Customer Reviews

Mary: Mirror of the Church

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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.

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.

"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!

This book is useful for those Catholics and other Christians that somewhat understand devotion to Mary, and also for those for whom Mary is a stumbling block. The ecumenical thrust of this book is one of its great benefits. Fr. Cantalamessa goes to great lengths to provide scripture and theological explanations for such beliefs as Mary's role as Theotokos, for her intercession, and more generally for the relationship which each Christian ought to have with her. In addition to reflecting directly on Mary, Fr. Cantalamessa uses these reflections as diving off points for reflecting on other theological themes, such as grace, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. A beautiful and rich portrait emerges from these pages, of a soul filled with the Holy Spirit, and serving as an example and aid for others.

as i said in other item, it will be nice if the shipping is faster, thank you