You may wonder why the Church celebrates so many feasts in honor of Mary throughout the year. You may also wonder what meaning they have for your own life. Fr. Peter John Cameron considers some of the major "mysteries" associated with the Mother of God not only to help you better understand these feasts, but also to help you see that Mary is always at hand, ready to help you become who you are meant to be. She stands in solidarity with you so that you might stand in solidarity with her Son, living your life to the fullest. This handy guide to the Church Marian feasts offers reflections to encourage meditation on the 13 principal Marian mysteries celebrated by the Church. Chapters unfold according to the chronology of Mary's life, starting with the Immaculate Conception and including, for example, her birthday, the Annunciation, the Visitation, her sorrows, etc.
Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P., (Playwright, Director) holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in playwriting from the Catholic University of America. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and is the author of more than a dozen plays. His first play, Full of Grace, received the David Lloyd Kreeger Creativity Award and was performed in showcase at the Kennedy Center in 1988. Fr. Cameron's play about the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, The Sacrament of Memory, was produced in 1998. He recently wrote a screenplay for a video about the vocation to the priesthood produced by the Knights of Columbus. Fr. Cameron is the former Artistic Director of the American Catholic Theater, and the former Director of Creative Affairs for Paulist Productions, Los Angeles, and the founder of the Blackfriars Repertory Theatre.
“In the silent beholding between Mother and Son that transpired when they met on the road to Calvary each experienced the gaze of the Father. Face to face with his mother, Jesus says in his heart: ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.’ To which the silent Mary responds: ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.’”
An incredible read that demystifies Mary as an intercessor and Mother to mankind. It answers the question, “What does it truly mean to go to Jesus through Mary?” Simply, contemplating the Immaculate Heart of Mary gives us access to the treasures of Christ’s Most Sacred Heart. It was through a Mother’s love, a Mother’s heart, that Jesus learned what human love means. What God’s Spirit does in the heart of Mary, he wills to do in our own hearts through her.
In addition to the insights of Fr. Cameron, there are many citations of other wonderful texts on the Blessed Mother and Marian devotion.
This book is a perfect Marian read for May, October or any month. With 15 chapters on the mysteries of Mary, this book is filled with reflections and quotes from saints, popes, theologians and doctors of the Church. Rich material for spiritual reflection. Learning more about how Mary can lead us to her Son through great spiritual leaders is always a blessing.