Marian Monday Vol IV

So, I teased yesterday about writing on the Wedding of Cana with today's post, but I really am not. Not this week anyways. LOL.

I have to agree with what a few bloggers have shared in the past weeks: It can be a challenge to say something "profound" about Our Lady when others (aka Saints) have done it before us . I certainly hope that no one feels obligated to appear like a great Marian theologian or philosopher. However, that is awesome if you certainly have that gift! But this link-up is just a small way to use the social media to honor the Blessed Mother. Nothing new or big required. :-)

On that note, I wanted to share the beautiful gift that others have set before us by their words and example and share a few of my favorite books on Mary (I was not paid to 'review' these. I am just simply sharing.):

Imitation of Mary by Thomas A Kempis: I am currently going through this little book. Like the Imitation of Christ, it is more of a daily devotion. It is comprised of writings and prayers of Our Lady on how to imitate Christ by imitating Mary. And just like the Imitation of Christ, the reading is profound and thought-provoking. I find myself have to stop and "let something soak in" quite often.

Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother: This is more of a booklet and obviously, another devotional. For me personally, this is one of the most striking Marian devotions. There is something about her sorrow that draws me. If you are looking for possibly a new devotion for Lent, this is a good one. "This booklet explains many things about Our Lady's Sorrows that most Catholics have never even thought about. Drawing on Sacred Scripture and holy traditions derived from the lives and sayings of the Saints, this booklet outlines the Four Special Favors promised to those devoted to the Sorrows of Mary. Plus, it lists the Seven Tears and Dolors. Also included are many prayers to the Sorrowful Mother, such as the Stabat Mater, the Litany of the Sorrowful Mother, and seven beautiful prayers to be said while meditating on the Seven Sorrows."

The Secret of the Rosary by Saint Louis de Montfort: This was an easier book for me to "zip through". Unfortunately, I read it years ago so I do not remember too much about it except that St. Louis de Montfort brings the reader to think about the Rosary in more profound ways. I should probably re-read it, but you know you can never go wrong with Saint Louis de Montfort and His writings and prayers on Mary. 

The Virgin Mary and the Theology of the Body by Fr. Donold Colloway, MIC: If you are looking for a more theology-like writing, Fr. Colloway does a good job with this book. I came across this book during my internship at the Theology of the Body Institute. I feel like in order to get a better grasp of the theology of the body, one must understand how Our Lady play an important role.  "As the Mother of God, Mary provided Jesus with His body, a body that would be offered on the cross for our redemption. She bore witness to His bodily resurrection and ascension, and she herself was assumed bodily into heaven. Through an understanding of Mary’s role in salvation history, we are able to see more clearly our personal roles in the Christian life" (2).

Apostolate of Holy Motherhood: I actually read this book way before I became a mother. It's not exactly an easy book to come by because it is "not for resale", but I imagine in order to acquire the book, sometimes one must buy the book. I've seen random Catholic bookstores selling i6A friend gave me this particular book. It is comprised of private visions from Mary and the Christ child to an anonymous woman referred to as Mariamante,   The visions aim for the restoration and sanctification of the vocation of holy motherhood and have received the Imprimatur from the Church.   As with any private revelations, there is nothing in them that is contrary to the teachings of the church but you are not obliged to believe them. I remember this book having a lasting effect on me and my "ideals" of the vocation of motherhood.