The monks of the middle ages can be heard singing Ave Maria, Ave Maria from the glossy, A. Joseph Barrish, S. M. illustrated pages of the St. Martha Parish-Wide Bulletin Book Club December Selection. Barrish, working with Schoenstatt Sister of Mary, M. Jean Frisk, has created a brilliant reminiscence of the time of incense and flowers in the Roman Catholic Church. Frisk, who holds a masters in Theology with Marian Concentration and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, gives us legends and meditations to ponder as we look at Barrish's stunning, full-page illustrations of dozens of flowers that bear a name or a mythical relationship to the Mother of Christ.
This selection leads us through our shared Christian spirituality in the natural beauty around us through a history of flower legends and names using flowers of the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, Flight into Egypt, Maternity of Mary, Mary as Homemaker, Mary at the Cross, and Devotion Rewarded.
Among the legends told in mystery plays of the medieval times is that of Madelon who having nothing to give the Babe Jesus was led by the Angel Gabriel to roses blooming at the girl's feet. "The French poet, Emile Blemont, ended his story of Madelon with this quotation: Though thou art poor and hast no gold to bring, Though ice-bound earth no Heaven-sent flowers bestows, Yet give thy heart this Noel to thy King. This is the Legend of the Christmas Rose." (p. 48)
In addition to an excellent appendix, index, and bibliography of gardens and plant listings, this book also is a personal Mary Garden planner. Just in time for Chistmas gift exchanges to allow you to give more knowledge of Faith in a vibrant, beautiful, and interesting way. This quality publication gives artistically, as Christian art has, to those who enjoy studying the nobility of the world around them, as well as to those who plant gardens! (St. Martha, Okemos, Michigan Foundations in Adult Education, Fr. Jon Wehrle, Pastor)

why cant you make this book cheeper or at the same price this book is called mary's flowers, please if you want more people to by your books make them cheeper!

An inspiring book for gardeners who til their soil this spring. I plan to replant a section of my garden because of this book. I will devote this land to Mary and St. Francis...

This is a beautiful song and well worth the purchase. Beautiful, beautiful.

This CD that's in the book is very heart stopping and emotional.
I can put myself in Mary's place.

Mary did you know, is an intriging question that brings to mind several other questions regarding the mother of Jesus Christ. The author, Mark Lowry, brings to light some very interesting points regarding Mary's perspective on the birth of Jesus. So if your searching for a book with heartfelt warmth, this is the one. Or if your looking for a book with a wonderful message conserning the savior, once again this is the one. With this in mind, I give this book my recommendation without reservation

This is THE MOST AMAZING book on Mary Magdalen. Susan Haskins goes through the image/personna of the magdalen from the Biblical roots to our pop-culture. The primary references are excellent, it is well put together, it is PERFECT!

Haskins does an excellent job in bringing us virtually every relevant piece of useful information about Mary Magdalene. It's all discussed here -- Mary Magdalene in Scripture, non-canonical Christian literature, artwork, history, myths, and legends. An important work about an important historical and spiritual figure.

This is truly a brilliant dedication and devotion from Susan Haskins to the modern surfacing of Mary Magdalene. I believe that she has made an inspirational and scholarly entry into a field which is conspicously absent of female theologians. With this book as reference, the interested reader can find numerous starting points into the dark and tangled woods which, for two thousand years, have been blocking the paths leading to Mary Magdalene and a balanced spirituality.

This book is a chronicle of Barry Longyear's experience in a drug and alchohol rehab, written as a fictional work. It is a gutsy, no-holds-barred account of the roller coaster ride that is detox and recovery. Longyear, a die-hard atheist, writes beautifully of the struggle to find "a power greater than yourself" to make the program work. The characters are hilariously funny and poignant, witty and emotionally wretching at the same time. The plot draws you into their lives so that you root for the ones who make it and cry for the ones who do not. Longyear stresses addiction as a disease, not an easy or popular concept for "normal" people, but a true one nevertheless. This is as real and honest a book about addiction as they come, and I love it. Barry Longyear is a superb science fiction writer (see The God Box and Sea of Glass as examples) but here he shines as his own biographer. Humor and pathos were never so expertly combined.

This book is both powerful and painful to read--but I couldn't stop. This is for anyone who wants insight into the human condition--especially the condition known as addiction. Barry Longyear is perhaps the most under-appreciated writer in SF, maybe because all his works are about people. In this one, there is no science fiction, just people. You don't have to be an addict, in recovery, or any of those things to appreciate this (I'm not) --just being human is sufficient.

I'm not sure what prompted me to read this book. Take a look at that cover art, not very inspirational. But it is written by Longyear and his work is usually good. It's not that this book is full of adventure or has a rich plot line. It doesn't even have exotic locations or lots of sex. What it does have, in truck loads, is empathy for the human condition. The main character is Jacob Randecker. He is a thinly veiled version of the author himself. They say that autobiographies are usually crap but then they also say write what you know. Whatever the case this book is undeniably excellent.

Jacob is an addict. He is addicted to alcohol and prescription medications. But then that's the most common kind. He doesn't think that he needs help but his wife and his friends, (the ones he has left), are adamant that he does. They use all of the pressure that they can, to get him to go to a rehab center called Saint Mary's. This is an actual hospital in the U.S.

The novel takes us through the program with Jacob and his group. We come to love Jake and each of his group. We also fall for the members of the hospital staff that we meet. It is that sort of book. I hope writing this book was cathartic for Longyear because reading it sure was for me.

I want to leave you with a small section from the dust jacket that I think may have helped my decision to read this book:
- One third will make it the first time around.
- One third will have to try again.
- One third are already dead. It just takes them a while to lie down.

Jaroslav Pelikan is one of the foremost scholars and authors who has written on the topics of early church history, development of tradition, and the history of Jesus. This book is actually a companion to his other book, "Jesus Through the Centuries", and attempts to understand why Mary has played such a prominent role in church theology, devotion, and tradition.

This question becomes even more perplexing when one realizes that Mary's role in the gospels is very limited, and she is only mentioned once by name outside of the gospels. Yet, this did not prove a hindrance to the early church fathers who went about scouring the pages of the Old Testament to find references to the mother of our Lord. The one technique that proved most useful to the fathers was reading the Old Testament allegorically instead of literally. By employing this method the fathers were able to find typologial similarities between Eve and Mary. Therefore, by the end of the 2nd century Irenaeus was able to develop the comparison between Eve and Mary, so that just as the apostle Paul saw Christ as a second Adam, Irenaeus viewed Mary as a second Eve. Pelikan argues that since Paul began the process of applying such an allegory from the Old Testament to Jesus that it was not a stretch for the fathers to make the connection between Mary and Eve.

The next step in the developing Mariological process was the application of the title, Theotokos, or the Mother of God. The need for such a title stemmed from the many Christological heresies that were appearing during this time. By calling Mary Theotokos the fathers were able to guarantee that Jesus' humanity was safeguarded, and also that his divinity was upheld. Nevertheless, Mary's new title as Theotokos only strengthened the growing devotion toward her. Pelikan shows that Athanasius, the great orthodox theologian, makes reference to a Marian celebration in his writings. In addition, in his writings against the Arians Athanasius argues against the position that Jesus was God's most perfect and best creation, but instead reserves that honor for Mary.

When Pelikan arrives at the period of medeval history, he shows how Marian devotion blossomed into a full blown phenomena. During this time Mary was showered with such titles as Mediatrix, Queen of Heaven, Mother of the faithful and many other such titles. In Bernard of Clairvaux, Mary had a great advocate who spoke very highly of the Mother of God. Yet when it came to one of the most pivotal doctrines of Catholic theology, that of the immaculate conception, Bernard and Aquinas denied that the doctrine was a reality. They believed that such a doctrine made Mary immune from needing a savior and made her wonderful qualities seem less special. It wasn't until Duns Scotus argued that the immaculate conception saved Mary more perfectly by preventing her fall rather than rescuing her from a fall, that the doctrine became common in the West.

Finally, Pelikan dives into the period of the Reformation and illustrates that although the Reformers eschewed much of Marian doctrine that developed in the middle ages, they did not in fact abandon everything. The Reformers maintained that Mary was indeed the Theotokos, defended her perpetual virginity, and some even held to her immaculate status. What the Reformers disagreed with were the practices of praying to Mary and the saints, and the view of Mary as a Mediatrix. The Reformers believed that the role of Mediator belonged to Jesus alone, and that all prayer addressed to Mary and the Saints was superfluous and useless.

In the last chapters of the book Pelikan examines the Marian dogmas that have been promulgated by the Catholic Church: the immaculate conception and the Assumption. Pelikan traces the developments of these doctrines all the way from the fathers of the early church to the present day theologians and church officials who have expressed these views. Lastly, Pelikan shows how the person of Mary is an important person to all Christians and that she is an example of faith that everyone should strive to emulate.

Jaroslav Pelikan's MARY THOUGH THE CENTURIES is a vast and accomplished study of arguably the most important woman who ever lived, and certainly the most influential in her impact upon the spiritual and ethical mythos of the West. Professor Pelikan begins with the fiat of Miriam of Nazareth: "LET IT BE DONE UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD." The young vigin conceives The LOGOS, and becomes, THEOTOKOS, God-Bearer and Second Eve, Mother to the fallen human race. This "handmaid of the Lord"( 'doule kyriou') whom all generations henceforward honor BLESSED, is then presented in her many arrays and images that have inspired (or astounded) Christians and non-Christians for 2000 years. The book is beautifully appointed with 16 pp. of color plates from 4th century Catacomb frescos, through High Renaissance, Triumphalist portraiture (Fra Angelico) to modernist-expressionism of Dali. These evidence the merest glimpse of MARY's influence on major artistic movements throughout the past 20 centuries of the Western traditon. The theology of Mater Dolorosa, "the woman of Sorrows", who stands at the foot of The Cross suffering for and with her son and God,the Christ, as exalting her to Mediatrix... Mother of Graces in God's Plan of Salvation...is discussed without sanctimony, contentiousness or irony. This is a magnificent book about a magnificent woman who continues to loom over our self-described Post Modern culture...in its apotheosis of skeptcism, cynicism and Self... as beacon, a MODEL of Faith (chapter 11). DAS EWIG-WEIBLICHE ZIEHT UNS HINAN! " The Eternal-Feminine draws us higher;.. lures ((as Goethe translates in the final, saving verse of Faust)) to perfection/salvation."

Here Pelikan proposes the final image and role of Mary as MATER GLORIOSA, the Woman of Revelation, Clothed with the Sun, Queen of Heaven. Professor Pelikan "returns to earth" in the closing chapter of MARY THROUGH THE CENTURIES: Her Place in the History of Culture to recall the Blessed Mother as "the woman above all women glorified...our tainted nature's solitary boast" (William Wordsworth p.166). She is, in fact, a hero, the mother and first teacher of Jesus, whose "face most resembles Christ's" (p.145). This book is complement to Pelikan's scholarly, reverent and fascinating study: JESUS THROUGH THE CENTURIES. In it The Lord is referred to finally as the West's "Man for All Seasons." To be reverred, or reviled...or ignored...thusly. Pelikan similarly proposes the Blessed Virgin Mary as WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS. This book serves as informed witness and tribute to what such a hopeful judgment means, has meant, and portends.

This is one of the best works about Mary in recent years. Jaroslav Pelikan, an excellent scholar, gives an outstanding presentation about the place of the Virgin Mary in the history of culture. As he did with Jesus Through the Centuries, he uses his vast knowledge of history, theology and art to illustrate, in a fascinating and engaging way, the development of Marian theology and devotion. Pelikan goes in a chronological way, from the biblical tradition and the dogmatic and devotional definitions of the first centuries of the Church to the latest dogmatic definitions in Roman Catholic theology. The author also explores the view of Mary in the Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism. The book is both scholarly and readable, making it accessible to the scholar and the general reader.

This is the follow-up to 1989's Medjugorje: the Message. I loved the book. It is a personal account of what Mr. Weible has endeavored in his mission to spread the gracious news of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Weible takes the reader from the end of his Protestant days into his full communion in with the Catholic Church. He chronicles the happenings in Medjugorje and gives updates on the lives of the visionaries. He has committed himself fully to MAry's message of peace and gives the reader a most exotic and exciting trip around the world documenting the fruits of his work and Mary's call. I couldn't put it down.

This book and others from Mr Weible have changed my life forever. It truely has brought me closer to GOD thru the Blessed Virgin Mary. What better way to come closer to our savior than tru his holy mother. And for all people who may not quite believe or have a doubt because of what the bible says, I just have to say that why would it be kinda weird for bad angels bringing people closer to the Son. Open your heart to God and dont let your mind get in the way. God will not let you go astray!! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL THE WORLD!

yes the spirit being calling herself the virgin mary is doing signs and wonders. purchase the bible (here on amazon of course) it warns of angels of light doing signs and wonders in the end times but these miracles are not from the god of the bible.catholic teachings on MARY are in direct conflict with the bible...

Very enjoyable and inspirational daily quote to recharge the soul.

As a Catholic, devotion to the Mother of God has always been a comforting and joyful part of my spiritual life. In some circles, however, the image of Mary has become remote and difficult to relate to - almost too perfect to be real. This book allows Mary to become real through use of the scriptures and by fleshing out details of what life must be been like for her. The daily meditations give us a chance to become more thoughtful and reflective and, in short, better people. This is what the intercession of Mary and the example of her life has always been about - bringing us closer to God and closer to what He expects us to be.

This book has many good purposes. 1- to know more of how Mary is involved in our lives. 2- shows Mary as a human being just like us. 3- if you are not a Marianist, you can also learn to live the Christian life from this book by Mary's example. The reading is simple and blunt, and helps us grow a little each day in love and humility.

"Fires" is a collection of hybrid love stories. Most are taken from real or mythological ancient Greece. Ms. Yourcenar does a spectacular job giving these old stories a modern flavor without losing their original context. I also recommend "A Blue Tale & Other Stories" by her{The University of Chicago Press}.

Go where the love is. Although in some remote cases it can be a struggle (i.e. Romeo & Juliet; Hamlet), love deserves to be accessible, humane, and democratic. Be not afraid to Love/Live.

Love is a punishment, says Yourcenar, and in some intellectual and emotive way this book is one. I've read all of her books, and this is her most felt, chirurgically precise, passionate and torn aproach to what love is and represents in all the roles we - human beings - play at one time or another in our lives. All the possible deceptions, miscommunications and broken hearts are hold in these pages, through the reconstruction and modernization of some greek myths such as Antigone, Achilles and Patroclus, Sapho, and Maria Magdalena (ok, she was not greek!). Along with "Memoires of Adrian" and "Zenon", this is a must-have from Yourcenar.

"I hope this book will never be read." So begins Yourcenar's Fires...a richly dense collection of famous myths and legends stunningly revitalized through the voices and eyes of the heroines. Intertwining the stories are excerpts from Yournenar's own journal taken from the time during which she had written the stories. Achingly familiar to anyone recovering from a broken heart, Yourcenar marries the heartache of this century's woman to women throughout the ages.

I have not finished this book. The author's descriptions of Mary are off-putting. For example: "If early images are correct, she had a small straight mouth, a thin chiseled nose, and a drawn look that was sometimes sorrowful. She was of medium height and had brown hair with dark bangs and eyebrows, her face neither long nor round but oval, her hands and fingers tapered, delicate, and long. She was a regular peasant in a small, regular hillside house, and her life had been one of prayer and toil: drawing water, cooking, and repairing clothes. She had subsisted on fruit, fish, and bread; in manner always serene and demure...."

I have not seen the Blessed Mother, but I would be surprised if her expression is "drawn." And I doubt her manner was "always serene and demure." A "regular peasant"? The mother of God, while pregnant, traveled to see her pregnant cousin and stay with her till the birth of her child. At a wedding, she basically told her Son to turn the water into wine.

Contrast the author's description with the words of Julian of Norwich (admittedly a saint and the first woman to write a book in English): "a simple maid and meek, so young she seemed like a mere child--yet the very same age when she conceived. And God showed me then something of the wisdom and truth of her soul In particular, I saw her attitude toward God, her Maker, how she marveled with great reverence when he wished to be born of her, who was a mere and simple creature he himself had made. It was this wisdom, this truth, seeing how great was her Maker compared to her own littleness, that made her say to Gabriel, 'Behold me, God's handmaid.' Then I knew for certain that she was more worthy and more full of grace than all the rest of God's creation, with the sole exception of the manhood of Christ."

Also, I personally dislike the notion that Mary's life was one of "prayer and toil." What about relationships with people? And she had a Little Boy. Didn't she play with Him? I feel, think and believe her life was one of LOVE.

So, the visions are interesting, but the author defeats himself more than a little with perilously distracting--and highly debatable--asides.

EXCELLENT!! An eye-opener! Accurate data. Everyone should read this book and be enlightened.

Buy this book. You will benefit highly - if you don't - I can ony say I'll pray for you. This book is excellent! Here is a very fair-handed review of human history and Mary's apparitions throughout. As a Catholic, I find nothing "coincidental" in the linking of plagues and apparitions,wars and apparitions, healings and apparitions - and so on. What I like about this book is that it knits these things together in a sensible fashion. The picture one then begins to see is so revealing! Not all apparitions are, um, Heaven Sent - it speaks clearly on these as well. It is by no means a "gullible" book.