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Helen Howell at the keys...the piano keys.


Helen Howell, an avid piano player, 
performed at an anniversary party for Father Frederick Schell. 
At the time of this recording, she was likely 84 years old. (1987)

 

The Story Behind "The Secret of the Rosary"

"The Secret of the Rosary" is one of Catholicism's most cherished books, but its remarkable history is not widely known. I am excited to share the story behind this beloved spiritual classic.

In the mid-1960s, my grandmother, Helen Howell, a convert to the Catholic Faith, and her son, J. Bruce Howell, affectionately called Uncle Bud, discovered the 1954 hardcover edition of "The Secret of the Rosary" published by the Montfort Fathers. Moved by the book’s powerful message and deep devotion to the Rosary, they were inspired to make it more accessible and affordable, hoping to spread St. Louis de Montfort's teachings and honor Our Lady of Fatima's requests.

As the owner of Christ and Country Books, a small Catholic publishing company in Rockford, Illinois, Uncle Bud decided to publish "The Secret of the Rosary" in paperback. Thousands of copies were printed and stored in Grandma’s basement before being distributed. The now-iconic cover image of Our Lady of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary was discovered by Uncle Bud at a rummage sale at St. Thomas School in Rockford. Both he and Grandma, with their deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under this title, knew it was the perfect choice.

Between 1965 and 1969, five editions of the paperback were printed. My grandmother, Helen, who was friends with Thomas A. Nelson, the founder of TAN Publishers, passed the torch to him in October 1970. TAN Publishers released the sixth edition, retaining the same beautiful image of the Blessed Mother on the cover. Since then, "The Secret of the Rosary" has gone on to over 30 printings and has sold more than 5.3 million copies worldwide.

May Grandma Helen and Uncle Bud now rest in the peace of Heaven, enjoying the fruits of their labor of love for Our Lady. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

         Helen & J. Bruce Howell, Mother & Son

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HELEN HOWELL'S FAVORITE READS


BLACK ADVENT - 1964 by H. Howell

Dear Family,

I have never spent such a black Advent before; felt as though I died that First Sunday of Advent when officially the Mass was changed. We’re past the point of no return and I tremble for the future chaos that could happen to our Holy Faith. Never thought it would go this far. The attached copies of letters were sent to several priests with a copy to our Pope with Christmas cards. 


The Wanderer has mentioned our Holy Father (Pope Paul VI) was seen weeping at the dissension in the Church and the verbal attacks made against him by the liberal element. My Advent has been spent doing all I can to win souls for Christ by prayer, sacrifice and daily Masses, the best Christmas we can give Him; I’m so aware to that our Mass could become obscured altogether and I want to take advantage of the privilege as long as possible. 


We must do more and inspire others too; the situation is serious but God can do nothing for us until we heed His Mothers wishes. Never before has  it become so important to root yourself deeply in the Faith, a building of a Kingdom of God within. . Pray, pray much, especially the family Rosary for world peace. 


Love,