Thank you for the recent rosary edition of the Register (Dec. 29-Jan. 4). It is the best resource I have found so far to show me how to put into practice our Holy Father's suggestions for praying the rosary and the new mysteries.

Would you please tell me how I can obtain 20 copies of this edition? I teach an introductory theology course at a local Catholic university and plan to devote one class to prayer and spirituality, focusing on the rosary and the Pope's recent letter. I would love to be able to give my students something to read and keep that will (hopefully) inspire them to pray the rosary on their own.

WENDY LAURENTO

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Thank you for the superb articles on the rosary in your special edition after Christmas. I grew up with my parents and nine siblings praying the rosary together on a regular basis. And my wife and six children have continued with this most special devotion. The many graces that have flowed from this Marian prayer are countless.

However, I was dismayed by Mr. Tim Drake's commentary, “The Prayer of Jabez vs. the Prayer of Elizabeth.” I was unaware that Catholics and evangelical Protestants were in a competition regarding their personal prayer lives. And I've always had an innate suspicion that arrogance is at work when one promotes a good cause at the expense of putting others down.

I must admit I have never read Bruce Wilkinson's Prayer of Jabez. But I know many Catholics and Protestants who have, most having very favorable impressions. Like the rosary, this prayer can be abused to seek “riches” and selfish personal gain. I know one Protestant middle-aged couple who began to pray the Prayer of Jabez from the sincere desire to be used more by God. Within a few weeks, these “empty nesters” took in six children — two relatives from an abuse situation and four neighborhood children from a young widow who had a nervous breakdown. All six children would have ended up in state custody without this couple's intervention.

The Holy Father has asked that the holy rosary be used to promote ecumenism. Speaking as one who has worked diligently for over 30 years to promote ecumenism, I say: Let's do so in a dialogue of mutual love and respect as the Holy Father has taught, not with a witty “put down” or relying on tabloid headlines to tell us the truth about our Protestant brothers and sisters.

DAN ALMETER

Augusta, Georgia

I am a Protestant who is journeying toward the Catholic faith. I subscribe and look forward to the Register each week. I was so happy to see your special issue on the rosary! The rosary was always a mystery to me. I have tried different times to find a comprehensive guide to begin this discipline in my life. Your rosary issue has been such a blessing.

As soon as I saw this wonderful resource, I thought that this issue will be in shreds by the time I am done going back and forth, gleaning what I can. Have you thought of providing your guide in a booklet form?

CARLWHITE

DuBois, Pennsylvania

Editor's note: Thank you to all the readers who have sent in their compliments on the rosary edition. In response to the thousands of requests we have received, we will make available reprints of the rosary edition of the Register for $3 a copy to offset printing costs. Eventually, we hope to make a booklet version available.

Place orders for the rosary issue by calling (800)-356-9916.