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Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena
Winner of a 2016 Association of Catholic Publishers 2016 Excellence in Publishing Inspirational Books (Second Place).Our Lady, Undoer of A Living Novena is a unique guided meditation from veteran Catholic journalist Marge Fenelon, who has created a new devotional practice from this classic novena that is a favorite of Pope Francis.Since the seventeenth century, Catholics facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles have turned to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots through a special novena--nine days of prayer for divine intervention. Catholic columnist Marge Fenelon resurrects this ancient tradition, also known as the Unfailing Novena, by reflecting on nine sacred sites associated with Pope Francis's 2014 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Reflecting on such holy places as Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, and the Temple Mount, Fenelon helps readers explore the "knots" or impossible situations in their own lives in order to find peace.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2015
45 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Marge Fenelon
10 books34 followersMarge Fenelon is an award-winning Catholic author and journalist, internationally-known speaker, and popular radio and television personality.
She's the author of several books on Marian devotion and Catholic spirituality including "My Queen, My Mother: A Living Novena, (A Marian Pilgrimage Across America)" "10 Promises of Jesus: Stories and Scripture Reflections about Suffering and Joy," "Forgiving Mother: A Marian Novena of Healing and Peace," and "Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena."
Marge's media appearances include EWTN Television and Radio, Relevant Radio, Spirit Radio, Ave Maria Radio, Iowa Catholic Radio, Sacred Heart Radio, and more. She's known for her warmth and genuineness and has spoken to audiences across the US and in Europe and South America.
Marge is a life-long Catholic and an instructor for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Deacon Wives Program.
She's the author of several books on Marian devotion and Catholic spirituality including "My Queen, My Mother: A Living Novena, (A Marian Pilgrimage Across America)" "10 Promises of Jesus: Stories and Scripture Reflections about Suffering and Joy," "Forgiving Mother: A Marian Novena of Healing and Peace," and "Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena."
Marge's media appearances include EWTN Television and Radio, Relevant Radio, Spirit Radio, Ave Maria Radio, Iowa Catholic Radio, Sacred Heart Radio, and more. She's known for her warmth and genuineness and has spoken to audiences across the US and in Europe and South America.
Marge is a life-long Catholic and an instructor for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Deacon Wives Program.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 24, 2019
This is the third book by Marge Fenelon, about Mary, that I have read this year. This book was recommended to me a few years ago by a friend. In actuality, I purchased the eBook over 4 years before getting around to reading it. It sat in my ‘to be read pile’ for a long time. Every once in a while; while browsing my Kindle app I would come across it and bump it to the top but never got around to starting it. That is my loss. But after recently reading two other books by marge in the last few months I finally got around to reading this volume. All three books I have read by Fenelon have involved a Novena. But this one is very different than the other two. In both my previous reads the Novena was about half of the book. This one the novena is the majority of the book. But it is not just a novena of 9 days of prayer. This one follows Marge as she follows Pope Francis on a tour of the holy lands. Each day is a different location, with different focus. I believe we all have knots in or lives, some from stuff that was done to us, some from decisions we have made, some as a consequence of rejection or rebellion. As such we could all benefit from reading this book, and praying with Mary, and her title of undoer of knots.
In the forward Diana von Glahn states:
“But our good God never leaves us without divine assistance. In response to the original knot of sin tied by Eve in the Garden long ago, he has lovingly given us the great Undoer of Knots, his Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
She then goes on to outline the book for us:
“Each day tackles a different knot—injustice, separation, confusion, hopelessness, grief and loss, discord, betrayal, envy and pride, and affliction—both as they relate to the situation in the land where Jesus lived as well as in our own lives.”
The sections in this volume are:
Foreword by Diana von Glahn
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Day One: Bethany Beyond the Jordan—The Knot of Injustice
Day Two: Wall of Bethlehem—The Knot of Separation
Day Three: Grotto of the Nativity—The Knot of Confusion
Day Four: Mount of Olives—The Knot of Hopelessness
Day Five: Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre —The Knots of Grief and Loss
Day Six: Western Wall —The Knot of Discord
Day Seven: Yad Vashem, Mount of Remembrance —The Knot of Betrayal
Day Eight: Temple Mount—The Knots of Envy and Pride
Day Nine: The Cenacle—The Knot of Affliction
Conclusion
Appendix 1: On the Origin of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
Appendix 2: How to Pray the Rosary
Notes
There were times where this book was not an easy read. Because, at least for me, many of the knots in my life are of my own making. And realizing they are there and asking for help to work on them in a deep process. Fenelon states:
“That’s why we need to turn our knot of injustice over to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots—before it entangles us in sin and ruin. We might prefer to cling to the knot, seeking vengeance or believing we deserve restitution.
And yet, God knows better.
He knows whether we need restitution, and he knows best how to handle the people who have treated us unjustly. We don’t need to seek revenge; we need to surrender the knot of injustice to Our Lady. She will know exactly how to undo it, if only we give it to her freely.”
At the end of each of the days of the novena there is a ‘Stepping Out’ section, this is a sample from day 3:
“Stepping Out in Faith
Take some time to think about the questions below. Then answer them as honestly as you can so that your heart can continue to grow more and more peaceful.
What kind of confusion do you face in your life right now?
How did it come about?
What factors contributed to it?
What would it take for the confusion to be resolved?
What has prohibited you so far from seeking a resolution?
Practically speaking, what part might you play in a resolution?
Make a concrete resolution to take one step toward peace in your heart today.”
This book was another excellent read from the pen of Marge Fenelon. She concludes the book with these words:
“More than anything, I hope that Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena leads you on a spiritual journey that will deepen your faith, increase your love for our Blessed Mother, and commence the undoing of the knots in your life. Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!”
And that is what I found the book has done for me! And What I am sure it will do for you if you read it with an open mind and heart. My only quandary is is which of Marge’s book to read next.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Marge.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
In the forward Diana von Glahn states:
“But our good God never leaves us without divine assistance. In response to the original knot of sin tied by Eve in the Garden long ago, he has lovingly given us the great Undoer of Knots, his Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
She then goes on to outline the book for us:
“Each day tackles a different knot—injustice, separation, confusion, hopelessness, grief and loss, discord, betrayal, envy and pride, and affliction—both as they relate to the situation in the land where Jesus lived as well as in our own lives.”
The sections in this volume are:
Foreword by Diana von Glahn
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Day One: Bethany Beyond the Jordan—The Knot of Injustice
Day Two: Wall of Bethlehem—The Knot of Separation
Day Three: Grotto of the Nativity—The Knot of Confusion
Day Four: Mount of Olives—The Knot of Hopelessness
Day Five: Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre —The Knots of Grief and Loss
Day Six: Western Wall —The Knot of Discord
Day Seven: Yad Vashem, Mount of Remembrance —The Knot of Betrayal
Day Eight: Temple Mount—The Knots of Envy and Pride
Day Nine: The Cenacle—The Knot of Affliction
Conclusion
Appendix 1: On the Origin of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
Appendix 2: How to Pray the Rosary
Notes
There were times where this book was not an easy read. Because, at least for me, many of the knots in my life are of my own making. And realizing they are there and asking for help to work on them in a deep process. Fenelon states:
“That’s why we need to turn our knot of injustice over to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots—before it entangles us in sin and ruin. We might prefer to cling to the knot, seeking vengeance or believing we deserve restitution.
And yet, God knows better.
He knows whether we need restitution, and he knows best how to handle the people who have treated us unjustly. We don’t need to seek revenge; we need to surrender the knot of injustice to Our Lady. She will know exactly how to undo it, if only we give it to her freely.”
At the end of each of the days of the novena there is a ‘Stepping Out’ section, this is a sample from day 3:
“Stepping Out in Faith
Take some time to think about the questions below. Then answer them as honestly as you can so that your heart can continue to grow more and more peaceful.
What kind of confusion do you face in your life right now?
How did it come about?
What factors contributed to it?
What would it take for the confusion to be resolved?
What has prohibited you so far from seeking a resolution?
Practically speaking, what part might you play in a resolution?
Make a concrete resolution to take one step toward peace in your heart today.”
This book was another excellent read from the pen of Marge Fenelon. She concludes the book with these words:
“More than anything, I hope that Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena leads you on a spiritual journey that will deepen your faith, increase your love for our Blessed Mother, and commence the undoing of the knots in your life. Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!”
And that is what I found the book has done for me! And What I am sure it will do for you if you read it with an open mind and heart. My only quandary is is which of Marge’s book to read next.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Marge.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 1, 2015
I have never been on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but with Marge Fenelon’s new book, Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena, I feel as if I have actually traveled there. In Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena, Fenelon takes us on her Holy Land trip, as she follows Pope Francis in his historic 2014 pilgrimage to the sacred sites. She reflects on the nine sacred sites, the inspiring words of the Holy Father, and the knots that obstruct the peace there, comparing them to the common knots that prevent each of us from experiencing interior peace in our daily lives. As we travel along on the nine-day pilgrimage, Fenelon shares fervent novena prayers to Our Lady for each of the nine days. She also poses thoughtful questions which encourage us to delve deeper and to untangle the knots. The various knots include: injustice, separation, confusion, hopelessness, grief and loss, discord, betrayal, envy and pride, and affliction.
The Our Lady Undoer of Knots novena is an ancient tradition, which Fenelon has successfully revived to make it more modern and applicable to Catholics today. As I journeyed with her to Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, and the Temple Mount, I felt as if I were truly present at each one of these holy places, which in and of itself, brought peace and joy to my heart. Fenelon's unique insights into understanding the knots and explaining them penetrated my mind and opened it up to a deeper understanding of how these knots affect not only my own life, but the lives of those around me. The novena prayers reflect humility, love, and trust in the intercessory power of our Blessed Mother. This guided meditation is a must read for anyone who desires to experience the joy and peace that comes from surrendering our hearts to the healing that Our Lady Undoer of Knots provides. Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena is a beautiful devotional and a lasting treasure that you will want to read and re-read and share with family members and friends.
August 18, 2020
Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, is a powerful intercessor for all of us. Marge Fenelon has created a living novena in her book which chronicles her trip to the Holy Land, following the footsteps of Pope Francis when he visited. Each day focuses on a separate knot which people may be experiencing: injustice, separation, confusion, hopelessness, grief and loss, discord, betrayal, envy and pride, affliction. I really enjoyed this book, especially Fenelon's personal experiences in the Holy Land. If you're going to do this novena, I'd recommend giving yourself enough time each day to read the text (10 or so pages) plus pray the rosary for the given intention.
August 2, 2019
Mary, Undoer of Knots is such a practical metaphor for Mary since we all have knotty issues in our lives. I used this book to write a novena for the refugee crisis at the Mexico-US border. While the prayers mainly focus on the reader's life, prayers for the situation between Palestine and Israel are also included as well as commentary on Pope Francis' 2014 visit and some quotes from him.
October 10, 2022
"Our Lady Undoer of Knots" ... a beautiful novena and visual walk through the Holy Land. There is a wealth of history contained in this book. A beautifully written companion to the Our Lady Undoer of Knots novena.
March 21, 2024
Amazingly relevant on each day. I mean everyones "knot" is different right? Yet somehow she touches on every angle of mine. Beautifully written. The depth is tremendous and very inspiring.
Divine... Great to add this to the original novena or as an alternative occasionally.
Divine... Great to add this to the original novena or as an alternative occasionally.
October 19, 2019
Thank You, God
Our lady, Mary; Undoer of knots, pray for us
Our lady, Mary; Undoer of knots, pray for us
January 27, 2020
Absolutely loved the descriptions of the places in the Holy Land and the novena prayers too. Great history explanations of how the image of Mary Undoer of Knots came about too.
January 19, 2017
Pope Francis has been a tireless reminder to all of us of the importance of Mary’s role and title as the “Undoer of Knots,” and Fenelon gets credit for a beautiful book. The book makes the devotion into a pilgrimage in a way that’s powerful and even a little exciting.
Fenelon introduces the idea of a “living novena” by explaining what it is, and then she spends the next nine chapters taking readers on an adventure. If you read the book the way it’s designed, it will take nine days.
Each day, a different knot is untied, as Fenelon shares her journey through the Holy Land. There’s a prayer each day and questions that are more than just a list the publisher demanded: I got the sense that Jesus and/or Mary was sitting beside me, speaking with me and guiding the conversation.
On Day 1, Fenelon encourages us to let Mary help us untie the knot of separation, asking in the first sentence of the day’s devotion, “Can you think of a time when you felt the pain of being separated from a friend or loved one?”
Later in that day’s reflection, she writes:
It has been a while since I read this book, and it’s the kind of book that beckons me at this season of chaos and tumult in my own life. Perhaps you know someone who could use a book to accompany them on an untying journey.
You’ll read it, you’ll travel with Fenelon, and, best of all, you’ll pray and be changed by the effort, even as you find yourself invited deeper.
Fenelon introduces the idea of a “living novena” by explaining what it is, and then she spends the next nine chapters taking readers on an adventure. If you read the book the way it’s designed, it will take nine days.
Each day, a different knot is untied, as Fenelon shares her journey through the Holy Land. There’s a prayer each day and questions that are more than just a list the publisher demanded: I got the sense that Jesus and/or Mary was sitting beside me, speaking with me and guiding the conversation.
On Day 1, Fenelon encourages us to let Mary help us untie the knot of separation, asking in the first sentence of the day’s devotion, “Can you think of a time when you felt the pain of being separated from a friend or loved one?”
Later in that day’s reflection, she writes:
Separation inflicts wounds that are difficult to heal.
When I first saw the separation wall [between Palestine and Israel] for myself, I was struck by how similar the two sides of the city appeared to be on each side of the wall’s expanse. I’d naively expected that there would be a visible difference between the Israeli and Palestinian sides because of the differences in their political and territorial viewpoints. The wall was foreboding and, frankly, depressing. Spanning 430 miles, it consists of concrete walls three times the height of a man, barbed wire, other barriers and guard towers. Military checkpoints ensure that no one comes or goes without permission. It is formidable, to say the least.
At the wall, my companions and I left our van and Israeli tour guide behind, passed through the checkpoint, boarded a bus, and were led by a Palestinian tour guide through Bethlehem. I looked back at our Israeli tour guide, then at the wall, and then at our Palestinian tour guide. Both men were kind and knowledgeable; both loved their people and heritage. How could it be that they both lived in the midst of such conflict? There were persons — just like me — with homes, families, friends, goals and dreams. Yet they lived amidst separation. So do I. So do you.
And so we turn to Mary, the great unifier and undoer of knots. She understands the walls of separation that exist between people and nations. Such walls existed long before her own time. Her main task is to lead us closer to her son, Jesus, and to transform the knotted ribbon of our lives into one that is smooth and grace-filled, a cord that binds us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
It has been a while since I read this book, and it’s the kind of book that beckons me at this season of chaos and tumult in my own life. Perhaps you know someone who could use a book to accompany them on an untying journey.
You’ll read it, you’ll travel with Fenelon, and, best of all, you’ll pray and be changed by the effort, even as you find yourself invited deeper.
October 13, 2015
This is a great book. It sounds clichey, I know, it is a truth I deeply acknowledge. The content is very deep, yet gentle; enriching, yet simply beautiful in its peace.
Novena (from Latin word "nine") is an act of religious devotion, often consisting of prayers repeated for nine successive days in belief of obtaining special intercessory graces).
The authoress Marge Fenelon created the Marian devotional practice based on admiration of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots (Virgin Mary as one who unites the knots of our problems) and integrated there her experience from her pilgrimage to Holy Land (as a journalist during the Pope Francis´s visit there) - as she reflected deeply on the painful issues going on in these parts of world. The novena contains of 9 guided meditations, each one dealing with one of the "knots" aka sufferings in our lives (like betrayal, pride and envy etc.) and the reader is invited to reflect on them both from the "outer" land of her experience from visiting Holy Land and "inner land" aka accompanying the reader in "inspecting" their issues, situations and soul state. Her input is very, very understanding, yet truthful (I personally think the authoress had suffered and/or witness quite a lot of pain, because only the one who overcame the suffering can touch the painful places so gently. Thank you for that understanding, Ms Fenelon).
This is A Catholic book, but it can be of help to any Christian understanding the concept of novena and knowing a bit about Catholic "practice" as the terms used are of Catholic traditions.
This is a book I deeply recommend for anyone going through some crisis and in a need of loving help from above and from a loving ears here on Earth, or withessing these issues. What makes it so unique is the visible, lovely presence of peace. How could I describe it? When going through the pages, praying and meditating, some of my questions and troubles got "unknotted" just by the gentle way the authoress puts her words together, acknowledging the pain, reminding of responsibility and showing the way to where put the problems - into the hands of the Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.
I did the novena in the days of emotional turmoil and it brought me a lot of peace. My problems haven´t disappeared, but I got quite a lot of strength - just by passing them into Mary´s hands. In hope of some strength I am highly recommending the book to others.
Novena (from Latin word "nine") is an act of religious devotion, often consisting of prayers repeated for nine successive days in belief of obtaining special intercessory graces).
The authoress Marge Fenelon created the Marian devotional practice based on admiration of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots (Virgin Mary as one who unites the knots of our problems) and integrated there her experience from her pilgrimage to Holy Land (as a journalist during the Pope Francis´s visit there) - as she reflected deeply on the painful issues going on in these parts of world. The novena contains of 9 guided meditations, each one dealing with one of the "knots" aka sufferings in our lives (like betrayal, pride and envy etc.) and the reader is invited to reflect on them both from the "outer" land of her experience from visiting Holy Land and "inner land" aka accompanying the reader in "inspecting" their issues, situations and soul state. Her input is very, very understanding, yet truthful (I personally think the authoress had suffered and/or witness quite a lot of pain, because only the one who overcame the suffering can touch the painful places so gently. Thank you for that understanding, Ms Fenelon).
This is A Catholic book, but it can be of help to any Christian understanding the concept of novena and knowing a bit about Catholic "practice" as the terms used are of Catholic traditions.
This is a book I deeply recommend for anyone going through some crisis and in a need of loving help from above and from a loving ears here on Earth, or withessing these issues. What makes it so unique is the visible, lovely presence of peace. How could I describe it? When going through the pages, praying and meditating, some of my questions and troubles got "unknotted" just by the gentle way the authoress puts her words together, acknowledging the pain, reminding of responsibility and showing the way to where put the problems - into the hands of the Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.
I did the novena in the days of emotional turmoil and it brought me a lot of peace. My problems haven´t disappeared, but I got quite a lot of strength - just by passing them into Mary´s hands. In hope of some strength I am highly recommending the book to others.
April 15, 2016
Marge Fenelon does a masterful job of illumining the way of Love. She weaves together her personal experiences in the Holy Land with Pope Francis's words, scripture, and a personal favorite devotion, Our Lady, Undoer of Knots. Marge has a delightful, inviting writing style... I felt I was there with her on every step of her physical journey as well as her spiritual one. An example, after her initial disappointment that she would not be able to stand in the site of the Upper Room: "Then it occurred to me that, although the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples inside the Upper Room, the Church itself sprang to life outside of it--on the streets, where Peter and the other disciples, filled with the Spirit, praised God, began proclaiming the Good News, and converted thousands in a single day." Such a beautiful expression of an ah-ha moment!
November 10, 2015
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have only recently heard about the devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, who is a favorite of Pope Francis. The booklet covers a novena of nine days of prayers and the reflections are based on the Pope's visit to the Holy Land. I learned much about the holy areas that he visited and their place in history and devotion.
I would recommend this book and will probably buy a print copy to keep on hand.
I have only recently heard about the devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, who is a favorite of Pope Francis. The booklet covers a novena of nine days of prayers and the reflections are based on the Pope's visit to the Holy Land. I learned much about the holy areas that he visited and their place in history and devotion.
I would recommend this book and will probably buy a print copy to keep on hand.
May 25, 2016
Author offers background of the devotion and 9 days reflection each containing--paragraph meditation, words of Pope Francis, a Holy Land site she visited on a 2013 trip with Pope Francis, reflection & spiritual links, pray for a specific gift, action steps, rosary prayers.
October 28, 2015
Received from Netgalley. Very spiritually moving book. Leaves the reader with hope and encouragement. I would definitely recommend this one.
May 11, 2016
This book is a helpful and interesting novena combining meditations on suffering with a pilgrimage taken to the Holy Land in the footsteps of Pope Francis.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews