Book Review: "The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare" by Johnnette Benkovic and Thomas Sullivan

By Justin McClain

05/02/2018 • View profile

Book Review: "The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare" by Johnnette Benkovic and Thomas Sullivan

The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary within the Catholic Church. As a lay Dominican, I always look forward to the opportunity to promote the Rosary, a prayer that Saint Dominic received based on the inspiration of Christ's Mother. New from Franciscan Media / Servant Books is Johnnette Benkovic and Thomas Sullivan's The Rosary: Your Weapon for Spiritual Warfare.

From the Introduction, Benkovic shares with us the scope of the book: "By the divine pleasure of the Father, Mary invites us to enter into the mysteries of faith presented to us through the holy Rosary, and to receive the graces they offer. As we are transformed more and more by their power and light, we can come to 'the stature of the fullness of Christ' (Ephesians 4:13). And we can battle against the powers of darkness to bring this, our day and time, into the victory of the cross. It is to this end that we have written this book. May it achieve what God intends". At 246 pages, this book is full of remarkable accounts by Benkovic and Sullivan of the power of the Rosary, including the personal testimonies (each titled "A Rosary Story" [with an individualized subtitle for each contributor]) of other prominent Marian devotees, listed here alphabetically by last name: Mike Aquilina, Diane Bates, Fr. Donald Calloway, M.I.C., David Calvillo, Dion DiMucci, Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme, Vinny Flynn, Scott Hahn, Fr. Wade Menezes, C.P.M., Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, and Heidi Hess Saxton.

If you are looking for [more] spiritual vitality when it comes to confronting the darkness found in various realms of the modern era, then read this wonderful book, perhaps during the month of May. This book would also make an excellent gift for a recent high school graduate, especially someone about to go to a college setting, which is often a spiritual battleground at a critical junction in a young person's life. Grab a copy today, so that Mother Mary can draw you ever closer to her Son. This book will enliven you!

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About the Author

Justin McClain

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A lifelong resident of the Archdiocese of Washington, Justin has taught theology and Spanish at his alma mater, Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland, since 2006.

Justin has written widely on various aspects of the Catholic faith. His books include Called to Teach: Daily Inspiration for Catholic Educators, Called to Pray: Daily Prayers for Catholic Schools, The History of the Catholic Church (a textbook), and Alleluia to Amen: The Prayer Book for Catholic Parishes. Justin is active in pro-life ministries, and serves on the volunteer board of directors for the Forestville Pregnancy Center.

Justin holds an M.A. in Spanish Language and Culture from the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain), an M.A. in International History from Staffordshire University (England), and an M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Justin has studied philosophy and theology at Seton Hall University, and Church history from the University of Notre Dame’s Satellite Theological Education Program, for whom he has likewise taught various online courses.

Justin, his wife Bernadette, and their children live in Bowie, Maryland, where they attend Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Justin is a lay member of the Order of Saint Dominic. You can follow him on Twitter (@JustinMcClainOP).

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