Mystical Rose

by John Henry Newman, Joseph Regina

By John Henry Cardinal NewmanFrom the pen of the most renowned Catholic thinker of the nineteenth century comes this explanation of the Church's devotion to Mary. Newman examines the New Testament and the writings of the Church Fathers to show that this devotion is on a firm apostolic foundation. Then he explains the doctrinal bases of the titles given to Our Lady in the Litany of Mystical Rose, House of Gold, Mirror of Justice, Queen of Angels, Tower of Ivory, Singular Vessel of Devotion, Queen of Martyrs, and more. Newman's deep insights into Our Lady will deepen your love for the Mother of God.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion

132 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

About the author

Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman was an important figure in the religious history of England in the 19th century. He was known nationally by the mid-1830s.
Originally an evangelical Oxford University academic and priest in the Church of England, Newman then became drawn to the high-church tradition of Anglicanism. He became known as a leader of, and an able polemicist for, the Oxford Movement, an influential and controversial grouping of Anglicans who wished to return to the Church of England many Catholic beliefs and liturgical rituals from before the English Reformation. In this the movement had some success. However, in 1845 Newman, joined by some but not all of his followers, left the Church of England and his teaching post at Oxford University and was received into the Catholic Church. He was quickly ordained as a priest and continued as an influential religious leader, based in Birmingham. In 1879, he was created a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in recognition of his services to the cause of the Catholic Church in England. He was instrumental in the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland, which evolved into University College Dublin, today the largest university in Ireland.

Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September 2010 during his visit to the United Kingdom. He was then canonised by Pope Francis on 13 October 2019.

Newman was also a literary figure of note: his major writings including the Tracts for the Times (1833–1841), his autobiography Apologia Pro Vita Sua (1865–66), the Grammar of Assent (1870), and the poem The Dream of Gerontius (1865),[6] which was set to music in 1900 by Edward Elgar. He wrote the popular hymns "Lead, Kindly Light" and "Praise to the Holiest in the Height" (taken from Gerontius).

Reviews

[John Ray Catingub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the English may be more intellectually demanding that what most are accustomed to today, Bl. Newman's short explanations of Marian truths and titles are a necessary first step for a man to love Mary more. That they are aimed at the conversion of and discourse with non-Catholics helps to make even the Catholic understand more what most take for granted: why we do venerate our Lady and why we should hold her in high esteem. Though short passages from his other works, Newman's explanations are enticing enough for the reader to desire a full read of his Marian works.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book on the Virgin Mary so far. With love but without treacly sentimentality, Bl. John Henry Newman explains--as perhaps only Newman could--why the Mother of Christ's prerogatives make her worthy to be called by each of the titles in her litany. Highly recommended to Catholics and also to those who sincerely want to understand why she means so much to us.

[Mariangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excerpts from several letters and books by Cardinal Newman. The first half contains a defense of the main Marian dogmas, which are explained to an Anglican. The second half are beautiful short meditations on the titles from the Litany of Loreto.

[Sam U · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn the meanings behind all titles of our Lady invoked in the litany of Loreto, this is the book!

[Tyler Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a convert, Newman defends the Marian dogmas to his old Anglican friends in ways that are not strictly typical, but still beautiful and powerfully persuasive ways. Great analysis of typology.

[Christopher Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of Newman's reflections and thoughts on Mary. I found some insights that I had not encountered before, which was good. At some point one has heard most of the main defenses and praises of Mary. Written in Newman's clear, concise, not overly emotional style, I found it very suitable to my appetite. (Some super-emotive texts on Mary strike me as over the top.)

Much to chew on either for someone investigating Mary or wanting to encounter her again.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A priest recommended this to me when I was struggling with my Marian understanding. It was directed at the emotional side of that understanding, rather than the intellectual side and it did fit the bill.