Book Reviews and More: Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady - Zerlina De Santis

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.