about miracles worked for those who prayed it.
As a priest, I found some great material for preaching devotion to the rosary. Overall, I found the book a mixed bag, with some stories or insights that were deeply moving, and others that seemed a bit over the top.
I would especially recommend the sections near the end about how to deal with distractions at prayer, and about methods to meditate more fruitfully on the mysteries of the rosary (in the very last pages of the book).
Spiritual reflections on the rosary, its value, how to pray it most profitably, and many stories about miracles worked for those who prayed it.
As a priest, I found some great material for preaching devotion to the rosary. Overall, I found the book a mixed bag, with some stories or insights that were deeply moving, and others that seemed a bit over the top.
I would especially recommend the sections near the end about how to deal with distractions at prayer, and about methods to meditate more fruitfully on the mysteries of the rosary (in the very last pages of the book).
June 22, 2013
It's a great spiritual read that will help you gain a lot of insight on the beauty and depth of the rosary. I am an avid devotee to the rosary, but this has touched me on so many more levels. I would like to purchase this book in bulks and distribute, because everyone deserves to have access about this book and KNOW about it. It's a short read, but you won't want to read it quickly. I just finished it, but I would like to read it again.
November 17, 2013
This book is a well organized book, it takes you through the Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Holy Rosary. It was a pleasure to read to read, and if anyone asks me what is a good book on the Rosary I would probably recommend this short book, now if I were to join this book with the Papal Marian Encyclicals and Writings you would have a formidable force for understanding the Holy Rosary and sharpen your Devotion to this Powerful Sacramental.
November 9, 2011
Wow, St. Louis de Monfort, you were one feisty, feisty individual... so that's pretty great. Meanwhile, my reading experience here found this book intermittently dated-ish and timeless, confusing and crystal clear, incredibly helpful/beautiful and yet losing me at times, so basically, a fair depiction of life and religion in general. I suspect it will be better yet upon subsequent readings.
February 26, 2015
I seem to recall that I had a copy of this years before I became Catholic, along with a little booklet about the Mass. After I converted I bought several books about the rosary but this was the one that meant the most to me. The size of this book is small. The wealth of material for meditation is vast. A book that repays repeated readings over the years.
August 3, 2011
A most pious preaching of the holy Rosary, with the various stories and traditions connected with it since the Dominican missions of the thirteenth centuries. Recommended to all Catholics, indeed to all Christians. Pick up your rosaries. All fifteen mysteries, as and when possible.
September 5, 2011
Louis de Montfort's classic pamphlet provides a window into the historical and mystical background to praying the Rosary. Necessary reading for all who want to understand this crucial aspect of Catholic devotion and belief.
September 21, 2011
This is a master piece. In this book, the role of Mary, the Queen of heaven and Earth is displayed. Also to see is the effect of being a Heretic. Heretics are possessed by demons as is well demonstrated in the book. Just get it and read, it says more than i've done
May 21, 2012
This book has such beautiful illustrations and lovely writing. It helped me get comfortable with ritual when I was younger, and now ritual is such a huge part of my life. The images and prayers helped me so much to focus my sadness when my mom died. I adore this book.
October 15, 2008
Approachable from any literate age group. Simple, insightful. Gives insight into the true cause of the black death.
July 9, 2013
Inspired me to pray the rosary on a regular basis, would highly recommend. The stories in there are just beautiful and amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews