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María of Ágreda: Mystical Lady in Blue
News of María of Ágreda's exceptional attributes spread from her cloistered convent in seventeenth-century Ágreda (Spain) to the court in Madrid and beyond. Without leaving her village, the abbess impacted the kingdom, her church, and the New World; Spanish Hapsburg king Felipe IV sought her spiritual and political counsel for over twenty-two years. Based upon her transcendent visionary experiences, Sor María chronicled the life of Mary, mother of Jesus of Nazareth, in Mystical City of God, a work the Spanish Inquisition temporarily condemned. In America, reports emerged that she had miraculously appeared to Jumano Native Americans - a feat corroborated by witnesses in Spain, Texas, and New Mexico, where she is honored today as the legendary "Lady in Blue." Lauded in Spain as one of the most influential women in its history, and in the United States as an inspiring pioneer, Sor María's story will appeal to cultural historians and to women who have struggled for equanimity against all odds.
Marilyn Fedewa's biography of this fascinating woman integrates voluminous autobiographical, historical, and literary sources published by and about María of Ágreda. With liberal access to Sor María's papal delegate in Spain and convent archives in Ágreda, Fedewa skillfully reconstructs a historical and spiritual backdrop against which Sor María's voice may be heard.
"Marilyn Fedewa has written a stirring portrait of María of Ágreda, a brilliant . . . remarkable player in major spiritual and secular events of [her] age." - Kenneth A. Briggs, former religion editor for the New York Times
"A fascinating biography of an extraordinary woman told from the perspective of her 17th-century Spanish religious culture." - Clark A. Colahan, author of Visions of Sor María de Ágreda: Writing Knowledge and Power
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS
Marilyn H. Fedewa has served as vice president of Olivet College, Michigan, and at the director level within Michigan State University's development office. Her publications include numerous articles about María of Á�greda and coauthorship of Man in Motion, Emil Lockwood's biography.
ACCLAIM
"This well-written book is recommended to the general reader and the professional interested in a unique facet of New Mexico's early history." -- Colonial Latin American Historical Review
"Any readers curious about mystical phenomena will find much to interest them in Marilyn Fedewa's engaging biography of María of Á�greda....Fedewa deserves credit for having brought the story of this once famous nun back to light." -- Catholic Southwest
"...a startlingly intimate portrayal of the life and struggles of one of the most influential women of the seventeenth century." -- SMRC Revista
"...Fedewa's book is a welcome addition to the literature on mystics in the early modern world." -- The Journal of Arizona History
"Beyond any doubt, this book by Dr. Fedewa is an outstanding contribution to the researching of the Catholic heritage of the American Southwest, especially that of Texas and New Mexico. This work is one that should bring the author many accolades." -- Southwestern Historical Quarterly
"Scholars from diverse fields will find in this eminently readable and meticulously researched biography ample material to continue the study of one of Spain's most important--but for many, the least well known--Catholic mystics of the Counter Reformation." -- Church History
Marilyn Fedewa's biography of this fascinating woman integrates voluminous autobiographical, historical, and literary sources published by and about María of Ágreda. With liberal access to Sor María's papal delegate in Spain and convent archives in Ágreda, Fedewa skillfully reconstructs a historical and spiritual backdrop against which Sor María's voice may be heard.
"Marilyn Fedewa has written a stirring portrait of María of Ágreda, a brilliant . . . remarkable player in major spiritual and secular events of [her] age." - Kenneth A. Briggs, former religion editor for the New York Times
"A fascinating biography of an extraordinary woman told from the perspective of her 17th-century Spanish religious culture." - Clark A. Colahan, author of Visions of Sor María de Ágreda: Writing Knowledge and Power
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS
Marilyn H. Fedewa has served as vice president of Olivet College, Michigan, and at the director level within Michigan State University's development office. Her publications include numerous articles about María of Á�greda and coauthorship of Man in Motion, Emil Lockwood's biography.
ACCLAIM
"This well-written book is recommended to the general reader and the professional interested in a unique facet of New Mexico's early history." -- Colonial Latin American Historical Review
"Any readers curious about mystical phenomena will find much to interest them in Marilyn Fedewa's engaging biography of María of Á�greda....Fedewa deserves credit for having brought the story of this once famous nun back to light." -- Catholic Southwest
"...a startlingly intimate portrayal of the life and struggles of one of the most influential women of the seventeenth century." -- SMRC Revista
"...Fedewa's book is a welcome addition to the literature on mystics in the early modern world." -- The Journal of Arizona History
"Beyond any doubt, this book by Dr. Fedewa is an outstanding contribution to the researching of the Catholic heritage of the American Southwest, especially that of Texas and New Mexico. This work is one that should bring the author many accolades." -- Southwestern Historical Quarterly
"Scholars from diverse fields will find in this eminently readable and meticulously researched biography ample material to continue the study of one of Spain's most important--but for many, the least well known--Catholic mystics of the Counter Reformation." -- Church History
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 20, 2014
This is a magical history of an astonishing woman and a remarkable time in the World. Set against the back drop of the 1600's this young delicate devout woman is said to have bi-located, levitated and loved God in a simple, remarkable and enigmatic manner. I was completely astonished as I recorded this non-fiction about a woman in Spain who probably should today be a saint. Just like the story of Maria of Agreda herself, her story came to me at a time when I needed it and she uplifted me and gave me insight into my own being. I am grateful to have recorded this audiobook. It was especially gratifying to share conversations with the author, Marilyn Fedewa as she approved pronunciations and language definitions - the book is epic in its Spanish, Italian and various other cultural references. It was a true collaboration. I am not a religious person but I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to record MARIA OF AGREDA: Mystical Lady in Blue.
'Every soul, without exception, is capable of embracing its inner light. Yet in order to receive so delicate an influence, quiet is essential'
Sor María de Ágreda
'Every soul, without exception, is capable of embracing its inner light. Yet in order to receive so delicate an influence, quiet is essential'
Sor María de Ágreda
November 13, 2024
A lot of history is revealed in this biography.
July 1, 2024
I read about this nun before but the book wasn’t so long. I enjoyed the shorter book better.
Maria was a nun in Spain. It was reported she would go into trance like states and was unable to communicate. Back in the New World in the southwestern part of what is now New Mexico and Texas, the natives talked about seeing a lady in blue who talked to them about the gospel. Known as bilocation, the ability to be in two places as once is the reason Maria was able to do what she did.
Is it true? Is it faith fairy tale? Read all of the evidence and decide for yourself.
Maria was a nun in Spain. It was reported she would go into trance like states and was unable to communicate. Back in the New World in the southwestern part of what is now New Mexico and Texas, the natives talked about seeing a lady in blue who talked to them about the gospel. Known as bilocation, the ability to be in two places as once is the reason Maria was able to do what she did.
Is it true? Is it faith fairy tale? Read all of the evidence and decide for yourself.
May 23, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
Life Changing
Seriously, I feel as if this book changed my life. Reading about this slight woman, who at an early age was lifted up and shown truths by God and Mary, mother of Jesus, was inspiring and prompted me to buy the Mystical City of God right after finishing this wonderful listen. I have also returned to praying and meditation in a way I haven't for years. My only challenge has been finding translation of Maria’s correspondence with King Felipé. I have not been able to find this correspondence in book form or audiobook format or the Mystical City of God in audio format.
Listening to how Maria’s privacy was invaded as a child and young adult, how she was forced to correspond and pray for an immature king as an abbess, and interrogated by the Spanish Inquisition for her visions and translocation to convert the Jumano Indian tribe in Texas was inspiring and I am amazed how her faith kept her strong spiritually throughout her life. I am astonished and disappointed she has not been declared a saint already and hope that the way is cleared soon. Sor Maria deserves sainthood for her good works.
The book itself is really well written and engaging from beginning to end. So much so that I can see myself returning to it again and again and gleaning new bits of information each time.
The narration by Kelly Hazen was good and the names pronounced admirably. The tone and cadence of the material was right for this material at all times. I listened on 1.5 speed as is my norm.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Life Changing
Seriously, I feel as if this book changed my life. Reading about this slight woman, who at an early age was lifted up and shown truths by God and Mary, mother of Jesus, was inspiring and prompted me to buy the Mystical City of God right after finishing this wonderful listen. I have also returned to praying and meditation in a way I haven't for years. My only challenge has been finding translation of Maria’s correspondence with King Felipé. I have not been able to find this correspondence in book form or audiobook format or the Mystical City of God in audio format.
Listening to how Maria’s privacy was invaded as a child and young adult, how she was forced to correspond and pray for an immature king as an abbess, and interrogated by the Spanish Inquisition for her visions and translocation to convert the Jumano Indian tribe in Texas was inspiring and I am amazed how her faith kept her strong spiritually throughout her life. I am astonished and disappointed she has not been declared a saint already and hope that the way is cleared soon. Sor Maria deserves sainthood for her good works.
The book itself is really well written and engaging from beginning to end. So much so that I can see myself returning to it again and again and gleaning new bits of information each time.
The narration by Kelly Hazen was good and the names pronounced admirably. The tone and cadence of the material was right for this material at all times. I listened on 1.5 speed as is my norm.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2017
Sor Maria of Agreda lived in Spain during the turbulent seventeenth century. She never left Spain and once she took her vows never left her convent. Yet she is a key historical person of her time that more people and not just Catholics should know about. Consider her achievements:
1. Author of the multi-volume work The Mystical City of God.
2. A major advisor to the King of Spain.
3.She was given the gift of bilocation. she taught many native peoples in what is now New Mexico and Texas about the Catholic faith before the Spanish missionaries reached them.
A remarkable life by any standard.
Marilyn Fedewa did much research in preparation for this book. She is a fine historian and her writing style kept my interest in her subject. Add this to your reading list if you enjoy reading history or biography.
1. Author of the multi-volume work The Mystical City of God.
2. A major advisor to the King of Spain.
3.She was given the gift of bilocation. she taught many native peoples in what is now New Mexico and Texas about the Catholic faith before the Spanish missionaries reached them.
A remarkable life by any standard.
Marilyn Fedewa did much research in preparation for this book. She is a fine historian and her writing style kept my interest in her subject. Add this to your reading list if you enjoy reading history or biography.
February 27, 2021
An excellent biography! There were some slow sections, such as a the description of the monastery which she built, but it was overall a good overview. The author spends plenty of time on the significant works of Sor Maria: her apparitions in New Mexico, her authorship of the Mystical City of God, and her long correspondence with King Felipe IV. She certainly makes the case that Sor Maria is a significant figure in both American and Spanish history.
The work is certainly more of a secular biography than a work of hagiography, and yet the author has due respect for the Catholic faith and sufficiently explains matters such as religious life and the Immaculate Conception.
The work is certainly more of a secular biography than a work of hagiography, and yet the author has due respect for the Catholic faith and sufficiently explains matters such as religious life and the Immaculate Conception.
January 20, 2023
If you ever want to know a lot about the great mystic (who not only should be a saint but also a Doctor of the Church) who wrote the Mystical City of God (a bio of the Blessed Virgin, commissioned by Our Lady herself) then get this book by Fedewa. It’s very readable and accessible. I read it in one day. Who needs sleep when you have a wonder like this to occupy your mind?
I never knew how important Maria de Jesus de Agreda was to Spanish King Felipe IV. Now I need good biographies on him! Thank you, Ms. Fedewa; it wasn’t enough that you took up a whole Sunday. Now I’m gonna start tracking down bios of a 17th century Spanish king!
I never knew how important Maria de Jesus de Agreda was to Spanish King Felipe IV. Now I need good biographies on him! Thank you, Ms. Fedewa; it wasn’t enough that you took up a whole Sunday. Now I’m gonna start tracking down bios of a 17th century Spanish king!
January 23, 2024
If you've ever wanted to know more about the woman behind "Mystical City of God," this book dives deep into the life story of Sor Maria de Agreda. Although she lived a simple, cloistered life, her legacy has had a profound impact on Christendom world wide. And just knowing the impact she had on my home state of Texas and the native people here has endeared her even more to me. I believe her story isn't over and more may be revealed in the years to come.
February 19, 2017
Well written, and well edited.
Read
December 10, 2015I browsed this book, but did not read it. I wish there was a bookshelf for "could not get into it" and "did not finish".
May 3, 2017
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very good history of Maria of Agreda, known as the Mystical Lady in Blue. Her simplicity is so different to other historical figures, and she lived in Spain, and then in a convent, never leaving.
Marilyn Fedewa did an amazing job with this novel, with much preparation and research. Her writing style is very good, with an easy flowing style that makes reading or, as in my case, listening quite enjoyable.
The narrator, Kelley Hazen, is also a brilliant choice for this audiobook.
This was a very good history of Maria of Agreda, known as the Mystical Lady in Blue. Her simplicity is so different to other historical figures, and she lived in Spain, and then in a convent, never leaving.
Marilyn Fedewa did an amazing job with this novel, with much preparation and research. Her writing style is very good, with an easy flowing style that makes reading or, as in my case, listening quite enjoyable.
The narrator, Kelley Hazen, is also a brilliant choice for this audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews