Meet Your Mother: A Brief Introduction to Mary

by Mark I. Miravalle (Foreword)

Ever wonder why so many people pay so much attention to Mary, the Mother of Jesus? From the most ancient traditions of Mary in Christianity to the 'Hail Mary' pass in American football, the Mother of Jesus has pervaded most world cultures for the last two thousand years.But could the Mother of Jesus also be your mother? That's the question explored in the exciting new book, Meet Your Mother. This easy-read pocket book on Mary covers all the major teachings about the Mother of Jesus, but is particularly written for the person who has little or no background knowledge about her. Authored by Dr. Mark Miravalle, renowned Marian expert and professor who has taught and written about Mary for over 25 years, Meet Your Mother is the perfect little book to introduce someone to the life and truth about Jesus' Mother, but also to renew a person's existing knowledge and love for the woman believed to have brought Jesus into the world, and who Jesus gave personally to every human being with his dying words, 'This is your mother.'

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Faith, Christian

137 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Dr. Mark Miravalle, husband, permanent deacon, and father of eight, earned his Sacred Theological Doctorate at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Dr. Miravalle has been teaching at the Franciscan University of Steubenville since 1986. He is President of the international Catholic movement, Vox Populi Mariae Mediatrici (Voice of the People for Mary Mediatrix). Dr. Miravalle is known for his international lectures in Mariology. He has addressed several episcopal conferences, including that of South India, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. In addition, he has served members of the episcopal hierarchy with preliminary investigations for reported apparitions, and has made many conference appearances as well as several television appearances, for example on EWTN and Fox News. He also produces a biweekly Mariology television show for www.airmaria.com.

Dr. Miravalle is the author of numerous books and articles in the area of Mariology and Marian private revelation.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief exploration of John 19:27.

[Andrew Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to Catholic Mariology. The language was totally popular without any real theological jargon.

One thing that continues to puzzle me is the title of "Co-Redemptrix" but not for reasons that I think fifth dogmatists (is that what they're called?) should be upset with. First, Miravalle explains that we are all co-redeemers in Christ. But then he goes on to explain why Mary's role in redemption is unique (e.g. She gave Christ his body and she suffered more than any other human). But if Mary's role in redemption is unique, and the rest of us are already called "co-redeemers" then the title of "Co-Redemptrix" bestows nothing special upon Mary. The title makes it sound like her role in redemption is the same as ours, which it is not. Maybe a solemn definition will give greater depth to that title.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy introduction to Mary, the mother of God. It explains the dogma and some of her sightings and why she is important to humanity. The author was very likable and easy to follow and his love and enthusiasm was tempered by facts and well supported statements.
I read this as a personal quest to reintroduce myself to Mary and rekindle my devotion to her. I recommend this book to anyone who may be curious about the Blessed Mother.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was at first impressed by the well explained theological points concerning Our Lady, teachings that I should have understood as s lifelong catholic but never fully grasped until now. However, perhaps the most beautiful part of this book is its ability to urge, even compel, the reader to go beyond theology to action and true conversion of heart. I'm so grateful for this little book and intend to share it.

[Abby Avery · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not particularly interested in mariology but I think this book doesn’t cater to either people who are skeptical about Mary not to those who love her. It’s too much theology for someone who didn’t go to Franciscan University and learn the basics by default of attending, and it’s not enough theology for someone who really wants to delve into it. I’ve heard Miravalle is an excellent professor, but some lectures don’t translate well to books.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend? Yes. I especially recommend this to those who want to know why Catholics venerate Mary. It is a simple, condensed read! I absolutely will be passing this on to those who want to learn more about our Mother. I learned a great deal about apparitions and the timeline of when popes declared certain dogmas about her. Miravalle is a tried and true Marian scholar. Excellent!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the topic of Mariology, and a great read for those who wish to learn what exactly the Church teaches on Mary, and why the world holds her in such esteem. Dr. Miravalle's explanations and arguments draw from a variety of sources, but most especially from Scripture and the long-standing teachings and traditions of the Magisterium and holy men and women throughout history. Note that this is more of an introductory book than anything; if you are already familiar with the Blessed Mother, but want to go a little deeper, I would highly recommend Father Michael Gaitley's books, or even Saint Louis de Montfort's "True Devotion to Mary."

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy & quick read, this informative introduction to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is great not only for Catholics, like me, who don't know or understand as much about Mary as they ought, but also for other Christians who would like to better understand the role Mary plays in Catholic spirituality. Theologically rich, but written in layman's terms in a light, and even at times, humorous tone, this little volume answered my questions and piqued my interest in discovering more about our spiritual Mother.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now understand Our Lady much better. T had this book on my shelf for about two years before I picked it up to read it, I should have done it as soon as I got the book. Since I am a cradle Catholic I thought I pretty much knew everything there is to know about our Blessed Mother, but I was severely wrong. Please read this book, and consecrate yourself to Our Sweet Lord through His loving Mother. I just did that, and I am sure that it will work as St. Loius DeMonfort says it will. All be it to help usher in the time of peace into this world promised by Our Sweet Lord and His Loving Mother.

[Drew Van Gorder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good introduction to the Roman Catholic view on Mariology. Some of the insights were fairly simple and straightforward, however some of them were somewhat convoluted. If you've never considered the theological framework of the "Theotokos" and how the Catholics view Mary, then this would be an excellent introductory text on the subject.

[J. Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short introduction to Mariolotry, the stronger-voiced members of my tradition would say. But genially worded, done with a no-pressure ethos, and delivers what it promises, which is a short introduction to the theory (theological and emotional) and practice of why Mary is such a big deal for Roman Catholics.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, perfect for those who want to understand why we should honor and love Mary.

[Maya Lavinier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty okay as far as books about Mary go. His love for Mary is strong and I love that too.

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done. This is a simple yet convinving explaination of Mary and her place in the Church. If you are looking for a great introduction to Marian teaching this would be agood book to start with.

[Jie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t like religious books….

[Lacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful short introduction

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

You learn about the thoughts on Mary and her different apparitions.

[Greta Ernst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to Mary, the Mother of God, for those just being introduced to her. Some rare insights into her role in our Christian faith.

[Derek Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful introduction to Mariology that does a great job presenting some deep theological concepts in very readable and understandable language. Highly recommended!

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know if the author is trying to be funny with his “drumroll” and side jokes but I found it annoying. This book is repetitive and poorly written.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just really egotistical, I guess, when I approached this book. But my friend got it for me as part of my birthday gift about three weeks ago. Some of the things I already knew, but this book helped me learn knew things, the major one being on how to really look at Mary as a Mother. I would highly recommend to even those who think, like me, they know all that anyone needs to know about Our Mother.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a women’s conference I went to a few years ago and decided that since it was May and Mary’s month it would be a timely read. Based on the Catholic faith, I thought this was a good explanation of why Mary’s role should be honored. Easy to read with enough history and scripture to make it authentic and a good Appendix on how to pray the rosary and Marian Consecration.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don't know much about the historical, but we do know what she means to the church her Son made for His people. This book explains 4 dogma which show the importance of Mary bring us closer to her Son. We do not worship her but allow her to intercede for us as all mother's do for their children.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief and excellent read that explains Mary's role as co-redemption of the universe...not just Roman Catholics. One of the better books on Catholic dogma that I've read. A must for e dry Catholic and anyone else confused or curious about "that whole Mary thing."

[Rudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I think it's a good introduction to Mary - who she was and who she is. This book will also excite those who already have some familiarity with Mary. It succinctly presents information about Marian apparitions in a way that will inspire you to learn more!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needless to say, I pulled out my Miraculous Medal and I am now wearing it again after reading this book. I have a newfound respect and love for our Mother. I have a lot of questions, but plan on continuing to grow in my understanding of the role Mary plays in our lives.

[Kathy Lamecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy read and gives understandable explanations to the Catholic understanding of Mary as Our blessed Mother.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro book! Readable but full of good information!

[Brian Thatcher]

The author kept quoting Luther as proof of something. Apparently the ‘great’ reformer admired Mary. The problem is, a basic internet search would show Luther changed his views on Mary. He was against prayers to her or saints. I found this to be irresponsible scholarship. I probably won’t read any other book by the author because it’s such a glaring weakness that I can’t really trust anything he says at this point.