"The Road to Guadalupe" is a heart-warming and healing treasure. Author Eryk Hanut weaves the timeless tale of the enormously revered Virgin of Guadalupe with his experiences as a modern day pilgrim in Mexico City. The fragile, poignant and miraculous story of the Mother's appearance to an illiterate peasant runs counterpoint to Hanut's dusty, wise and scintillating account of the host of eccentric characters, from charlatans to diamonds in the rough, that surround her shrine. It is this mixture of earthy and Divine that makes the book so utterly unique and delicious.

I marveled at Hanut's use of English (not his first language) in "I Wish You Love", the story of his relationship with Marlene Deitrich. In both books, he delights the reader with stunning metaphors. Although "The Road to Guadalupe" is a narrative, the author's disarming observations as poet and photographer dominate the vivid writing style, leaving his audience breathless and eager to turn the page in search for more of his jewels. His lazer sharp sketches of unforgettable characters will blaze in your memory, long after the book is reluctantly closed.

At last. At last a book that is what it claims to be. At last an author whose congruency shines in every word and between every word. At last a HUMAN journey for, with, and in search of the divine. No detail is missed, no simple solution or candy-coated solace is sought, no doubt is shirked, no one and nothing is spared his scathing scrutiny and wit. This is it. This is Mexico. This is the journey of the thoughtful and the faithful. It is all seen and told with an acute sensitivity, a true and wicked sense of humor, a brilliantly refined and down-to-earth sensibility, and with a rare congruency that includes the reader in every emotion, every taste, and every spell on so many levels that it fills your senses and your heart with every word. I believe this writer. I believe his faith. I believe his struggle. I believe he could not have written this story, this way, without being exactly who he is on the pages. This book manages to BE a pilgrimage. It does not describe a journey to the sacred tilma in Mexico city. It IS the journey. Mr. Hanut managed to evoke the place, as if casting one of the spells, he includes from his journey. This book is a magical adventure that does not end. And Mr. Hanut is a practiced and effective guide in the land where story becomes myth, myth becomes religion, and religion becomes daily life in all of its darkness, as well as its light.

This book is just superb! And I mean- SUPERB!!!!!!!!!Poetic,funny, acerbic- and so full of wisdom. I like his style- so irreverent and so deep at the same time. I will reread it often and will give it around.
I strongly recommend it- you got the point, right?
I met Eryk Hanut once- many years ago. I attended an opening for his artwork in Virginia Beach. I was with a friend (who was already sick and has died since)who admired and praised one of Mr. Hanut's Art pieces . She told him so and joked that she couldn't afford it; He left us and came back with the framed photograph that he had just took off the wall- and gave it to my friend. That's the kind of man he is.
Long live authors of his talent and originality!

This beautiful translation of True Devotion by Fr. Frederick Faber belongs in the library of every Catholic who hopes to attain to the blessedness of heaven. In this book, the great St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Monfort teaches us the way to Jesus through Mary. He shows us how to live perfect devotion to Jesus and Mary by giving everything we have to the Mother of God (i.e. consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary).

This book also has a supplement to guide anyone through the consecration to Mary, according to the saint's method. The supplement consists of prayers and spiritual practices that St. Louis de Montfort recommends to prepare for consecrating oneself entirely to Jesus, through Mary. The supplement also contains the Act of Consecration recommended by St. Louis de Montfort and the saint's method of praying the Rosary.

This is a new reprint of the much acclaimed Father Frederick Faber translation which has been out-of-print for several years. True Devotion To Mary by St. Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort (1673-1716) is considered to be the greatest single book on the Blessed Virgin Mary ever written. Seemingly divinely inspired, it is the classic statement on the spiritual way to Jesus Christ through Our Lady. Beloved by countless souls, this books sums up the entire Christian life, showing a way of holiness that is short, easy, secure and perfect - a way of life chosen by Our Lord Himself, as explained here in this book by the "Apostle of Mary." In this beautiful and sublimely inspiring book, St. Louis De Montfort explains the wonderful spiritual effects which True Devotion to Mary brings about in a person's life, leaving the reader with no doubt that this devotion provides the key both to sanctity and to salvation. No Catholic should reach age 20 without having read this book. 215pp. PB. Imprimatur.

No other book on Marian devotion comes close to this one. St. Louis could have been canonized on account of this book alone! (okay, maybe not technically, but the book really is that good). I highly recommend this book for anyone who questions devotion to Mary, especially those who wonder if it 'goes too far.' This book does a perfect job of explaining what is appropriate, what is not, and why. If you only read one book about our Blessed Mother, this one should be it. A+! Thank you St. Louis for sharing with us such divine inspiration!

What a fine collection of stories, strung on an idea but brilliantly distinguished from each other. O'Connell has a great ear -- perfect pitch. I haven't seen a false note there. I hope we'll see more of her stories, soon.

The best debute I've ever read from a new writer. The stories are not only original, but moving, funny entertaining, etc..

If you love a good read of short stories, then this is a must for you.

I was initially ...[pulled] in by the fabulous cover (the Australian hardcover edition) and was even more impressed by these immensely satisfying stories. I was moved to laugh, cry, be surprised, but stilled by the gentleness of the stories. I suppose being raised as a Catholic, and having left that doctrine, has put me in a good position to enjoy the stories. Whilst some may feel shocked by the treatment of the saints I felt that I got to glimpse the humans behind the myths. I was also pleased by the variety of female characters that the author created. They all felt genuine.

If you're looking for intelligent, well-crafted short stories that sparkle with wit then look no further.

First let me say I am neither a reader nor a writer, so this review will be plain spoken and direct. Having said that, be aware that this book has lifted me up and sailed me through my troubling times. I read this book in the waiting room while my mother was having open hear surgery. I read this book to my mother during her recovery. What a blessing this book was for the both of us! I read this book while struggling with the news of sexual abuse of boys in the Catholic Church. Again, this book pulled me through. I am so grateful that I can retreat to this book, in that while reading I can be at peace while experiencing the life of such a wonderful SAINT! This book has and continues to remind me that just because I don't see others around me helping those less fortunate than they or I, that is no excuse for me not to do so. Thank you so very much Mary van Balen Holt for this wonderful book!

What a wonderful and inspiring story. God does indeed call people from all walks of life into service. You are easily drawn into the heart and mission of Saint Katharine Drexel as you read this book by Mary Van Balen Holt. Mary's writing captures the reader and leads them to a deep undestanding of how God called and used this beloved saint to serve Him and His people.

What an interesting and inspiring book! Woven carefully into Katherine Drexel's biographical information are intimate glimpses into her discernment of the direction her life would take. Through her personal writings and correspondance, and rich stories from her family life, we witness her spiritual growth and celebrate with her the crystalization of her unique call. Mary vanBalen Holt has presented us with a truly accessible saint whose circumstances, though likely quite different from our own, provide us with insight into the choices we all must make in discerning and following our individual roads to holiness. Katharine Drexel's story is fascinating. The breadth of her life experiences, the selflessness of sharing her personal fortune, the extent of her impact on the lives of countless poor and oppressed people in the United States, and the depth of her devotion to her God and to his work on earth, is an inspiration to all of us. It is also an affirmation of that little voice we each hear within ourselves.
One life, when lived prayerfully and courageously, can touch countless others. Mary vanBalen Holt's conversational writing style makes this book easy to read and its message easy to take to heart.

I thought this book was wonderfully uplifting. Ms. Connell gave a lot of information on the background of each vision. This book will certainly bring you closing in your search for deeper union with our Blessed Mother.

You will no doubt fall in love deeper with Our lady and pass this treasure amongst others - or that is you should!

What an extraordinary book! After reading, I'ts DEEPENED my Faith in Mary. At the time I was in the middle of reading the book, I was involed in an automobile accident, this book along with my Rosaries were in my briefcase, she pulled me through the ordeal without any horrendous damage.

Her messages should be loud and clear for all who read with an open heart. She TRULY is here for us, and she shows this through the ones whom SHE chooses to appear. I feel, not only does God work in mysterious way, but Mary too.

The author has written a wonderful book about all the appearations of "Mother Mary" in a graceful style of daily meditations. I must highly recommend this book. However, what the author should consider is that Mother Mary is actually Mother God (cf Sylvia Browne's books on Journey of the Soul--also totally excellent), and further she states that "Christians do not believe in reincarnation" which is not exactly correct. Gnostic Christians do believe in reincarnation. Edgar Cayce, being a Southern Baptist and Sunday School teacher did not at first believe in reincarnation, but then after numerous meditations to help the hopelessly ill, he could not ignore the fact that our past lives do affect our health and well being. (Edgar Cayce's books are also excellent on theology and heaven). Reincarnation was edited out of the bible by Constatine/Augustine c. 350 BCE because they felt the illiterate masses could not properly understand such a complex doctrine. From a historical point, early Christians did believe in reincarnation and when the 4 gospels of the New Testament were originally written, the disciples and Jesus himself made numerous clear references to reincarnation. (Syliva Brown has a list of these biblical passages in her Journey of the Soul Series, or you can write me direct for them.)

other than these minor corrections, the book is wholly excellent in that it draws one much closer to Mother God in an extremely religiously correct manner explaining the full beauty, grace, love and mercy of God, and that is the whole point of our existence on earth. there is no doubt that Ms. Connell's books have sold well. Mother God is behind her and Mother God loves and protects fiercly those that come to her.

Although Mother God does not care what she is called, it is still best to understand that Mother Mary is Mother God is Mother Earth is Gaia, Diana, Isis, etc. and all the hundreds of names that people have called this most gracious, full of love apparation throughout the long milleniums of our existence.

She is there, She loves us and She cares.

Read the book, see Her grace and glory

Queen of Angels, Mary's Answers to Universal Questions is a delightful, simple question and answer way to develop useful spiritual savy.The Daily Applications of Mary's answers really work. I particularly like the Meditation on page 177, in reference to the question: "Spiritual Mother, how shall I plan for the future?" - - After Mary's loving response is the following Meditation: "Little children know they can control little. Wise people know they can control nothing." I find special enlightenment each time I read some part of that book.

I was given this book by my mother after something extremely traumatic and devastating happened to me. There is a wealth of comfort and beauty in this golden book. Love permeates the pages, healing and gentle. I would give it as a gift to anyone who needs hope, or just as a message of love.

A blend of fierce scholarship and visionary passion. Dr. Jane Schaberg's Mary Magdalene is a woman triumphant, reborn from history in this readable, laudable, fascinating book.

Jane Schaberg's The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene is an adventure...at times delightful, at times profoundly sad. Her seemingly improbable juxtaposition of Mary Magdalene and Virginia Woolf is not only justified, it's necessary.
In the highest academic tradition, Dr. Schaberg displays exhaustive research and careful synthesis; in the best feminist tradition, she reveals her intensely personal journey. Best of all, she shares her journey with the reader.

In this book Schaberg skillfully and insightfully sifts through the layers of legends that have accrued to the figure of Mary Magdalene in order to "resurrect" this important figure in Christian history. In contrast to other books which simply recount the many legends associated with the Magdalene, Schaberg undertakes a critical analysis of these legends, demonstrating ways in which the legends have been used to both empower and depower the Magdalene. In successive chapters, Schaberg examines archaeological remains, depictions of the Magdalene in film and literature, the transformation of the Magdalene from "apostolic witness" to "whore", and gnostic/apocryphal traditions associated with the Magdalene. In concluding chapters Schaberg points to Mary Magdalene and the discovery of the empty tomb as the source of resurrection faith, and makes a bold and persuasive argument for Mary Magdalene as the prophetic successor of Jesus, similar to the way in which Elisha succeeded Elijah. Schaberg's proposition for "Magdalene Christianity" invites serious reconsideration of previous reconstructions of Christian origins. This is a book that will be of interest to students of the Bible and early Christianity, as well as those engaged in women's studies. It is a challenging and worthwhile read.

This book is mainly a collection of various apparitions of Mary. It covers widely known apparitions such as Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadaloupe as well as less familiar ones. This book, I would say, is an introduction for those who want to study Marian apparitions in depth. It briefly summarizes the accounts, and provides SOME testimony from the visonaries themselves. The best part of the book, I think, is the beautiful artwork of Mary through the ages that are shown on every other page.

This beautiful book is a nice, but not exhaustive, compilation of the various miracles of the Virgin Mary. I liked how Durham grouped the miracles by theme, and I find it interesting that he himself is not Catholic. The quality of the illustrations is very good, and the depictions of Mary are from all around the world, from old-master paintings (Caravaggio, El Greco) to New World sculptures and paintings (including work from Peru, Mexico, Canada). I do wish that the book had illustrations of the things it spoke of, for example, at the point where The Black Madonna of Czestochowa, Poland was discussed, I would have liked to have had that image right there. However, I really did enjoy this book as it had such a great collection of Marian images.

The numerous miracles that Mama Mary has done further strengthen my Catholic faith. She made us feel that the Lord is always there. The author was able to convey to us the love and gift of the Lord. He made use of art pieces which made the book more beautiful . He made use not only of master artist but as well as contemporary ones.

Great book! Covers not only the Catholicism of Italian Americans, but also a great deal about their home and family lives. Neither PC nor arrogant, this book depicts the Italian American world better than anything I have read! I kept nodding in agreement and underlining passages while reading. Forget the movie stereotypes and sentimental recollections; this is the real thing. It helped me understand my own culture a great deal.

The only letdown was the part about a "Theology of the Streets." That section struck me as a tad unrealistic.

In this lucid and eloquently written book, Orsi places the Madonna of 115th Street into the full context of the Italian Harlem community. I found the most interesting part of this extrememly insightful book to be Orsi's examination of the Italian-American domus, and how the complexities of the domus are played out in the festival itself. The book is a brilliant examination of the role of women in Italian Harlem; Orsi shows how the Madonna embodies both the power and restrictions of Italian-American women in this time. Orsi also effectively demonstrates how the Italian immigrants, with their annual festival, carved out an identity "niche" for themselves, apart from but no less legitimate than other immigrant groups and other, more church-oriented forms of Catholicism. For the Italian immigrants, the festival provided both an essential link to Italy and a way to define their particular community. This book is easily accessible to scholars, students, and the general public, and includes many interviews so the reader gets a vivid sense of the period and the people of Italian Harlem. Highly recommended.

In The Madonna Of 115th Street, Robert A. Orsi (Charles Warren Professor of American Religious History, Harvard University) offers a seminal and ground breaking study of faith and community in New York City's Italian Harlem. The focus of this treatise is the annual Catholic festival called "Madonna of 115th Street" and how it has both influenced and reflects the lives of the men and women of the neighborhood. The Madonna Of 115th Street reveals a compelling perspective on how religion plays out in the everyday lives and experiences of American Catholics and the formation of a distinctive immigrant community. This Yale "Nota Bene" paperback edition is highly recommended reading and enhanced with a new introduction by Orsi outlining the changes that Italian Harlem has undergone in recent years and the significant shifts that have occurred in the field of American religious history.

Great introduction to the Catholic teaching on the communion of saints. Another fantastic reminder of the beauty of the Catholic Faith. When I was younger and I had to travel, my Mother would say and don't forget you also have your Mum in heaven and all the Angels and Saints, so ask for their prayers as well. During the birthdays of Saints we found out what made them special and how they gave lived their lives for Good and for God. It has always made me feel the Church on earth and in heaven with Our Lord God as the head are one big family. Thank you Mr Madrid for putting into words why.

The Catholic Church presents and preserves a beautiful teaching about our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone on before us in a state of grace... that we are not separated by death, that our departed loved ones can still hear us and pray for us, and that there is a real union between us.

Pat Madrid presents a very brief, yet very substantive book that examines this teaching. Covering topics that range from praying to the saints to the power of saintly relics, Madrid argues almost exclusively from the Scripture, thus making this book a valuable resource in presenting the Communion of the Saints to a bible-only Christian.

As you read this book, you will hear the objections against this teaching from both modern apologists as well as the founding fathers of the Reformation (i.e., Calvin and Luther). You will be directed to the Scriptures that support this teaching, and be invited to consider the implications of those Scriptures. You will be taken back into history to see how these teachings (prayers to saints and venerating relics) were actually practiced BEFORE the Church came into being, by the Jews who comprised the first Church.

For being such a short, digestible work, this book is dense with truth, and is recommended for daily meditation.

Madrid provides a needed service with this book. He addresses the following subjects: 1) What is the Communion of Saints? 2)Classical Protestant Objections 3)"Me nad Jesus" Christianity Isn't Biblical 4)The "One Mediator" Argument and Other Objections 5)Praying for the Souls in Purgatory 6)The Testamony of the Early Church 7)The Veneration of Relics 8)Statues and Images 9)Does Honoring Mary and the Saints Offend God? 10)Epilogue 11)Appendix: Council of Trent Decree Concerning the Invocation, Veneration, and Relics of Saints and Sacred Images

This book has been given to many Protestant friends and has clarified a great deal for them. It is also very useful for Eastern Orthodox Christians, with the exception of the chapter on purgatory (Orthodox have a different understanding of the matter).

Other books of interest may include: Discovering the Rich Heritage of Orthodoxy, by Bell; Lossky's, Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church; The Experience of God, by Staniloae; The Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Ferguson. For a detailed account of Icons and their usage see, The Resurrection and the Icon, by Quenot. Enjoy!