What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mystical City of God: Complete Edition
— A Classic — Includes Active Table of Contents — Includes Religious Illustrations
Venerable Mary of Agreda reported that she received a lengthy revelation about the terrestrial and heavenly life of the Blessed Mary. That revelation was received directly from the Blessed Virgin Mary. The revelation also included information about the relationship of the Blessed Virgin' with the Triune God as well as the doings and Mysteries performed by Jesus as God-Man in flesh and in Spirit. The information was revealed with extensive detail in a narrative that covers the New Testament time line. The narrative was also accompanied by doctrines given by the Holy Mother on how to acquire true sanctity.It is that narrative that comprises the Mystical City of God.
Aeterna Press
Venerable Mary of Agreda reported that she received a lengthy revelation about the terrestrial and heavenly life of the Blessed Mary. That revelation was received directly from the Blessed Virgin Mary. The revelation also included information about the relationship of the Blessed Virgin' with the Triune God as well as the doings and Mysteries performed by Jesus as God-Man in flesh and in Spirit. The information was revealed with extensive detail in a narrative that covers the New Testament time line. The narrative was also accompanied by doctrines given by the Holy Mother on how to acquire true sanctity.It is that narrative that comprises the Mystical City of God.
Aeterna Press
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1971
795 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Mary of Agreda
76 books28 followersVenerable Mary of Jesus of Ágreda, OIC, also known as the Abbess of Ágreda (2 April 1602 – 24 May 1665), was a Franciscan abbess and spiritual writer, known especially for her extensive correspondence with King Philip IV of Spain and reports of her bilocation between Spain and its colonies in New Spain (now New Mexico and Texas). She was a noted mystic of her era.
A member of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Conceptionists, Mary of Jesus wrote fourteen books, including a series of revelations about the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her bilocation activity is said to have occurred between her cloistered monastery in rural Spain and the Jumano Indians of central New Mexico and West Texas, and inspired many Franciscan missionaries in the New World. In popular culture since the 17th century, she has been dubbed the Lady in Blue and the Blue Nun, after the color of her order's habit.
A member of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Conceptionists, Mary of Jesus wrote fourteen books, including a series of revelations about the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her bilocation activity is said to have occurred between her cloistered monastery in rural Spain and the Jumano Indians of central New Mexico and West Texas, and inspired many Franciscan missionaries in the New World. In popular culture since the 17th century, she has been dubbed the Lady in Blue and the Blue Nun, after the color of her order's habit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 2, 2020
If all the Holy Bibles in this Planet Earth are to be gone and destroyed for ever, and you have at least two or three books to save, then this immortal oeuvre by the Spanish Franciscan mystic, the Venerable Mary of Agreda, should be one of those two or three books to save for ever.
This work (in four volumes, with an abridged edition in one volume) stands with the Holy Bible and with Saint Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" as the foundation stones of Christian spirituality, may be including also "The Confessions" of Saint Augustine.
This book by the Venerable Mary truely changes lives also, for eternal glory and for eternal enlightenment that leads to eternal exaltation, which are all touched in the work it self.
This work (in four volumes, with an abridged edition in one volume) stands with the Holy Bible and with Saint Thomas à Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" as the foundation stones of Christian spirituality, may be including also "The Confessions" of Saint Augustine.
This book by the Venerable Mary truely changes lives also, for eternal glory and for eternal enlightenment that leads to eternal exaltation, which are all touched in the work it self.
May 27, 2023
I have had the abridged (The Mystical City of God: A Popular Abridgement of the Divine History and Life of the Virgin Mother of God) version of this on my shelves for years but recently purchased the full version in kindle for $1.99 for reference. I doubt I will live long enough to read the entire thing, but I know I will use it here and there for reference as I have just recently. It is wonderful in case you are wondering!
February 2, 2011
Every thing I ever wanted to know about the mother of God. The old English pronouns take a little getting used to but it is well worth the effort.
The book was originally in Spanish and the original manuscript is still available. I believe it was translated into English at the end of the Nineteenth or the beginning of the twentieth century.
The third volume was the only one that gave me any problem. It is large and I had a bit of a problem holding it. After the Bible this is my favorite book.
The book was originally in Spanish and the original manuscript is still available. I believe it was translated into English at the end of the Nineteenth or the beginning of the twentieth century.
The third volume was the only one that gave me any problem. It is large and I had a bit of a problem holding it. After the Bible this is my favorite book.
Read
March 10, 2017i owned this book before..a must read!
October 8, 2024
It’s likely that not many of us have read this work cover to cover lately. It’s quite an endeavor. It should be borne in mind that the author is a nun, probably writing primarily for members of her religious order. It is very medieval in thought, concept and beliefs. It does have a “nihil obstat” which is quite surprising as much of its content is “extra biblical “. For example, she calls Saint Paul a Catholic priest, says that the soul of Jesus was “created” at the Incarnation, that Mary ascended into heaven with Jesus (and later returned), that Jesus baptized John the Baptist, that “hell” is a physical place located at the center of the earth, etc.
In fact, Mary is described as extra human, almost divine, if you will. This isn’t the image of Mary that I was taught or that I carry around with me. Still, the book teaches us that devotion to Mary will assure us that she will be an advocate for us with the Father at the time of our death. So, if you’re skeptical about everything else, at least
remember that!
In fact, Mary is described as extra human, almost divine, if you will. This isn’t the image of Mary that I was taught or that I carry around with me. Still, the book teaches us that devotion to Mary will assure us that she will be an advocate for us with the Father at the time of our death. So, if you’re skeptical about everything else, at least
remember that!
November 17, 2015
This is the Four Volume Unabridged Edition about the life of Jesus and his mother Mary as dictated by the Blessed Virgin to Saint Mary of Agreda. I also have the ONE VOLUME ABRIDGED version. I am currently borrowing all four volumes of the UNABRIDGED version from the Cincinnati Public Library. There is only one way to describe this book: DETAILS all the DETAILS surrounding the mysteries of events in the lives of Jesus and his mother Mary. We cannot understand the full picture while still living here on earth. But, St. Mary of Agreda, a mystic, wrote down everything that was revealed to her by the Virgin Mary. The paragraphs are numbered in each Volume and in every chapter of all the volumes. Occassionally, there are references to other volumes to cross reference topics. Also, scriptural references in these volumes are from older Greek biblical translations. Thus, a reference to the Book of Lamentations in the Bible is referred to here as the Greek Septuagint Threnoi or Latin Vulgate Threni or Tears of Jeremiah. So, if you are unfamiliar with these translations, some of the scriptural references can throw you at first.
EVERYTHING JESUS DID CANNOT EVER BE RECORDED
John 21:25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Saint Mary Agreda repeats this sentiment that she is trying to write down everything the Blessed Virgin is trying to reveal to her but it is impossible to capture it all.
FASCINATING.
EVERYTHING JESUS DID CANNOT EVER BE RECORDED
John 21:25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Saint Mary Agreda repeats this sentiment that she is trying to write down everything the Blessed Virgin is trying to reveal to her but it is impossible to capture it all.
FASCINATING.
July 7, 2015
Awesome!!!
The most wonderful book about our Lord and Blessed Mother. It helps completes the scriptures and answers so many questions concerning the scriptures. Read it twice and sure I will study again and again.
The most wonderful book about our Lord and Blessed Mother. It helps completes the scriptures and answers so many questions concerning the scriptures. Read it twice and sure I will study again and again.
Read
October 21, 2018Beyond value!
October 16, 2021
From what I understand, this work is the primary reason Mary of Agreda has not been beatified yet. So: caveat emptor. It's hard to find specifics on exactly why that's the case, but I do know that the Immaculate Conception wasn't dogma yet when this was written and this work makes the claim of the Immaculate Conception, so that may have been a factor. This set is at it's best when describing the virtues of Our Lady; one almost can't help but want to better oneself when reading about how good God made His most perfect creature. Also, the first part of the first book, which speaks about the fall of the angels, is quite good. A few reservations about this work: for one, part of my motivation in picking this up was to learn about the 'hidden details' of Jesus' and Mary's lives, things that aren't mentioned or are ambiguous in the Bible. However, when this work does talk about things like that (and it passes over many such things), it doesn't always seem especially credible. Further, it does make some claims and assumptions that are antiquated (such as that the soul isn't infused into the body immediately upon conception; this is not strictly incompatible with Catholic teaching, but is hard to defend philosophically). It's things like this that make me reluctant to recommend the work for just anyone (the hefty price tag for the whole set may also be a deterrent). Still, the work is not without its merits, and I'm sure one could do worse when looking for a work on Our Lady.
February 2, 2025
If you read nothing in your life - read this book
My Mother gave me this book (abridged) when I was 40. I’m over 70 now. I read and reread the book several times, then I finally went to the long/full version. The hardcopy leather was relative expensive. The electronic is practically free. Wanting to do more, I. Became an active member of the Legion of Mary. Second best decision of my life. The book remains an invaluable reference and source of information. I could go on and on. But, I’ll leave opinions to you, hopefully, new readers. God Bless you all.
My Mother gave me this book (abridged) when I was 40. I’m over 70 now. I read and reread the book several times, then I finally went to the long/full version. The hardcopy leather was relative expensive. The electronic is practically free. Wanting to do more, I. Became an active member of the Legion of Mary. Second best decision of my life. The book remains an invaluable reference and source of information. I could go on and on. But, I’ll leave opinions to you, hopefully, new readers. God Bless you all.
May 15, 2020
A beautiful and an inspiring account of the life of the Blessed mother and her Son Jesus. It is causing me to fall in love with the Mother of God and giving me a new appreciation for who she is. I encourage you to dive in and ask the Spirit of God to give you the grace to imitate the queen of heaven.
August 29, 2023
Amazing details of the life of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and others. Not an easy read but enlightening and grace filled.
August 23, 2025
It is not hyperbole to call this cosmic history. These tomes changed my life.
November 9, 2023
To all those hoping for eternal happiness in God
The glorious Mother of God has given us these words and revealed these Divine Mysteries of her blessed life , and the life of Her most holy beloved son, Jesus Christ.
Carefully read all of this, and submit yourself to fulfilling the instructions and practicing the virtues that our Blessed Mother has asked of us.
The kingdom the power and the glory are yours, and yours alone Almighty Father through your Son Jesus Christ forever and ever Amen
The glorious Mother of God has given us these words and revealed these Divine Mysteries of her blessed life , and the life of Her most holy beloved son, Jesus Christ.
Carefully read all of this, and submit yourself to fulfilling the instructions and practicing the virtues that our Blessed Mother has asked of us.
The kingdom the power and the glory are yours, and yours alone Almighty Father through your Son Jesus Christ forever and ever Amen
September 1, 2018
This massive tome is more-or-less a life of the Virgin Mary.
Venerable Mother Maria de Jesus de Agreda was a nun, later an Abbess, of the Poor Clares. She seems to have bilocated - she had visions, beginning around 1620, in which she visited some "primitive" people and did missionary work with them. In 1629, a party of Jumano "Indians" came to the Friary of San Antonio, south of present-day Albuquerque, and spoke of a "woman in blue" who would appear in their midst and teach them things, especially the Christian faith. She told them to seek out the Franciscans - for those who don't know, the Poor Clares are the sisterhood associated with the Franciscans - for further instruction in the faith. In 1631, a friar from San Antonio returned to Spain, and, interviewing the Abbess, found that she knew the Jumanos' and could describe them individually.
Anyway, the Abbess (I'll just call her that because it will save confusion) had visions of the BVM in which the latter gave her a detailed account of her own life, as well as a great deal of instruction on the way of perfection. She wrote this down, burned it out of modesty, and was told by her confessor to write it again. The book met with approval from the Spanish Inquisition (after fourteen years of debate) and was published. Interestingly, it was banned for a century or so by the Roman Inquisition and placed on the Index, largely due to a poorly-done French translation, but also due to referring to Mary as the Immaculate Conception, a term which was not yet official Church doctrine.
Also, her incorruptible body is on display in Agreda.
Make of all that what you will. I'm here to talk about the book and that was all background.
The first Part deals with the life of Mary up to about the birth of Jesus. The first several chapters actually deal with materials from the Apocalypse of John, which the Abbess interprets as God creating the world largely so that Mary could be born and give birth to Jesus. Then comes the Immaculate Conception, and something strange happens here - from this point on, every chapter (except the very last) has as a pendant a passage called "The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of Agreda", told in the proper voice of Mary, who gives the Abbess oodles of advice, interpretations of key events in her life, advice on the Way of Perfection and much else.
The second Part, now, covers the period from Jesus' Incarnation to His Ascension, always from the point of view of Mary, who mystically participates in everything that Jesus does or that happens to Him.
The third and final Part covers Mary's life for the seventeen or so years (the Abbess is a bit compulsive about dates) between Jesus' Ascension to Mary's own Assumption and Coronation as Queen of the Universe.
I have, as you might expect, some quibbles.
One of them is simply repetition. Both Marys spend so much time abasing themselves and calling themselves the least worms in all creation, etc., that one begins to feel like God in _Monty Python and the Holy Grail_. And, yes, they grovel and sing hymns of praise left and right.
Another is that there are a few things that seem like anachronisms. I'm not going to list any because (a) I'm not _sure_ - history can be suspect in these things - and (b) I didn't keep notes.
But my biggest quibble, indeed an actual complaint, is the demonization of the Jews. This is perfectly normal for a book written by a Spanish religious in the early 17th Century, but it's very unpleasant.
I'm glad I read it. I will never read it again.
Venerable Mother Maria de Jesus de Agreda was a nun, later an Abbess, of the Poor Clares. She seems to have bilocated - she had visions, beginning around 1620, in which she visited some "primitive" people and did missionary work with them. In 1629, a party of Jumano "Indians" came to the Friary of San Antonio, south of present-day Albuquerque, and spoke of a "woman in blue" who would appear in their midst and teach them things, especially the Christian faith. She told them to seek out the Franciscans - for those who don't know, the Poor Clares are the sisterhood associated with the Franciscans - for further instruction in the faith. In 1631, a friar from San Antonio returned to Spain, and, interviewing the Abbess, found that she knew the Jumanos' and could describe them individually.
Anyway, the Abbess (I'll just call her that because it will save confusion) had visions of the BVM in which the latter gave her a detailed account of her own life, as well as a great deal of instruction on the way of perfection. She wrote this down, burned it out of modesty, and was told by her confessor to write it again. The book met with approval from the Spanish Inquisition (after fourteen years of debate) and was published. Interestingly, it was banned for a century or so by the Roman Inquisition and placed on the Index, largely due to a poorly-done French translation, but also due to referring to Mary as the Immaculate Conception, a term which was not yet official Church doctrine.
Also, her incorruptible body is on display in Agreda.
Make of all that what you will. I'm here to talk about the book and that was all background.
The first Part deals with the life of Mary up to about the birth of Jesus. The first several chapters actually deal with materials from the Apocalypse of John, which the Abbess interprets as God creating the world largely so that Mary could be born and give birth to Jesus. Then comes the Immaculate Conception, and something strange happens here - from this point on, every chapter (except the very last) has as a pendant a passage called "The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of Agreda", told in the proper voice of Mary, who gives the Abbess oodles of advice, interpretations of key events in her life, advice on the Way of Perfection and much else.
The second Part, now, covers the period from Jesus' Incarnation to His Ascension, always from the point of view of Mary, who mystically participates in everything that Jesus does or that happens to Him.
The third and final Part covers Mary's life for the seventeen or so years (the Abbess is a bit compulsive about dates) between Jesus' Ascension to Mary's own Assumption and Coronation as Queen of the Universe.
I have, as you might expect, some quibbles.
One of them is simply repetition. Both Marys spend so much time abasing themselves and calling themselves the least worms in all creation, etc., that one begins to feel like God in _Monty Python and the Holy Grail_. And, yes, they grovel and sing hymns of praise left and right.
Another is that there are a few things that seem like anachronisms. I'm not going to list any because (a) I'm not _sure_ - history can be suspect in these things - and (b) I didn't keep notes.
But my biggest quibble, indeed an actual complaint, is the demonization of the Jews. This is perfectly normal for a book written by a Spanish religious in the early 17th Century, but it's very unpleasant.
I'm glad I read it. I will never read it again.
April 17, 2023
It took me a good deal of time to complete this. It makes for perfect reading in sections, or by chapter. If you're starving for more information on Mary, you have an embarrassment of riches presented here, since the format of the book seems to follow a pupil and teacher dynamic, where the author spends a moment on her own interpretation after being presented with several inspirations or visions, followed by what seems to be a response from the Holy Mother herself.
Sometimes she is corrected, while at other times a something other is expanded. This leaves space for confirming the Saint's point of view or, if you're like me, to set certain statements aside for review later. For example, St. Bridget was told that Jesus received 5,480 blows to his body during his passion. Mary of Agreda lists this number as 5,115, but lists these as strikes during the scourging, leaving 365 blows possibly received during the inquiry, the carrying, and the crucifixion, if we were to reconcile both accounts. An interesting number which brings me to the the St. Bridget Promises of meditations on the stations of the cross with the accompanying 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Marys every day (365 times) to honor the 5480 wounds of Christ.
I can see why Rome has, throughout the generations, held this work in such high regard. The words of Mary are priceless and they are a treasure. I found myself starved awaiting them as I read through to where they were at the end of each chapter. There is a wealth of Catechism in these pages and it is easily found in public domain for free.
Sometimes she is corrected, while at other times a something other is expanded. This leaves space for confirming the Saint's point of view or, if you're like me, to set certain statements aside for review later. For example, St. Bridget was told that Jesus received 5,480 blows to his body during his passion. Mary of Agreda lists this number as 5,115, but lists these as strikes during the scourging, leaving 365 blows possibly received during the inquiry, the carrying, and the crucifixion, if we were to reconcile both accounts. An interesting number which brings me to the the St. Bridget Promises of meditations on the stations of the cross with the accompanying 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Marys every day (365 times) to honor the 5480 wounds of Christ.
I can see why Rome has, throughout the generations, held this work in such high regard. The words of Mary are priceless and they are a treasure. I found myself starved awaiting them as I read through to where they were at the end of each chapter. There is a wealth of Catechism in these pages and it is easily found in public domain for free.
December 31, 2024
I find myself thinking about these beautiful books on a daily basis. My world has expanded exponentially and my prayer life deepened. I approach the Holy Rosary now with a new sense of wonder and devotion.
In addition to reading the physical books themselves, I listened to Father Edward Looney’s podcast, “Mystical City of God in a Year.” His insightful commentary added another dimension to these treasure-troves, unpacking jewels I would have otherwise missed and / or adding the knowledge of the Catechism to the Mysticism of this work. These books are truly ones to be pondered and re-read.
Do you need to be Catholic to read them? No. Absolutely not. In fact, these books unveil the autobiography of the Blessed Virgin Mary and fill in many gaps in the cannon. However, that said, there are some cautions: 1 This is private revelation and although it has the blessing of multiple Popes, it is not canon. This means that the faithful are not obliged to believe it as we are the Holy Bible. 2. The level of detail is so rich, and by nature, it IS very Catholic, very esoteric, and presumes a knowledge of the scriptures—both old and new. Although the volumes are heavily footnoted, an unfamiliar reader would absolutely benefit from Fr. Looney’s podcast. Do not let the sheer VOLUME of the volumes deter you from reading them.
In addition to reading the physical books themselves, I listened to Father Edward Looney’s podcast, “Mystical City of God in a Year.” His insightful commentary added another dimension to these treasure-troves, unpacking jewels I would have otherwise missed and / or adding the knowledge of the Catechism to the Mysticism of this work. These books are truly ones to be pondered and re-read.
Do you need to be Catholic to read them? No. Absolutely not. In fact, these books unveil the autobiography of the Blessed Virgin Mary and fill in many gaps in the cannon. However, that said, there are some cautions: 1 This is private revelation and although it has the blessing of multiple Popes, it is not canon. This means that the faithful are not obliged to believe it as we are the Holy Bible. 2. The level of detail is so rich, and by nature, it IS very Catholic, very esoteric, and presumes a knowledge of the scriptures—both old and new. Although the volumes are heavily footnoted, an unfamiliar reader would absolutely benefit from Fr. Looney’s podcast. Do not let the sheer VOLUME of the volumes deter you from reading them.
September 26, 2022
The Mystical City of God. Sister Mary Agreda
This is the most profound collection of knowledge regarding The most Blessed Mother available. Truly a must read for all Catholics as well as all Christians. Read and become aware of all the Blessing that are available to you from the Wisdom within.
This is the most profound collection of knowledge regarding The most Blessed Mother available. Truly a must read for all Catholics as well as all Christians. Read and become aware of all the Blessing that are available to you from the Wisdom within.
August 5, 2023
Blessed to read the life of Our Mother Mary
Blessed to read the life of Our Mother Mary as revealed to Sister Mary Agreda of Spain. One of the many parts I loved was the creating of the Apostles Creed.
Blessed to read the life of Our Mother Mary as revealed to Sister Mary Agreda of Spain. One of the many parts I loved was the creating of the Apostles Creed.
September 10, 2023
Great Read
I'd recommend it to my bible study group , and my children . Probably the rest of my friends and family
I'd recommend it to my bible study group , and my children . Probably the rest of my friends and family
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews