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Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Enhanced Version
The Blessed Anne Catheine Emmerich is a respected and tormented figure in the Catholic church. She was bedridden for most of her life and was a stigmatic as well. Anne was a very supernaturally-affected person, and professed to have seen many visions in her life. These were recorded by a friend and published. Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary was uncompleted when the scribe died, and so was published as is. The book could be compared to Milton's Paradise Lost in theme as it is a "bringing to life" of the scriptures, in this case, the experiences of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Anne describes in vivid detail the events of Mary's life: the immaculate conception, her marriage, Christ's birth from Mary's perspective, and the events of Holy Week according to the Blessed Mother. Anne saw in her visions the most minute traits, exemplified by the description of Mary's wedding dress, hairstyle ("interwoven with white silk and pearls...a great net falling over her shoulders"), and ring. Whether or not Anne saw these visions is up for debate, but the descriptions are nonetheless entrancing. Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a revealing and creative look into the spirit of the Mary, the lauded mother of the church.
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
This edition features an artistic cover, a new promotional introduction, an index of scripture references, and links for scripture references to the appropriate passages.
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
This edition features an artistic cover, a new promotional introduction, an index of scripture references, and links for scripture references to the appropriate passages.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1852
753 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Anne Catherine Emmerich
189 books60 followersBlessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was a Roman Catholic Augustinian nun, stigmatic, mystic, visionary and ecstatic.
The daughter of a peasant couple, Anne Catherine Emmerich worked as a seamstress and servant before entering an Augustinian convent in 1802 at age 28. Frail and pious, she became known for her ecstasies, visions of the supernatural and "conversations" with Jesus.
After she became bedridden in 1813 she developed the stigmata -- bleeding wounds corresponding to those of the crucified Christ. A church investigation pronounced the wounds genuine. Ill for many years until her death at age 49, she offered up her suffering for the souls in purgatory. She was beatified on October 3, 2004 by Pope John Paul II.
Anna Katharina Emmerick
The daughter of a peasant couple, Anne Catherine Emmerich worked as a seamstress and servant before entering an Augustinian convent in 1802 at age 28. Frail and pious, she became known for her ecstasies, visions of the supernatural and "conversations" with Jesus.
After she became bedridden in 1813 she developed the stigmata -- bleeding wounds corresponding to those of the crucified Christ. A church investigation pronounced the wounds genuine. Ill for many years until her death at age 49, she offered up her suffering for the souls in purgatory. She was beatified on October 3, 2004 by Pope John Paul II.
Anna Katharina Emmerick
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 29, 2019
Powerful book. So much more information about the Blessed Virgin Mary and her whole life.
I love the writings of Emmerich. I would recommend this well edited edition to all: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Blessed-V...
I love the writings of Emmerich. I would recommend this well edited edition to all: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Blessed-V...
January 3, 2019
Can I write a second review? Well, I'm just going to say that this book drew me closer to love Our Lady and that's the best kind of book. How can we ever thank her for her love and service to all mankind? I don't know, except to spread the news that She is Our Mother and the Mother of Our Lord! Hail Mary full of grace! Amen!
November 12, 2012
If you want to see our Mothers life from a mystics journey with the family of The Blessed Virgin and with The Blessed Virgin, jump on this book. It brought me to the realization life is not easy for a reason, i.e. it was not easy for holy families. Perseverance, purity, hard work, prayer and more prayer got them graces. Loved it.
April 29, 2018
Non conoscevo la beata Anna Katharina prima di questo libro, ma sicuramente leggerò altro di e su di lei. Per chi non la conoscesse, era una mistica e veggente tedesca vissuta a cavallo tra il XVII e il XVIII secolo. Sin da bambina aveva visioni della vita di Gesù, della Vergine, della santa famiglia, degli apostoli e di avvenimenti futuri della Chiesa cattolica. Mel Gibson si ispirò alle visioni della Emmerick per il suo film "La passione di Cristo", e grazie alle visioni della beata fu ritrovata a Efeso la casa in cui visse Maria Vergine durante gli ultimi anni della sua vita. Avendo una salute cagionevole, e non avendo frequentato la scuola, le visioni della Emmerick furono messe per iscritto da Clemens Bretano, scrittore romantico dell'epoca, che fu accanto alla beata fino alla sua morte. Ogni giorno la Emmerick si faceva leggere da Bretano ciò che aveva scritto per dare il suo consenso o per correggere errori nati dalla libertà poetica dello scrittore. Sull'affidabilità delle visioni non ci sono dubbi perché hanno ricevuto anche l'approvazione del Vaticano che le considera un'aggiunta ai Vangeli.
Il libro è suddiviso in due parti: nella prima conosciamo gli antenati della Vergine, la sua nascita, la sua infanzia, il matrimonio con Giuseppe, la nascita di Gesù fino alla fuga della santa famiglia in Egitto; nella seconda parte, molto più breve, ci sono le visioni della beata sugli ultimi anni di vita della Vergine trascorsi in una casetta isolata a Efeso. Tutte le visioni sono molto dettagliate ed è un vero piacere lasciarsi trasportare da esse.
Il libro è suddiviso in due parti: nella prima conosciamo gli antenati della Vergine, la sua nascita, la sua infanzia, il matrimonio con Giuseppe, la nascita di Gesù fino alla fuga della santa famiglia in Egitto; nella seconda parte, molto più breve, ci sono le visioni della beata sugli ultimi anni di vita della Vergine trascorsi in una casetta isolata a Efeso. Tutte le visioni sono molto dettagliate ed è un vero piacere lasciarsi trasportare da esse.
July 3, 2011
Having grown up Protestant, where Mary is rarely mentioned except around Christmas, but even then almost casually. This book was quite a revelation. I knew nothing of her or Joseph family background. I found the story of Joachim's and Anna an inspiring story of faith. How difficult it was for Joseph, to marry Mary and then by faith to stay with her and Jesus and protect them even it meant giving up every thing he had to follow God's words. It would have been so much easier for him to turn his back on Mary. I also like the story of the the Three Kings, who were far from perfect yet traveled toward that cluster of stars, full of believe and hope. I throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you have any interest in the Life of Mary
December 26, 2020
I appreciated the details of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary through Emmerich's visions. Mother Mary's humility is on such a high level that makes me revere her more. Reading the book also drew me closer to the Holy Family.
It can be a tad too descriptive at times, and the book did not have the parts of Joseph's death and the Passion. It jumped from the finding at the temple of the boy Jesus to Mary's death. Apparently the missing parts are in The Dolorous Passion version.
It can be a tad too descriptive at times, and the book did not have the parts of Joseph's death and the Passion. It jumped from the finding at the temple of the boy Jesus to Mary's death. Apparently the missing parts are in The Dolorous Passion version.
August 11, 2018
This book should be read and shared with everyone. The details that are given in this book enable the believer to love the Blessed Mother, walk with her as she guards this Holy Child. You learn about the 3 Kings and their incredible journey, you learn about the love of the Apostles for the Blessed Mother and you learn about the Assumption of Our Lady. Get this book!
July 6, 2016
The gift of reading this glorious knowledge of Our Blessed Mother Mary and Our Lord and Savior is one of the most beautiful miracles in my life. I have such respect for Anne Catherine for her devout love and humility in this wonderful sharing of her visions to a most gifted writer. Together they have given the world what Angels could only know. My prayer life has benefited and my Heart is Joyful!
August 8, 2013
"These romantic people, they said, were always full of fantastic ideas about the stars"
-Anne Catherine Emmerich, The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-Anne Catherine Emmerich, The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary
January 12, 2025
An amazing devotional to assist with meditating on Biblical revelations and the life of God's Blessed Mother.
February 4, 2020
Wonderful story !!
It was interesting to read about the background of Virgin Mary. Before reading this book, I had a hard time imagining Her to have been a real person. One learned that She was Jesus's Mother, but not too much is known about her childhood or Her life before becoming the woman that gave birth to Baby Jesus. I happily recommend this book to anyone who like me wanted to know more about who Virgin Mary was before She became our Blessed Mother.
It was interesting to read about the background of Virgin Mary. Before reading this book, I had a hard time imagining Her to have been a real person. One learned that She was Jesus's Mother, but not too much is known about her childhood or Her life before becoming the woman that gave birth to Baby Jesus. I happily recommend this book to anyone who like me wanted to know more about who Virgin Mary was before She became our Blessed Mother.
January 24, 2016
Ana Catalina nos muestra sus visiones con una gran variedad de detalles que nos hacen imaginarnos los tiempos de la Sagrada Familia. Continuamente las narraciones me han sorprendido con hechos, lugares o personas que posteriormente han sido investigados y resultaron ser ciertos...
August 21, 2019
A brilliant book on the life of Blessed Virgin Mary.
September 1, 2024
Si te interesa conocer detalles poco sabidos sobre la vida de nuestra Virgen María, este libro es para vos. Muy conmovedor e interesante. Fácil de leer incluso. Recomiendo 100%.
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March 30, 2024Read during Lent 2024
I remember, too, having seen at a certain point in this series of pictures a garden surrounded by a thick hedge of thorns, which a host of serpents and other loathsome creatures attempted in vain to penetrate. I also saw a strong tower assaulted on all sides by men-at-arms, who were falling down from it. I saw many pictures of this kind, relating to the history of the ancestry of Our Lady; and the bridges and passages which joined all together signified the victory over all attempts to disturb, hinder, or interrupt the work of salvation.
This proved to be a beautiful and insightful companion during the Lenten season. I feel a little sad to be done because it’s been my companion for a whole month. I’ll miss spending time with the Holy Family every day. ❤️🔥
I remember, too, having seen at a certain point in this series of pictures a garden surrounded by a thick hedge of thorns, which a host of serpents and other loathsome creatures attempted in vain to penetrate. I also saw a strong tower assaulted on all sides by men-at-arms, who were falling down from it. I saw many pictures of this kind, relating to the history of the ancestry of Our Lady; and the bridges and passages which joined all together signified the victory over all attempts to disturb, hinder, or interrupt the work of salvation.
This proved to be a beautiful and insightful companion during the Lenten season. I feel a little sad to be done because it’s been my companion for a whole month. I’ll miss spending time with the Holy Family every day. ❤️🔥
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December 28, 2025Love to read books my mom reads—something I have done for years to connect with her.
August 26, 2019
Amazing book describing the visions that Anne Catherine Emmerich had on the life of the Virgin Mary which gives us a lot of insight on something that is not written about anywhere else. Great read, amazing to know how some of this important mysteries happened.
January 27, 2019
The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich is a thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational book. As the title relates, this is a biography of the Blessed Virgin Mary as compiled from the visions of Emmerich. The scope of these visions ranges from the Immaculate Conception to her Assumption. Scripture can be sparse about this subject, and this book is good for fueling our imaginations and helping us to picture these events. I read this during the Advent and Christmas season, and it was one of the best things I could have to done to celebrate this special time of year. Any serious Christian, and certainly all Catholics, will find this book edifying. It is a good read by itself, and is also good to use for reflection and mediation.
There are so many events in the New Testament that are only briefly described. This book is great for elaborating on those relating to Mary. To be more specific, this book has great narratives of: The Immaculate Conception; Mary’s youth; the Annunciation; the birth of John the Baptist; Mary’s marriage to Joseph; the trip to Bethlehem; the Nativity; the shepherds; the Magi; the massacre of the Innocents; the flight into Egypt; the return to Nazareth; and, Mary’s dormition and assumption. All of these are covered in some detail, and I found it helped me form a clear mental picture of these events that you can’t get from the Bible alone.
These visions were private revelations to Emmerich, a Catholic nun who lived about 200 years ago, and the Catholic Church does not require that anyone believe these. However, the Church does claim that there is nothing heretical in them, and they do not contradict any teachings of the Church. If you don’t want to believe these, that’s fine. However, there is no dogmatic harm in believing them, and they can be quite educational and inspirational. These visions were recorded by Clemens Brentano. He includes extensive footnotes throughout the text which reference Scripture and early Christian writings.
This book is a translation of 200 year old German language, and it can at times be a little vague in its descriptions. I found several spots were there was confusion over pronouns and prepositions. In places, Emmerich refers to “he” or “she”, and it is not immediately clear who “he” or “she” is. Similarly, there was confusion when she made references to “there”. (Where is “there”?) These instances can all be overcome, but they do bring the reader to a pause as they try to parse those sentences.
Emmerich was prodigious in her visions, and there are other books of hers available. The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich was used extensively in the making of the Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ”. That is one of the greatest books I have read, and I highly recommend it to anyone. There is also a four volume Life Of Jesus Christ And Biblical Revelations (4 Volumes) which is vast in its scope and entails a couple thousand pages.
Another book dealing with the birth of Christ is The Day Christ Was Born: The True Account of the First 24 Hours of Jesus's Life, by Jim Bishop. I have read it and would recommend it as a good supplement to this volume.
I was impelled to read this book for Advent 2018 by the example of Goodreads member Christine Calabrese. For that, I give her a big “thank you”.
There are so many events in the New Testament that are only briefly described. This book is great for elaborating on those relating to Mary. To be more specific, this book has great narratives of: The Immaculate Conception; Mary’s youth; the Annunciation; the birth of John the Baptist; Mary’s marriage to Joseph; the trip to Bethlehem; the Nativity; the shepherds; the Magi; the massacre of the Innocents; the flight into Egypt; the return to Nazareth; and, Mary’s dormition and assumption. All of these are covered in some detail, and I found it helped me form a clear mental picture of these events that you can’t get from the Bible alone.
These visions were private revelations to Emmerich, a Catholic nun who lived about 200 years ago, and the Catholic Church does not require that anyone believe these. However, the Church does claim that there is nothing heretical in them, and they do not contradict any teachings of the Church. If you don’t want to believe these, that’s fine. However, there is no dogmatic harm in believing them, and they can be quite educational and inspirational. These visions were recorded by Clemens Brentano. He includes extensive footnotes throughout the text which reference Scripture and early Christian writings.
This book is a translation of 200 year old German language, and it can at times be a little vague in its descriptions. I found several spots were there was confusion over pronouns and prepositions. In places, Emmerich refers to “he” or “she”, and it is not immediately clear who “he” or “she” is. Similarly, there was confusion when she made references to “there”. (Where is “there”?) These instances can all be overcome, but they do bring the reader to a pause as they try to parse those sentences.
Emmerich was prodigious in her visions, and there are other books of hers available. The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich was used extensively in the making of the Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ”. That is one of the greatest books I have read, and I highly recommend it to anyone. There is also a four volume Life Of Jesus Christ And Biblical Revelations (4 Volumes) which is vast in its scope and entails a couple thousand pages.
Another book dealing with the birth of Christ is The Day Christ Was Born: The True Account of the First 24 Hours of Jesus's Life, by Jim Bishop. I have read it and would recommend it as a good supplement to this volume.
I was impelled to read this book for Advent 2018 by the example of Goodreads member Christine Calabrese. For that, I give her a big “thank you”.
December 15, 2020
I recently finished re-reading this book as an Advent meditation. The Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich was a nun who lived in Germany in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. During her life, she experienced a series of visions of the lives of the Holy Family, and this book deals with those related to the life of Mary. While private revelation (visions, apparitions, and so forth) is consistent with Catholic teaching, it is not part of Catholic doctrine, meaning that one does not have to believe in any particular private revelation to be a member of the Church in good standing. That being said, many of these visions are remarkable. Having lived in the Holy Land for several years, I find a lot of her descriptions of the travels of the Holy Family uncannily true to life. In addition, some of the historical references she makes ring true, and it makes one wonder that, if her visions were not supernatural, how in the world did a nun living more than two hundred years ago know so much about a place she had never been in a time far removed from her own.
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May 26, 2012 So far I am having a really hard time with this book. I have not gotten very far in it but so far think that Mary's parents were more selfish then particulary pius. I am going to finish the book so maybe I will change my mind. I started reading this to get a better picture of Mary as a mother . So far I have more questions then answers.
Well I finished it and for me it was not helpful. I believe the visions were very much colored by the persons own predudices, times and knowledge. It interfered in taking more out of the book. I was also hoping to get more of a feeling for Mary's thoughts and feelings.
Well I finished it and for me it was not helpful. I believe the visions were very much colored by the persons own predudices, times and knowledge. It interfered in taking more out of the book. I was also hoping to get more of a feeling for Mary's thoughts and feelings.
February 25, 2019
This book was not quite what I expected, although the title is not necessarily misleading, it should probably state "the vision of" rather than "from the visions of". The text was basically a (somewhat) edited transcript and occasionally a description of Sr. Emmerich's visions with brief injections of how she was feeling on a particular day. The book also seems to spend more time discussing the family of the Blessed Virgin rather than her own life, and there is way too much detail about certain things, which takes away from the substance of what - if edited and formatted in a different way - would be a very interesting book.
March 31, 2017
Whether you believe her visions to be real or simply stories, Anne Catherine Emmerich brings intimate detail to the lives of the people from the Bible we long to know more about. Her vivid descriptions of an ancient time period essential to the Christian faith transform important but short sentences in the Bible into a living testimony. We only get a glimpse of Mary in Scripture, but through Emmerich we are allowed to peek into her day-to-day life. By the end of the book, I felt like I personally knew the most important woman in human history.
September 29, 2009
This was one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It is about the life of the Blessed Mother and Jesus as told through a nun's ecstatic visions. It is narrated in a way that is easily understood and touching.
After reading some other reviews I was a little hesitant. Some said it was not believable, but I had no trouble with it. You must be able to discern the truth for yourself. It's all in the discernment. It rang true for me.
After reading some other reviews I was a little hesitant. Some said it was not believable, but I had no trouble with it. You must be able to discern the truth for yourself. It's all in the discernment. It rang true for me.
April 11, 2019
Brideshead Revisited remains the best book I have ever read, fiction wise. This book on the life of The Blessed Virgin Mary contains no fiction - the first few chapters make you aware of this. I seriously cannot think of a suitable adjective to use in describing this work by Bless Ann Catherine Emmerich. Neither 'stunning' or 'beautiful' would do it justice. One thing for sure - I will be re-reading it each and every year for the remainder of my life.
March 6, 2015
review of "La Vida Oculta de la Virgen Maria"
In general, the book portrays a more "human" side of the Virgin's life in this earth: her trials and tribulations as a woman, in particular before her death when the author sees her anxiety to be meet her Son and the ever omnipresent God in eternity.
In general, the book portrays a more "human" side of the Virgin's life in this earth: her trials and tribulations as a woman, in particular before her death when the author sees her anxiety to be meet her Son and the ever omnipresent God in eternity.
December 14, 2018
Faith is required to start, as one must first believe that the path to Christ is through His mother. This book should take you to a special place and improve your understanding of pre-Christian life, the origin of Our Mother and what became of her after His crucifixion, with her travels to Ephesus and beyond with the Apostle James (Santiago).
February 18, 2014
I was fascinated by the detail of Anne Catherine Emmerich's visions- a story form of these visions can be found in He Shall Be Peace: The Prophecy of the Child Jesus. Anne Catherine's visions come to life with dialogue and imagery for the Holy Family.
April 16, 2015
Emmerich gives incredible details about the life of Mary and Joseph from their early days. The book helps readers to gain greater appreciation for the Holy Family and the context into which our Blessed Lord was born.
May 27, 2015
La vida oculta de Maria
Grandes acontecimiento desconocido de Maria Santisima. Que nos ayudan a entender el plan perfecto de Dios. Como preservo una estirpe para preparar el camino de Maria
Grandes acontecimiento desconocido de Maria Santisima. Que nos ayudan a entender el plan perfecto de Dios. Como preservo una estirpe para preparar el camino de Maria
February 6, 2016
This book is fascinating! It can be tedious at times but it is such an amazing account. Good reflection of it here. https://lettersfromyoursister.wordpre...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews