Ignatian Rosary: A Jesuit Way to Pray a Dominican Devotion

Jesuits and Dominicans have often been pitted against each other, not only in jokes but also in history, yet these two great traditions need not always be in conflict.

Ignatian Rosary: A Jesuit Way to Pray a Dominican Devotion is a new 64-page deluxe pamphlet from Liguori Publications. Author Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo, OP, finds common ground by combining the Ignatian method of contemplation with the daily praying of the rosary.

“For some, the rosary can be a prayer that is merely recited or said. Others move onward by reflecting or meditating on the mysteries as a form of mental prayer,” Ocampo says. “This humble suggestion endeavors to make the rosary more truly a prayer of the heart also, as it ought to be.”

With the new booklet as a guide to using Ignatian contemplation and immersing oneself in the praying of the rosary, a greater depth of spirituality is discovered and the exercise becomes a mini-retreat.

“Instead of just reciting or saying the rosary like we are accustomed to do, or reflecting and meditating on the mysteries, we will do our best to apply the Ignatian technique of imaginative contemplation and strive to experience the mysteries of the day,” Ocampo says. “We will let the story unfold, guided by the points provided and our stock knowledge of the biblical narratives. Little by little, we will learn to employ each and all of the different senses of our soul: our spiritual sight, hearing, touch, and even smell and taste.”

The 2021 release of his new publication coincides with the celebration of important jubilees for both orders: the 500th anniversary of the conversion of Ignatius and the 400th anniversary of his canonization, as well as the 800th anniversary of the dies natalis or birth of Dominic to eternal life.

“My deep and heartfelt gratitude goes to my Jesuit mentors in San José Seminary, Loyola School of Theology and Ateneo de Manila University, as well as to my Dominican family in the Sanctus Dominicus Lay Dominican Fraternity and the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila,” Ocampo says. “Being a son of these two great spiritual traditions is a rare gift for which I will always be thankful to the Lord.”

Scheduled for delivery in mid-July, Ignatian Rosary: A Jesuit Way to Pray a Domincan Devotion is a 4.125 x 5.875-inch paperback for $2.99. It is part of Liguori Publications’ deluxe pamphlet series for parishes, so discounts on bulk quantities are available.

About Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo, OP

Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo , OP, holds a master’s degree in Theological Studies and his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He has taught Christian Life Education working with youth volunteers, indigenous peoples and municipal leaders while undergoing formation in San José Major Seminary. Ocampo is a faculty member and research associate at the Center for Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomás in Manila, Philippines, where he is also completing doctoral studies in Theology. He is a lay Dominican of the Sanctus Dominicus Lay Dominican Fraternity.