Friday 12 July 2024

Mary at the Crossroads of History - Francis J. Hoffman aka Fr Rocky

Mary at the Crossroads of History
Francis J. Hoffman
ISBN 9798988066705

Mary at the Crossroads of History - Francis J. Hoffman aka Fr Rocky

This volume was originally published in 2020 by Relevant Radio, it was then reprinted by Scepter Publishers in 2022. I received a copy to review many months ago, I took it on a short vacation to read and absolutely loved it. My only regret is that there is no eBook edition of this or The Memorare Moment, I have a dual form of dyslexia and prefer eBooks so I can change the font, and the colour of the font and the page, to make reading easier. But even with there being no eBook edition I consider this an excellent volume and one of the best books I have read this year. At the reading of this volume I have read 187 books in nearly the first half of this year. And this is one I will be sharing with friends for a long time to come.

The description of the book states:

“Mary at the Crossroads of History provides insight and justification into the special role our Blessed Mother plays in history. As Drew Mariani expressed: " This book will give you a deeper understanding of Our Lady's special role in human history and stir your heart with a greater love for her".”

And about the author we are informed:

“Rev. Francis J. Hoffman, JCD (Fr. Rocky) is Executive Director of Relevant Radio.  Ordained as a priest for Opus Dei in 1992 by Blessed John Paul II, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and a BA in History from Northwestern University.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Forward: The Inflection Point
The Millennium Game
In the Beginning
Mother of God, Mother of the Church
The Confrontation in Spain
The Flowering of Christendom
The Century of Fatima
The Battle for Life – and Relevant Radio’s Part in It
What We Can Do – with Our Lady’s Help
Some Sources
About the Author
About Relevant Radio

The story of the Millennium Game and how it started the idea for this volume back on December 31st 1999 was fascinating, and from there Father Rocky goes back and forth through history of Mary’s interventions, messages, and the impact they have had on communities, society and the world. But that is wrapped in the idea that we are at another inflection point in history, and we can use these examples from the past to trust in Mary and her intercession. 

His examples span history from Mary’s interactions with the disciples, to the battle at Lepanto, From Guadalupe to Fatima. He has a focus of a few stores about Our Lady of Good Help, and Adele Brise. His story are from epic battles in Christendom, Mary guiding a bullet, to personal stories of families he met on the Walk to Champion. 

This is an amazing little volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading. It will challenge, encourage and inspire readers of all ages. I can easily recommend this book.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan

Books by Father Rocky:
For Immediate Assistance, Pray the Memorare
Marriage Insurance: 12 Rules to Live By
Treasures of the Rosary: Reflections by Those Who Pray it Daily
Mary at the Crossroads of History - Francis J. Hoffman aka Fr Rocky

The Memorare Moment - Francis J. Hoffman aka Fr Rocky

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