From left to right: Pedro Rodríguez, Bishop Rouco, José Luis Illanes and Miguel Ángel Garrido. PHOTO: Enrique Serrano

Cardinal Antonio Mª Rouco presented the critical-historical edition of the book Holy Rosary, published by University of Navarra theologians Pedro Rodríguez, Javier Sesé and Constantino Anchel. The ceremony took place in the church of the Royal Monastery of St. Elizabeth, where St. Josemaría wrote the book 80 years ago.

The Cardinal was joined by Pedro Rodríguez, director of the critical-historical edition, Miguel Ángel Garrido, Full Professor of the Theory of Literature, and José Luis Illanes, director of high school Histórico San Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer.

The volume has exceeded 1,300,000 copies in 29 languages. The critical edition gathers in 370 pages the history of its editions, drawings, diffusion and spiritual context.

Cardinal Rouco assured that "the book financial aid to contemplate the life of the Lord, to savor and understand with richness and depth the mysteries of his life, and with its modern and accessible style is a financial aid to all, families and young people, to live the Marian prayer". He also added that its reading "can be an exceptional financial aid for young people preparing for the workshop World Youth Day, since it encourages their Christian life".

José Luis Illanes recalled that since its creation in 2001, high school has been working on the documentary collections and carrying out scientific editions" of the works of St. Josemaría, "with the aim of serving the Church.

"So far we have produced the critical-historical editions of The Way and Holy Rosary. We are preparing those of other widely distributed works, such as Conversaciones, Es Cristo que pasa, La Abadesa de las Huelgas and a collection of academic speeches," he added.

"Great finding of spiritual literature"

Pedro Rodríguez, director , explained the origins of the book, written during the days of the Novena of the Immaculate Conception in December 1931, and "all at once," after celebrating Mass, as St. Josemaría recalled. Pedro Rodriguez pointed out that "the pull of St. Elizabeth is from God," which is received by an author who "wants to lead the reader to the contemplation of scenes from the life of Christ and not only to prayer board member ."

For his part, Miguel Angel Garrido, Full Professor of the Theory of Literature, described Holy Rosary as "a great finding of spiritual literature, in which genre the books of St. Josemaría are inserted. He emphasized the author's technique, who in this book does not "narrate," but rather introduces the reader who wants to follow his invitation to experience the scenes he contemplates: "What is genuine about the book is that it is not submission a narration, but an experience of prayer.