A Rosary for Religious and Restless Minds: The Structured Contemplative Rosary – A New Method of Contemplation within The Holy Rosary

by Stephen W. Rouhana, Ph.D.

TESTIMONIALS

“In A Rosary for Religious and Restless Minds, Dr. Stephen Rouhana narrates his journey into a deeper appreciation of the Rosary as a contemplative and Christocentric prayer. Drawing upon saints like Louis de Montfort and John Paul II, he explains how the Rosary helps us contemplate the deepest mysteries of our faith through the Heart of Mary. Dr. Rouhana also provides a structured method for praying the Rosary that is rooted in Sacred Scripture. Those who read this book will come to understand why Pope Pius XII referred to the Rosary as ‘the compendium of the entire Gospel.'” – Robert Fastiggi, Ph.D. Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan

“Dr. Rouhana has written an engaging book in which he shares his own difficulties in saying the rosary and what led him to be able to pray it in a more recollected manner. Well written and an inspiring testimony.” – Dr. Ralph Martin, founder of Renewal Ministries

“In this book, Dr. Rouhana not only shares the personal movement of grace in his own life, but he also provides a very helpful way of contemplating with awe and wonder the mystery of our salvation through the structured contemplative approach to the Rosary. Immersing ourselves in the mystery of salvation through the Rosary in this way will certainly be illuminating for many.” – Msgr. Todd Lajiness, former President-Rector, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, current moderator of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Plymouth, MI

“Like many of us, I often get distracted when praying the Rosary, but this wonderful holy method helps me be much more focused. If I get distracted as I meditate on the Mysteries, it brings me right back to where I need and want to be. This book has been a blessing to me, bringing me closer to the Blessed Mother who guides me closer to her Son.” – LeAnn Thieman, Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Living Catholic Faith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER SPIRITUALITY BOOKS

TESTIMONIALS

“Fr. Salamoni’s unique reflections on Faith and Life in a nautical context have always spoken to me and others who are involved in maritime work and the ministry to the People of the Sea. May this collection be an inspiration to all mariners, and all who live, recreate or work upon the vast waters.” – Doreen M Badeaux, Secretary General Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America

“I have served with Fr Salamoni for many years as a fellow Active Duty Navy Chaplain. I have been the beneficiary of his writings which were always joyful, thought provoking, and a delight to read. I heartily and happily give my endorsement to this latest collection. Enjoy!” – Bishop Joseph L Coffey, Vicar for Veterans Affairs, Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

On the occasion of the 9/11 Boatlift 20th Anniversary Tribute: “Thank you Chaplain: We appreciate you thinking of us as we prepare to honor the heroes, victims and survivors. Your maritime-related prayers continue to uplift many of our members.” – Jessica LM Hitchen, Executive Director, New York Council Navy League 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fr. Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. (Vincent Gaspar Anthony Rizzuti Salamoni), is a member of the Society of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.). Their charism is to promote, form and accompany vocations to the priesthood and other ministries.

He ministered from on board from a dugout canoe in the Peruvian Amazon to on board the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) nuclear air carrier, which is not the starship!

He is retired from in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy.

Now, he is a Provincial Emeritus of the MSA-USA and is being through, with, and in, the Mercy Ocean.

An Autobiography (abridged)

CHILDHOOD:

My four grandparents born in Sicily. They went to New York City, in approximately their twenties. They lived in the USA about 50 years and never spoke English. My father was 6 years old when he arrived in NYC. My mother was born in the USA; some of her siblings were born in Sicily. My father was an iconic NYC taxi driver for over 40 years. My mother worked as a seamstress in the NYC garment industry, and afterwards was a full-time housewife. I have three older sisters … extended biological family …

EXPERIMENTAL:

The development of my worldview: Received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Worked 5 years in the insurance industry. Sailed 2 years in the U.S. Navy as a Radarman / Operations Specialist. Became a Vietnam veteran.

PRIESTHOOD:

Ordained in 1984; theological studies: 2 years in USA, 2 years in Rome. Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.)  2 years in Vicariate Apostolic San José del Amazonas (Peru); 1 year Connecticut; 2 years near Lima, 6 years near Caracas. U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps: 13 active years: including – Okinawa; USS ENTERPRISE, not a starship, rather an aircraft carrier; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Iceland; Virginia; San Diego, Naval Hospital; Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands et cetera. Emeritus USA-MSA Provincial Animator (Superior) “Pastoral” Pasture

“After a dangerous voyage, at last I am in sight of the port I have been trying to get to for so long. I shall now be able to enjoy my God … and I shall be freed from a heavy load which I just can’t bear.” – Saint Louis of Anjou, on his deathbed

[Cited in THE MERCY OCEAN.]

The Power of Humor

by Fr. Eugene Azorji

TESTIMONIALS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rev. Eugene Azorji is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Ahiara in Nigeria currently on a mission in the Diocese of Dallas, Texas. He was the pioneer rector of Seat of Wisdom major seminary Ariam in Umuahia diocese. He is currently the resident spiritual director at Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He has a doctorate in Dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome and a master’s in education from St John’s University New York. He was ordained a priest in 1980 and has served as a formator, teacher, and spiritual director for over thirty years.  He is the author of Why do Priests and Religious Die Young. The Voices We Hear Daily, Eritis Mihi Testes, and The Power of Humor are the latest of his publications.

How Saints Change

Kristina R. Olsen, Ph.D., OCDS

Paperback $9.99 | Kindle $9.99

Testimonials

“I found this book to be insightful and the stories relatable. I especially liked the ‘How they felt’ sections. I can see myself referring back to your book for reflection.” – Claire Gore, 2025 graduate and academic award recipient from the MA in Theology program at Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell, CT

“An inspiring exploration of faith, How Saints Change reveals the transformative journeys of saints, offering timeless lessons to deepen your spiritual life and trust in God.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

About the Author

Dr. Kristina Olsen has a Ph.D. in Theology/Spirituality from Catholic University of America, a D.B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and an M.S. in Computer Science from Northwestern University. She also has certifications in Project Management (PMP) and Change Management (PCP). She is retired from Bell Laboratories, where she was a Member of the Technical Staff. Currently she serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, CT. She is a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS).

OTHER CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY BOOKS

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Revisited

by Fr. Ray Introvigne, M.Div., and William Ayles, D.D.

ACTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an ACTS Retreat?

An ACTS retreat is a three-day, three-night Catholic lay retreat presented by fellow parishioners. The retreat begins on a Thursday evening as retreatants gather at the Sponsoring Parish for a short send-off ceremony. They are then transported to the retreat facility for the rest of the weekend. The retreat ends Sunday as the retreatants return to the Sponsoring Parish for a welcome Mass celebrated with the parish community followed by a simple reception. Activities during the retreat focus on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service, from which the ACTS acronym is derived. Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are the guides for the retreats. Retreats for men, retreats for women and retreats for teens are given separately. The retreat takes on the traditions and atmosphere of the sponsoring parish community. The retreat facilitates the attainment of a new or deeper relationship with the Lord through: Adoration – the call by, acceptance of, and response to God; Community – the love and caring of each other; Theology – the study of God through scripture and the Catholic Faith, and Service – to God and his people. Each retreat is conducted by a retreat “team” of 20-30 individuals who have attended prior ACTS retreats. Chosen by the Retreat Director, the team organizes the retreat, conducts the retreat activities, and ministers to the needs of the retreatants during the weekend. Total attendance is limited by the size of the retreat facility, but the retreat will usually not exceed 70 people. With a retreat team of 20-30, the retreatants would then number 40-50.

What is the purpose of the ACTS retreat?

An ACTS weekend is designed to help the retreatants enter into a new or deeper relationship with our Lord and fellow parishioners. This is accomplished through Adoration and daily prayer, the call to Community in one’s parish as a member of the Body of Christ, and Theology in encouraging the study of scripture and our Catholic Faith. These all emphasize and encourage the virtue of Service to our Lord, our parish, and one another. The weekend allows the retreatants to experience God’s love and joy. They return to their parish with a deeper love for each other and a desire to become more involved in their parish faith community.

Why conduct an ACTS retreat?

The weekend is a powerful and enduring personal conversion experience. Activities focus on Adoration, the need for prayer and meditation on the word of God, Community, the importance of community built on faith and love, Theology, the need to read and understand scripture and our Catholic Faith, and Service, the need to answer Christ’s call to servant hood. These activities give retreatants a better understanding of the significance and importance of prayer, liturgy, the sacraments, scripture, community, and service. Retreatants are also given guidance to help them in their faith journey. The ACTS weekend brings the retreatants to a better understanding of God’s love for them and also develops their need to share that love with others through their involvement in a faith-centered parish community. It is a powerful community building experience. The retreat emphasizes our call to service, service to the parish community and to our world community. There results a new or renewed dedication to the life of the parish community and a new recognition of the needs of those around us and of our obligation, as followers of Christ, to help meet those needs.

TESTIMONIALS

“As a lifelong Catholic, I found this book intriguing. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Revisited piqued my interest into a deeper, more fulfilling personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. Father Ray presents his information in a straightforward and approachable manner – one I’d like to investigate further.” – Rita M. Reali, prolife Catholic author of the Sheldon Family Saga novels

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER SPIRITUALITY BOOKS

Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society

authored by Paul Likoudis and edited by Andrew Likoudis

Paul Likoudis examines the lives of over sixty saints, drawing lessons on their contributions to Christian civilization and personal holiness. Likoudis highlights how these figures shaped history, combining spiritual devotion with societal transformation. Saints such as St. Joseph, St. Augustine, and St. Ambrose are depicted as exemplars of virtue, addressing challenges from heresies to societal decay with unwavering faith. Likoudis weaves their stories into the larger narrative of Church history, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary struggles.

The book underscores the universal call to holiness, as articulated in Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, stressing that sainthood is achievable for all, regardless of one’s state in life. Saints emerge not only as historical figures but as models of how faith can transform personal lives and broader society. The text bridges the past and present, showing the saints’ relevance to modern times, offering inspiration for believers to contribute to building a Christian society.

Likoudis’ work is part hagiography, part historical commentary, and part devotional guide. By contextualizing the saints within their times, he provides a compelling roadmap for spiritual growth and societal engagement. The book appeals to those seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Christian faith throughout history.

Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“As a lover of the lives of the saints, who has written several books about them myself, I am delighted with this one. Likoudis manages to relate the most long-ago saints to the problems of our own times. A great read.” – Ronda Chervin, PhD, Emerita Professor of Philosophy, EWTN presenter, author of many Catholic books

“Here are the saints in context. Likoudis engages the work of great historians like Henri Daniel-Rops and Christopher Dawson to help his readers understand just what was going on in the wider society around these holy men and women. Seeing these saints against their worldly backdrop allows them to shine all the brighter and inspire us today all the more.” – Joseph T. Stuart, PhD, Professor of History and Fellow in Catholic Studies, University of Mary

“I enjoyed reading Paul Likoudis’ book on the saints when he first published it, and I’m grateful to see it published anew, because of the edifying portraits Paul provides of some of the Church’s greatest saints. As a holy priest once said: ‘The reason the saints are so ignored is because they are evidence that it is all true.’ In other words, the saints inconveniently testify through their lives to God’s reality and the Catholic Church’s divine foundation and sustenance, that remarkable holiness is not simply possible but desirable, and that we will all have to render a personal account to our Creator one day (see Matt. 18:1-4; 16:24-26).”  – Thomas J. Nash, Contributing Apologist, Catholic Answers, and author, To Whom Shall We Go?: The Biblical Case for the Catholic Church

“The late Paul Likoudis was an exemplary Catholic journalist and writer. His keen insight into Church politics was impressive, as was his knowledge of Church history. He documented so much during his earthly pilgrimage. Now in its third edition, Paul’s book Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society is well-written, interesting and edifying. Highly recommended reading for Catholics and non-Catholics!” – Matt C. Abott, Catholic Journalist

“Likoudis is not giving us a dead history of past saints but a living road map to our future sainthood. Additionally, he gives us an understanding of how the spiritual giants shaped Catholic civilization, something we all need schooling in during our present day of social upheaval. Most importantly, by reading the highlights of his hand-picked saints, we take to heart his view that each person’s call to holiness is ‘perfectly normal and admirable.’” – Bradley Eli, MDiv, MTh, Senior Producer, St. Michael’s Media

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE EDITOR

OTHER SPIRITUALITY BOOKS