Our Lady's Feasts
by Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, O.P.
This book is recommended by Mater Amabilis™for Level 3 Year 2 Easter reading, seventh grade. I don't remember where I found this book, but I'm sure I bought it used. Right now (June 2018), the online prices for a print copy of this book are outrageously high, but it is available in free downloads for a variety of devices.
The book is divided into chapters for ten of the most important Marian feasts:
- The Immaculate Conception
- The Nativity of Our Lady
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity of Christ
- Feast of the Holy Family
- Our Lady of Sorrows
- The Assumption
- Our Lady and the Rosary
- Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces
- short chapters / appendices: Devotion to Our Lady, Source of Quotations, Appendix: Mary, the Mother of God
Each of the ten feasts is illustrated with a lovely silhouette; the one on the cover shown here does not do them justice. Contemplating the silhouette while reading the text encourages the reader to slow down and contemplate the words while looking at the illustration.
The book was originally published in 1945, so some of the dates when the feasts are celebrated have changed and some Marian feasts have been added.
The chapters invite us to contemplate Mary's life. For example, in the chapter on the Annunciation:
Where was Mary when the angel came to her? We do not know. She was in prayer, for Mary never was separated from God in her thoughts and affections, which means she was always at prayer. She might have been spinning, or weaving, or reading the Scriptures: the Gospel does not tell us.In simple words, the author describes some of the most miraculous events.
With the word of a humble little maiden in an unknown corner of the world, the most tremendous occurrence of all time took place, and God became man. Not in His sublime majesty, from which man would hide his face in terror, but in the humble way that all children of Adam are brought into being, by means of an earthly mother, who was to give Him His human needs of flesh and blood.Sister Mary Jean Dorcy compares the mark of the Incarnation on Mary's soul with the mark baptism leaves on all of our souls.
The Incarnation placed upon her soul a mark that will glow forever with a beauty that all eternity will not dim.When describing the Visitation, Mary's zeal to share the joy of her cousin Elizabeth with that of missionaries unable to stop themselves from rushing to share the love of Christ.
The language is fairly careful when describing the doctrines surrounding Mary, which are much less followed, defined, or understood by our Protestant brethren. (I might argue some Catholics are mistaken in some of their Marian beliefs.)
Mary is a creature, and as such, is separated by infinite distance from the God Who made her. But as His Mother she has become a co-helper in our redemption. Through her free consent at the Annunciation, God took from her the flesh and blood needful for His Incarnation.Later:
In regard to our spiritual life, Mary does not act independently of Christ, and she is never honored apart from her offie as His Mother. She was herself redeemed by His sacrifice. But Mary cooperated in the Redemption by her free consent. Without Christ, Mary would be as poor as any other creature, but with Him she is immensely rich in grace.This is definitely a book for Catholics, though not necessarily for those who already have a devotion to Mary. This book is clear and good even for those who might not be inclined to Marian devotions. Except for one sentence, which I thought went a little too far:
Devotion to Our Lady is the least common denominator under which all human sanctity is measured; it would be impossible to find a saint who was not devoted to her.We believe people with aren't Catholic can lead good and holy lives and even (gasp) go to heaven. It's not even clear that all the declared saints had an explicit devotion to Mary. However, a devotion to Mary can bring us closer to Christ and this little book is a lovely one to share. I personally thought it would appeal more to a female student, but First Son read it without complaint.
This post contains my own opinions. I purchased the book, Our Lady's Feasts. Links to Amazon in the post are affiliate links.
