Virgin, Mother, Queen: Encountering Mary in Time and Tradition

by Robert L. Fastiggi, Michael O'Neill

Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (second place, theology-morality, ethics, Christology, Mariology, and redemption).


The earliest of Mary’s apparitions can be traced back to the first century of the Church and have continued into modern times, inspiring the faithful to devotion to her and to a deeper love of Christ her son. In Virgin, Mother, Queen , popular radio and television host Michael O’Neill gathers fascinating details from Mary’s mystical appearances around the world. Robert Fastiggi, professor of systemic theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, answers questions about the historical and theological development of Marian teachings throughout Church history. The ten, Church-sanctioned apparitions and their corresponding titles of Mary Virgin, Mother, Queen includes full-color illustrations and recounts in story and teaching why the apparitions and titles of Mary continue to be relevant today. Each chapter contains traditional prayers associated with these historic Marian shrines.

Genres: Catholic

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2019

Reviews

[Darryl Greer]

Michael O’Neill is an author, speaker and creator of the website MiracleHunter.com, the Internet’s top resource on Marian apparitions. He is a graduate of Stanford University, a member of the Mariological Society of America, has been featured on EWTN and Radio Maria as well as in National Geographic and Live Science magazines. His 2015 book, "Exploring The Miraculous" is, as its title suggests, an in depth exploration into recorded miracles around the world. In "Virgin, Mother, Queen", O’Neill has collaborated with Robert L. Fastiggi, a professor of systemic theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, who holds a master’s degree in Theology from Fordham University. This time, O’Neill has gathered fascinating details from some of the Church-recognised mystical appearances of the Virgin Mary’s in various parts of the world, while Fastiggi answers questions about the historical and theological development of Marian teachings throughout Church history.

I must admit to being a little underwhelmed by "Virgin, Mother, Queen" comparing it to O’Neill’s earlier work, "Exploring The Miraculous" which was, for me much more fascinating. This latest book does include detail by O’Neill of specific apparitions that have received Vatican approval after exhaustive investigation; the rest of each section I believe is Robert L. Fastiggi’s input as a scholar and theologian. There is a prayer for each section as well. While the book is fine as far as it goes, given the authors’ backgrounds, I would have expected a little more depth, such as is found in "Exploring The Miraculous" or, although about a different aspect of the Virgin Mary, Brant Pietre’s book "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah".

[Richard Grebenc]

I purchased this because it was recommended for an online course. I began reading it as sort of a devotional for First Saturdays but eagerly picked up the pace as I got into it.

There are nine chapters, each focusing on one apparition of Our Lady, some famous, some I had never heard of. A nice overview and history of each event and what followed to the present day begins each chapter, followed by Robert Fastiggi's exploration of some aspect of Mary that is highlighted in the particular apparition. An excellent blend of wonder at the Virgin's message and an accessible exposition of some aspect of Mariology. Each chapter closes with a prayer directly related to the particular apparition.

A stellar book for anyone who wishes to know more about the Mother of God, from the inquirer or novice to the person steeped in Marian doctrine and devotion.

[Mrs C]

This book makes the Blessed Mary more accessible to Catholics and those who are curious about the mother of Jesus. It includes a question and answer portion for each chapter to address what Catholics know about her role in the Church and her relationship with Jesus. The book also describes her apparitions that are familiar and not-so familiar like Lady of Guadalupe, Lady of Kibeho, Lady of Lourdes, Lady of La Salette, Lady of the Miraculous Medal, lady of Hope, Lady of Banneux, Lady of Fatima, and Lady of Beuraing. Each chapter ends with a prayer and it reiterates the many blessings that devotees receive when they look to the Blessed Mary for intercession.

Thank you to the publisher for access to the advance copy.

[Maria Morera]

What a beautiful book! I enjoyed reading about approved apparitions of the Blessed Mother, some well-known and several unknown to me. The histories of the apparitions were edifying, but I found real depth in the scriptural and doctrinal analysis that accompanied each of the titles explored.I looked forward to each new chapter, and found the prayers a perfect end cap to the sections.I would look forward to a sequel to cover more apparitions!

[Ed]

A beautiful book, both in content and in presentation. I have read many books about Mary but this was the best, presenting her apparitions, their theological significance for her various roles in salvation and the sources in Scripture. Fabulous!

[Joe]

Ora pro nobis.

[René]

Had to read for work.