Mary has often accompanied the life and spirituality of Christian saints in both the Western and Eastern churches. In this compilation you'll discover a rich spirituality of the Mother of God which will challenge, inform, and strengthen the reader. Mary has always inspired individuals, families, and nations. Even in a secular era like ours, she is a reference point for many. Indeed, in recent times the understanding of Mary has been “updated” to emphasize not only her extraordinary sanctity, but her as a member with us in the People of God and as a model of the Church. Mary: Her Identity, Our Identity contains a collection of texts on Mary as contemplated by Chiara Lubich. What Chiara told a group of young people sums up who Mary was for her, and who she can be for us: “My vocation, which is also yours, more than speaking with Mary… is to live Mary, to be her, to do as she did, and, above all, that she should re-live in us.”

Throughout the history of Christianity, Mary has been a beacon of hope to many who look to her. While Christians have always prayed to Mary, they have also sung to her in times of joy and sorrow. Sing of Mary analyzes Marian hymnody throughout Christianity—and particularly in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States from 1854 to today—focusing not only on the texts and music but also on the contexts out of which these hymns came. By using a holistic methodology—drawing from anthropology, history, liturgy, musicology, psychology, sociology, and theology—this study takes an interdisciplinary approach toward studying Marian theology and devotion through the lens of hymnody. This volume, accessible to both laypeople and academics, provides readers with a clear and full understanding of Marian hymnody by looking at many examples throughout the history of Christianity up through the present, thus shedding light on the history of Marian devotion and theology. The work concludes by providing hope for the future of Marian congregational song, particularly by exploring how the Magnificat can help Marian congregational song be meaningful to a wide range of Christians.

Uncover the truth behind this historical figure with this no-nonsense book. Are you tired of vague explanations and misleading information? Do you want to understand the Virgin Mary's significance without the bias of cultural Marxism? In this hands-on guide, you'll learn: - The real story of the Virgin Mary that the mainstream media doesn't want you to know - How to debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding her life and legacy - The significance of the Virgin Mary in the context of history, religion, and culture - How to address the Virgin Mary in a balanced and unapologetic manner, without the influence of mainstream dogma Don't let misinformation cloud your understanding any longer. If you want to master your knowledge of the Virgin Mary and gain a fresh perspective, buy this book today.

With his feet planted firmly in the evangelical tradition, Tim Perry began to think that there must be more to Mary than generally meets the evangelical eye. Should we maintain that two thousand years of Christian thought on Mary is almost wholly wrong? How could the mother of our Lord, simply by virtue of the fact that she was God's chosen means of the incarnation, not deserve more serious theological reflection? And where might this lead? Beginning with Scripture, Perry probes the texts and traces the lengthy development of Christian thinking and practice related to Mary. Finally he concludes with a constructive and even surprising theological proposal for an evangelical Mariology that is rooted in, and demanded by, a high Christology. This book addresses the increasing evangelical interest in Mary and contributes to the current discussion of Mariology in evangelical-Roman Catholic dialogue. Sure to be discussed and debated, this is a book that will leave readers in a different place from where they began. Market/Audience Students and professors of theology Pastors Catholic readers Endorsements "From the fathers to the feminists, Tim Perry surveys the history of Marian traditions and comes to some conclusions that are bound to prod and provoke. . . .This is an important study that deserves serious consideration." Timothy George, dean, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, and executive editor, Christianity Today Features and Benefits Examines what we know of Mary from the New Testament. Explores the development of Mariology in the patristic period. Surveys Mariology in medieval and Reformation periods and on into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Offers a constructive theological proposal for an evangelical understanding of Mary, rooted in Christology.

When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden? Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her "God's blessing." But now that she's gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary's hands. As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can't see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need. Will Daniel come to grips with God's plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?

Saint Faustina warned parents that praying for their children is not enough. That's why so many conscientious parents take the further step of consecrating their children to Jesus through Mary, thereby defending them from evil and paving their way to Heaven. This book walks you through the simple process of doing just that. Its informed pages give you detailed instructions to help you lead your family (ages seven and up) through each of the 33 mini-retreat days recommended by Saint Louis de Montfort, the beloved eighteenth-century priest and confessor who tirelessly preached that Jesus is not known well enough because Mary is not known well enough. Adapted for the often less-than-ideal prayer circumstances of families — particularly those with young children — these 33 brief, stress-free daily spiritual exercises and family activities bring adults and children greater kno

Mary was a perfect model of obedience, faith, and courage for her Son, Jesus, and today we continue to be inspired by her virtues and remain wrapped in her loving embrace. In addition to telling the stirring story of Mary's life, author Lisa Haddock has assembled a magnificent collection of traditional and contemporary prayers of Marian devotion that will help you bring Mary closer to you in your everyday life. This beautiful kit helps you celebrate the Virgin Mary's life every day and show you, through text and prayer, how this remarkable woman has transcended religious and cultural boundaries to inspire generations of people all over the world.

In the twenty-first century, there are few books written as firsthand accounts of the experience of complete abandonment to God. God has brought forward mystics in the past two thousand years of Christianity, individuals totally devoted to him, and the message of divine love and mercy. He has this message for us today. Gods messages come with warning. Warnings remind us that heaven and hell are realthat sin offends and wounds the heart of God. St. Julie Ann, as God calls her, has been a vessel of the Lord since she had her first vision of Jesus Christ in 2006. No words were exchanged. She walked down a hallway and knelt and kissed his feet. Then she had a near-death experience in 2012. God returned her to life after a surgery gone wrong. This was the beginning of her great adventure and passionate love affair with her Lord. Like so many of the chosen ones of God, St. Julie Ann is honest and uncomplicated. She records her experiences in her own words, without theological training. She lives a consecrated life outside of a religious community and struggles to support herself and her children and grandchildren, working three jobs and sacrificing for her family as much of the world does today. Although Bella Louise conveys St. Julie Anns experiences from her daily lessons, visions, and experiences with Jesus Christ and his mother, Mary, the idea of Christ is with us, and Mary within us is a basic belief of Christianity and Catholicism. You will be reminded that the words of love and devotion spoken by Jesus to Julie Ann are words he speaks to all of us. We all could live this great romance! In a world without kindness, Julie Anns teaching from Mother Mary, her words of compassion, and care for the children of the world reminds us that we are always embraced by her maternal heart. By writing this honest and true account, Bella Louise Allen provides you with a compelling portrait of what it means to live with total abandonment to God while struggling to live at the same time in the everyday world.