"A labor of love by an Italian priest and strong promoter of Marian devotion, this book intended
for a popular audience offers thirty-one brief meditations on Mary geared for each day of the month.
Most of the reflections take their inspiration from biblical passages applicable to Mary, but
in some instances Amorth moves out into more traditional and speculative Marian devotional
theology." --Donald Senior, C.P. in The Bible
Today, January/February 2000
"'Mary..., the Mother of Fairest Love, will be for Christians on the way to the Great Jubilee
of the Third Millennium the Star which safely guides their steps to the Lord. May the unassuming
Young Woman of Nazareth, who two thousand years ago offered to the world the Incarnate Word, lead
the men and women of the new millennium towards the One who is "the true light that enlightens
every man" (Jn 1:9)' (Tertio Millennio Adveniente, n. 59). This fine book of 31 reflections, covering all the evangelical events in the life of the
Virgin Mother, couldn't have come at a better time for those of us who recognize the wisdom in
that exhortation. It's set up to help us spend one month with Mary, but we may well find ourselves
returning to it month after month. Pauline Father Gabriel Amorth, well-known contemporary Scripture
scholar, exorcist, canon lawyer, mariologist, editor and author, was asked to write something
"brief and simple" for ordinary people. He responded by penning Mary's story with classic brevity
and simplicity. He sets us on our road through the new and unpredictable terrain of Y2K with the
angel Gabriel's refrain "Do not be afraid" ringing in our ears -- and Mary's faith welling in our
hearts. Father Amorth turns to the living tradition of the Church as he ponders the mysteries in
Mary's life. He explains the doctrinal basis behind the Marian dogmas in order to enlighten us on
the meanings of her liturgical feasts and popular devotions. Each chapter closes with two
paragraphs: "About Mary" and "About us" -- a suggestion and a challenge. The Holy Father,
entrusting the men and women of the new millennium to Mary, has hailed her as a "star." Just like
the bright sign that guided three wise men to a stable in Bethlehem two millennia ago, she steers
our steps firmly, yet gently, to the heart of her son. Think of this book as a helpful travel
guide for the journey." --Sister Mary Thomas Noble, O.P. in the
National Catholic Register, January 30 - February 5, 2000
"A month's retreat with Mary: Interesting new book from Mariologist Fr. Gabriel Amorth,
SSP, aims to explore Marian relaities in brief texts and popular language. Title: The Gospel
of Mary (A Month with the Mother of God), keeping to the theme drawn by Pope John Paul II --
Mary, the "Star" guiding Christians to Jesus, the "true light" for the millennium ahead and all
time to come. Format: 31 "days" of exploring Mary in Scripture and Church teaching --
while bringing in any valid insights from ancient texts that may be helpful in filling in gaps
that will always be a mystery ("The Gospels are... historical-salvific books" vs. biographies).
Covers themes of Mary as the "New Woman" through Mary as Mother of the Church."
--Crux of the News, December 6, 1999
"Marian scholar Gabriel Amorth has provided readers in The Gospel of Mary a scholarly
work in content and style, yet, at the same time, a book written for everyday meditation and
spiritual reading. Amorth's book takes readers on a one month day-by-day journey that moves from
the birth of Mary to her glorification as celebrated in her Assumption into heaven. After
reviewing basic Church teaching on Mary, including her title of Theotokos, perpetual virginity,
and Immaculate Conception, the book proceeds in a historical chronology to describe the life of
Mary of Nazareth. Amorth effectively uses canonical Scripture, especially the infancy narratives
of Luke and Matthew, to provide prayerful and reflective meditation on Mary's life, reviewing
especially her seven dolors or sorrows. This outstanding book also uses many apocryphal sources,
such as the protogospel of St. James, to describe such events as the birth of Mary, the death
of Joseph, and providing possible scenarios for the so-called hidden life of Jesus as a youth and
young man in Nazareth. The book effectively uses historical context, such as descriptions of
Jewish customs of the day and the importance of a name for the Hebrews, to help explain events
such as Mary's purification. Father Amorth effectively describes Mary's central role in each of
his thirty-one meditations. He uses reflections on Mary as Mother of God, the Immaculate Heart,
the Rosary, and Mary as mediatrix to demonstrate her gratitude to God for the many privileges of
her life. This outstanding volume, being both informative and meditative, provides challenges
for readers on all levels. Reflections at the close of each chapter assist the reader to ponder
the role of Mary and oneself in the particular theme of the meditation. This book is an excellent
resource for Mariology, history, and Church tradition. The volume would make a great resource
for spiritual reading at any time, but especially in the months of May and/or October."
--Richard Gribble, CSC, Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame
in Pastoral Life, May 2000
Top of Page
|
