Other UK-based readers who reviewed Father DiCook’s book said it offers readers an original and nuanced approach to the understanding and blessing of the Holy Rosary.
“I’ve read Father Justin’s book and it’s enlightening and original,” said Father Paul Miralvey, a former parish priest. Pontifical Scots CollegeParish Priest St Ninian’s Catholic Church, Knightswood of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
He added that the book “gently reminds readers of Mary’s unique place in the history of the Church as she leads the Church to its ultimate destination, the Kingdom of God.”
According to Father Mirarvi, Father Dik “carefully combined deep theological reflection with warm pastoral sensibility.”
“The journey through each mystery of the Rosary invites us to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of faith and invites us to reflect on the different places of pilgrimage that have led so many people around the world to new faith, healing and reconciliation,” he said.
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Martina Dick, a member of the Legion of Mary in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, said Fr Justin’s inspiring book makes it clear that, besides the Holy Mass, the Holy Rosary is “the most powerful weapon we have” and “the cure for all evil”.
The book “invite all of us to do what Our Lady asked the three children of Fatima – to recite the rosary every day for world peace. It recounts how it was the rosary that ended the First World War,” the priest said.
“The book calls on priests to promote the practice of the May and October devotions in their parishes,” the prelate, who is part of the Congregation of Undoing the Knots of Mary of St Columba Parish in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, added.
Martina points out that it is important for families and children to recite the rosary after Communion on Sunday morning.
Parents should also teach their children how to recite the Holy Rosary every day by promoting the Mission Rosary among schoolchildren, he said, explaining that “a family that prays together stays together.”
Martina says Father Dikku encourages people to embark on annual Marian pilgrimages. “He strongly suggests that if we do not recite the Rosary every day, there will be a great emptiness in our lives. So I encourage everyone to buy a copy of this book because it gives a wonderful explanation of the Holy Rosary and its power and the relationship between the Holy Mass and the Holy Rosary,” he says.
Credit: Father Justin Diecuk
In his review, Bishop Keenan said Father DiCook’s book was written with a heart of devotion and is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to promote devotion to the Holy Rosary, even among children.
Bishop Keenan praised the chapter’s structure and content, which provide a concise overview and explanation of the Holy Rosary and its broader context in the Holy Mass.
“We hear Fr Justin’s personal account of how the rosary reunited his family and how his bishop encouraged him to pray the rosary in his car, which led to him converting to the faith,” said the Catholic Bishop of Paisley, describing the book as a “treasure trove” of moving anecdotes and inspiring testimonies.
He further highlights testimonies such as one of a boy who converted and grew up to become a Catholic priest and lead his family to the faith through the Holy Rosary, and another of a family who were miraculously saved from Boko Haram by praying the Holy Rosary together.
In an interview with ACI Africa on June 24, Father Di Cook said the book would be “soon to be available on Amazon,” adding that hundreds of copies had already been purchased in the UK.
Agnes Ainea is a Kenyan journalist with experience in digital and print journalism. She holds a Masters in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University School of Media and Communication and a Bachelor’s in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University, Kenya. Agnes currently works as a journalist for ACI Africa.
