Wednesday 19 July 2017

Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady - Zerlina De Santis - Encounter the Saints Series Books 9

Journeys with Mary
Apparitions of Our Lady
Encounter the Saints Series Book 9
Zerlina De Santis 
Edwin Lebel (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819839725


At the time of writing this review I have read this book three times now; once by myself, once with my youngest and once with my middle child. With each reading I have a greater appreciation for the book. Even in my years away from the Catholic Church I always had a closeness to Mary, and this book has been a wonderful read for me and my children. 

The chapters in this volume are:
A Note to the Readers
Our Lady of Mount Carmel - 1251
Our Lady of Guadalupe - 1531
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal   - 1830  
Our Lady of La Salette - 1846
Our Lady of Lourdes - 1858
Our Lady of Knock - 1879
Our Lady of Fatima - 1916
Our Lady of Beauraning - 1932
Our Lady of Banneux - 1933
Prayer
Glossary




From the introduction it states:
 "Mary, the Mother of God, has appeared on earth many times and in many different places down through the centuries. She has been called by different titles in different parts of the world. But whenever she has come, Mary has taught us that the way for us to reach God is to follow her Son Jesus.
This book presents the stories of nine apparitions of the Blessed Virgin that have been approved by the Church. These stories demonstrate that Mary continues to watch over and protect us from heaven. Her greatest desire is to lead each of us to God."

And these stories will do just that. The will draw us closer to God through Mary. My children loved that Mary appeared to so many other children. At church on Sunday's they often ask to go an pray at a statue of Mary and after making the sign of the cross, kiss their fingers and touch Mary's feet. This book helped them draw closer to Mary and prayerfully through her to Jesus and the Father. 



It is great that this book focuses upon only approved apparitions of Mary. And they are also in chronological order, rather than order of current popularity. I was aware of many of these appearances, but not all. Hearing Mary's messages down through the ages, and learning to live more fully for God is what I and my children take away from this book. 



My children also loved the wonderful pencil illustrations by Edwin Lebel. I would love to have one of them enlarged to put up on my girls wall. I think trying to dray Mary or Jesus might be the most ambitious task an artist attempts.  But the illustrations in this volume are wonderful. As is the prayer at the end of the book.



Prayer:
"Virgin Mary, Mother of God, you are also our heavenly Mother. 
Thank you for having appeared on earth at different times and places. Your visits have reminded us all the sure way to reach God is to live as your Son Jesus has taught us - in love and obedience to the Gospel. 
You've also asked us to pray for ourselves and the whole world. You've shown us that prayer can change everything! I want to pray, Blessed Mother. Please teach me how. Lead me to Jesus, and help me to bring him to others in whatever ways I can. 
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me! 
Amen."
This book is part of the Encounter the Saints Series, from Pauline Books and Media. I have read about a third of the series already this year. Most of the books are about specific Saints. This one and one on prayer are the two odd one's out. But they complement the series so well. My only regret about this one is that there is no eBook edition, but most in the series are available electronically. This is another incredible book in a wonderful series. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media:
Blessed James Alberione Media Apostle
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Journey to the Summit
Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady
Saint André Bessette Miracles in Montreal
Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light
Saint Bakhita of Sudan Forever Free
Saint Bernadette Soubirous And Our Lady of Lourdes
Saint Catherine Labouré And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi A Light for the World
Saint Damien of Molokai Hero of Hawaii
Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughter of America
Saint Faustina Kowalska Messenger of Mercy
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Cecchina's Dream
Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life
Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God
Saint Isaac Jogues With Burning Heart
Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier
Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants
Saint John Paul II Be Not Afraid
Saint John Vianney A Priest for All People
Saint Juan Diego And Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel The Total Gift
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque And the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Mary's Knight
Saint Paul The Thirteenth Apostle
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Rich in Love
Saint Teresa of Avila Joyful in the Lord
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Missionary of Charity
Saint Teresa of Kalkota Missionary of Charity
...



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