In my two years of choosing review books for The Catholic Company, I have yet to be disappointed. Somehow, I almost always get the right book at the right time. Within two days, I felt called to my newest book review, Chris Padgett's Wholly Mary - Mother of God.
So, based on those three instances, I knew this would be my next review book. I ordered it that night & it did not disappoint!1) I checked the available books one Tuesday evening & it was not on the list. The next morning, it was the only one that had been added.
2) That night, at my prayer group gathering, one of my friends mentioned that she heard Chris Padgett speak on Catholic radio on the way to our gathering.
3) When I got home that night, Casinodad asked me to look up online a book he'd just heard about. When I found it, Wholly Mary - Mother of God was also listed. It turns out he was listening to the same radio program as my friend.
2) That night, at my prayer group gathering, one of my friends mentioned that she heard Chris Padgett speak on Catholic radio on the way to our gathering.
3) When I got home that night, Casinodad asked me to look up online a book he'd just heard about. When I found it, Wholly Mary - Mother of God was also listed. It turns out he was listening to the same radio program as my friend.
Combining information on Mary from Scripture, Catholic Tradition, & some of the approved apparitions, Wholly Mary - Mother of God gives us a view of the whole Mary, Mother of God. Throughout the 14 chapters, Mr. Padgett gives us insight to Mary's position in a time when Jewish women were only wives & mothers, her relation to the Holy Trinity, her influence on the saints, praying the rosary, & much more.
In Chapter 5: Trailblazer for Heroic Spirituality, I really loved how he related Mary to foreshadowings in the Old Testament. For example (without giving all of them away):
"She is the saving ark, carrying within her the continuation of all that is Life." (pg. 45)
"Mary is the great women of old, such as Judith and Esther, defeating the enemy through strength and intercession." (pg. 46)
"Mary is the great women of old, such as Judith and Esther, defeating the enemy through strength and intercession." (pg. 46)
Chapters 8 & 9 are dedicated to praying the rosary. He briefly describes the four mysteries & gives insights/suggestions for praying the rosary as a family. I found his descriptions of his own family's rosary time very comforting...not all kids will be completely on board! There will be arguments, there will be distractions, but the important thing is to keep at it. It takes time to adjust to the practice of praying the rosary together. By trying out Mr. Padgett's tips, you will eventually find a rhythm that suits your family.
Mary is present in all aspects of our lives...in prayer, at Mass, in secular society, etc. All we need to do is call on her prayers & intercession. She points the way to her Son, Jesus.
"I'm sure you already realize that moms have a way of getting what they want, and what Mary desires is for her children to be entirely devoted to her Son, Jesus Christ." (pg. 2)
"A woman's work is never done!" How many times have we heard that phrase? Mary truly exemplifies that. Chris Padgett writes of Mary, "Her job isn't done until we are all with Jesus in Heaven, holding Him close to our hearts." That's a big task, but if anyone can accomplish it, Mary can!***************
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I received no monetary compensation for this review, only a copy of the book. Visit The Catholic Company, to find more information on Wholly Mary - Mother of God. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.
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