Mary, Mirror of the Church Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap.; Frances Lonergan Villa, Translator Mary is a great gift and example to all Christians because in her God's Word was written and by her it was accepted and its grace manifested. In this she is, as the title indicates, a mirror of the Church, the people of God. She reflects what we are called to be. While this work cannot help but discuss aspects of Mariology, it is not so much a study as it is a pilgrimage. Reflecting on and following Mary's example, as Father Cantalamessa presents it here, we enter into a pilgrimage of listening and obedience to God's Word.
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Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian
Original Language: Italian
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Traditional, Ecumenical Understanding of Mary,
This review is from: Mary: Mirror of the Church (Paperback)
Fr. Cantalamessa's book on Mary is unique in that he does not treat Catholic teaching on Mary defensively, as something to be protected from Protestant objections, but rather shows how Mary can be a symbol of unity, a common model of the Christian life for all Christians. And he manages to do this while explaining an orthodox, Catholic understanding of Mary's role in the Church.
The book is divided into three sections, examining Mary's role in Jesus' birth, in His death and resurrection, and lastly her role in Pentecost and the continuing life of the Church. Fr. Cantalamessa makes strong use of Scripture in laying out Catholic doctrine and dogma on Mary, giving the reader a good understanding of the Gospel's context for what we know of her, and thus providing a good bridge for Protestants who would distrust Catholic tradition and the writings of the saints. Also of particular interest is Cantalamessa's synthesis of homilies and writings by prominent Reformers like Luther, Calvin and Zwingli. To round out the ecumenical appeal, the book has several beautiful color photos of some Marian icons, which Fr. Cantalamessa has said greatly increased his understanding of Mary's life and relationship with her son. Combined with citations of the Eastern Fathers to demonstrate the historical roots of doctrines like the Immaculate Conception (or "panagia", "all holy", in Greek), provides a window into the Eastern Church's perspective on Mary. Fr. Cantalamessa obviously has a great devotion to Mary, but it is tempered with a recognition that the greatest purpose of contemplating Mary is so that we can imitate her as the model follower of her son, Jesus. He also acknowledges that there is no one single "right" devotion towards Mary, as it varies according to each individual's spiritual path, and this moderation goes far to help ease those who fear that being a good Catholic necessitates some undue, if not idolatrous, devotion towards the Blessed Virigin. His writing is well-organized and accessible, and is suffused with a spirit of fraternity and charity towards all Christians. This is an ideal introduction to Mariology.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful reflection of God's Word,
By Suzanne Temple (Ypsilanti, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Mary: Mirror of the Church (Paperback)
This is the most beautiful book on Mary that I have yet encountered. There are so many gems of truth contained in this work that, once completed, the reader is left with an abundance of material to begin imitation of Mary who "Kept all these things in her heart." In addition, this book is a wonderful presentation of the Blessed Virgin to our protestant bretheren. The author believes that the time has come for Mary to be a source of unity among Christians and no longer a cause of division. This book makes great strides toward that end.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mary : Undivided Grace,
By Petrarch "Deus Caritas Est" (Norh Dakota) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Mary: Mirror of the Church (Paperback)
"In contemplating Mary, we can once again discover the synthesis and unity of faith. She is the icon of undivided grace, grace that is still whole (p.28)"
Having the privilege of counting a Franciscan community in my hometown as friends and seeing their great devotion to Mary led me to this book. This marvelous little book has greatly increased my understanding and devotion to Mary. Deo gratias!
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
God's living letter, Mary, begins with the word "grace," a word so meaningful as to enclose in itself, like a seed, Mary's whole life. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
spiritual maternity, divine maternity, paschal mystery, behold your son Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Mother of God, New Testament, Vatican Council, Old Testament, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Johannine Pentecost, Acts of the Apostles, Fourth Gospel, Against the Heresies, Council of Ephesus, Francis of Assisi, God the Father, John of the Cross, John's Gospel, Luke's Gospel, Cyril of Alexandria, Son of God, Angela of Foligno, Gospel of John, Catholic Church, Dei Verbum, Gospel of Luke, Miscellanea Agostiniana, Teresa of Avila New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
God's living letter, Mary, begins with the word "grace," a word so meaningful as to enclose in itself, like a seed, Mary's whole life. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
spiritual maternity, divine maternity, paschal mystery, behold your son Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Mother of God, New Testament, Vatican Council, Old Testament, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Johannine Pentecost, Acts of the Apostles, Fourth Gospel, Against the Heresies, Council of Ephesus, Francis of Assisi, God the Father, John of the Cross, John's Gospel, Luke's Gospel, Cyril of Alexandria, Son of God, Angela of Foligno, Gospel of John, Catholic Church, Dei Verbum, Gospel of Luke, Miscellanea Agostiniana, Teresa of Avila New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 28
books:
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6
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- The Fathers of the Church: Saint Augustine - Four Anti-Pelagian Writings by St. Augustine on page 40, page 179, and page 187
- Against the Heresies by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre on page 54, page 75, and page 139
- Ascent of Mount Carmel (Christian Classics, 20) by John of the Cross on page 93, and page 199
- Ascent Of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross on page 93, and page 199
- On the Flesh of Christ by Tertullian on page 74, and page 75
See all 28 books this book cites
- After the Spirit (Radical Traditions) by Rogers on page 104, and Back Matter
- Being Catholic: Believing, Living, Praying by Michael Pennock on page 158
- The Seeker's Guide to Mary (Seeker's Series) by Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda in Back Matter
- Our Catholic Faith: Living What We Believe - Teachers Guide in Back Matter
- Your Life in Christ: Foundations of Catholic Morality : Teacher's Manual on page 22
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