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A Heart Like Mary's: 31 Daily Meditations to Help You Live and Love as She Does
A Heart Like Mary's is the perfect book for all Catholics wishing to begin or deepen their devotion to Mary. Author and Marian theologian Rev. Edward Looney guides us through thirty-one daily meditations on the unique characteristics of Mary’s heart. This easy-to-read and engaging monthly devotional is full of practical lessons that address the personal challenges we all face as Mary’s fellow pilgrims walking the path of faith.
In the midst of feeling lost in his prayer life and relationship with God, Fr. Looney found himself reflecting on who Mary is and how he could be more like her. He learned that by daily meditating on Mary's attributes and praying for the grace to have a heart like hers he could turn his pessimistic and critical thoughts into optimistic and charitable ones.
A Heart Like Mary's offers readers a simple yet reflective introduction to Marian spirituality by way of a month-long daily devotional. Readers come away with a clear sense of who Mary was, how she cares for and looks after the faithful, and how we can honor her in our daily lives.
Based heavily on scripture, Church teaching, and Looney’s personal experience, A Heart Like Mary's gently teaches us how to imitate Mary’s love for others and devotion to God. Each day's meditation offers simple yet reflective insight into a unique characteristic of Mary’s heart. You’ll discover twenty-one attributes and ten separate desires of her heart, As we're guided through each of these meditations, we'll find inspiration for changing our own behavior and heart's disposition so that we, too, can respond to God, our loved ones, and life's obstacles with the same tenderness that Mary does.
Each day provides a scriptural quote or message from one of Mary's apparitions, followed by a reflection leading us into the depths of Mary’s heart and showing us how to mirror her heart. We also will be invited to call upon Mary’s intercession, asking her to give us a heart like hers. Each meditation concludes with a challenge to incorporate a love for Mary into our prayer life and action toward others.
In the midst of feeling lost in his prayer life and relationship with God, Fr. Looney found himself reflecting on who Mary is and how he could be more like her. He learned that by daily meditating on Mary's attributes and praying for the grace to have a heart like hers he could turn his pessimistic and critical thoughts into optimistic and charitable ones.
A Heart Like Mary's offers readers a simple yet reflective introduction to Marian spirituality by way of a month-long daily devotional. Readers come away with a clear sense of who Mary was, how she cares for and looks after the faithful, and how we can honor her in our daily lives.
Based heavily on scripture, Church teaching, and Looney’s personal experience, A Heart Like Mary's gently teaches us how to imitate Mary’s love for others and devotion to God. Each day's meditation offers simple yet reflective insight into a unique characteristic of Mary’s heart. You’ll discover twenty-one attributes and ten separate desires of her heart, As we're guided through each of these meditations, we'll find inspiration for changing our own behavior and heart's disposition so that we, too, can respond to God, our loved ones, and life's obstacles with the same tenderness that Mary does.
Each day provides a scriptural quote or message from one of Mary's apparitions, followed by a reflection leading us into the depths of Mary’s heart and showing us how to mirror her heart. We also will be invited to call upon Mary’s intercession, asking her to give us a heart like hers. Each meditation concludes with a challenge to incorporate a love for Mary into our prayer life and action toward others.
- GenresCatholic
160 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2017
40 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Edward Looney
17 books15 followersFr. Edward Looney was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Green Bay June 6, 2015, and currently serves as Administrator of St. Francis and St. Mary Parish, Brussels and St. Peter/St. Hubert Parish, Lincoln/Rosiere.
At a young age, Fr. Looney fostered a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which has remained with him to this day. As a young boy, he joined the parish community for the Rosary after daily Mass. While growing up, he regularly watched The Song of Bernadette and became mesmerized by the story of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Marian pilgrimage has been central to Fr. Looney’s life. During the summer of 2005 Fr. Looney, as a high school sophomore, made a Marian pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help (Champion, WI). This pilgrimage opened the door of his heart to discern more seriously a priestly vocation. He has visited Marian shrines all across the world, including Lourdes, Fatima, Knock, Beauraing, Banneux, Pontmain, and Rue du Bac.
Fr. Looney began writing books while still in seminary, first penning a children’s book called The Story of Sister of Adele. He published other books including Breakfast in Bethlehem, Praying the Rosary with Sister Adele, and A Novena to the Queen of Heaven. His more recent books have reached the status as Catholic best sellers: A Rosary Litany and A Heart Like Mary’s.
Fr. Looney’s writings have been featured in the pages of Catholic Digest and Missio Immaculatae, in addition to the web on Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, Church Pop, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. Fr. Looney can be heard regularly on EWTN Radio’s Morning Glory program wherein he serves as Godly Counsel. Further, he has traveled across the country delivering various Marian presentations at conferences and parishes.
A member of the Mariological Society of America, Fr. Looney has published in theological journals on topics related to Mariology including the Marian Spirituality of Thomas Merton (The Merton Seasonal, 2013) and Chiara Lubich (Marian Studies 2015), Fr. Daniel Lord, SJ (Marian Studies 2017) and on the Wisconsin Apparition (Marian Studies, 2011 and Chicago Studies, (2016). Fr. Looney has other research projects in the works and other articles pending publication.
At a young age, Fr. Looney fostered a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which has remained with him to this day. As a young boy, he joined the parish community for the Rosary after daily Mass. While growing up, he regularly watched The Song of Bernadette and became mesmerized by the story of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Marian pilgrimage has been central to Fr. Looney’s life. During the summer of 2005 Fr. Looney, as a high school sophomore, made a Marian pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help (Champion, WI). This pilgrimage opened the door of his heart to discern more seriously a priestly vocation. He has visited Marian shrines all across the world, including Lourdes, Fatima, Knock, Beauraing, Banneux, Pontmain, and Rue du Bac.
Fr. Looney began writing books while still in seminary, first penning a children’s book called The Story of Sister of Adele. He published other books including Breakfast in Bethlehem, Praying the Rosary with Sister Adele, and A Novena to the Queen of Heaven. His more recent books have reached the status as Catholic best sellers: A Rosary Litany and A Heart Like Mary’s.
Fr. Looney’s writings have been featured in the pages of Catholic Digest and Missio Immaculatae, in addition to the web on Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, Church Pop, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. Fr. Looney can be heard regularly on EWTN Radio’s Morning Glory program wherein he serves as Godly Counsel. Further, he has traveled across the country delivering various Marian presentations at conferences and parishes.
A member of the Mariological Society of America, Fr. Looney has published in theological journals on topics related to Mariology including the Marian Spirituality of Thomas Merton (The Merton Seasonal, 2013) and Chiara Lubich (Marian Studies 2015), Fr. Daniel Lord, SJ (Marian Studies 2017) and on the Wisconsin Apparition (Marian Studies, 2011 and Chicago Studies, (2016). Fr. Looney has other research projects in the works and other articles pending publication.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 6, 2017
Inspired by an experience while in the seminary and to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Fatima, Reverend Edward Looney gives us a beautiful thirty- one day devotional titled A Heart Like Mary’s to inspire us transform our hearts to be more like Mary’s. A heart that is humble, prayerful and compassionate with a desire to please her Son. A heart that is inspired to love and be charitable towards others.
This devotional which takes thirty-one days to complete was motivated by the two Marian months, May and October which has thirty-one calendar days and also by the length of days of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima. The first part of this beautiful devotional concentrates on the attributes of Mary’s heart such as patience, chastity, generosity and humility. The period of time to complete the attributes of Mary’s heart is twenty-one days. The last ten days are filled with the desires of Mary’s heart as revealed through her many appearances throughout the years. Some of those include praying for peace, conversion and alleviating the pain of those who are suffering. Each day Reverend Looney begins with a short Scripture passage or a title called Mary Speaks, followed by a reflection and finishing with a short prayer to Mary Our Intercessor and a Step toward Living with a Marian Heart. The single day’s reading flows perfectly from beginning to end. At the conclusion of the thirty-one days of devotion, Reverend Looney discusses Consecration to Mary and gives us information how to do so with a variety of prayers to help us.
In conclusion, A Heart Like Mary’s is a lovely book of prayer and reflection that anyone who has a devotion to Mary will truly appreciate. It is also a starting point for anyone who wishes to become more like Mary and desires to become closer to her Son through prayer and service. It is a devotional that will benefit anyone and everyone wishing to have a heart more like Our Lady’s, a heart that is humble, charitable and loving. A heart that the world is desperate for, a heart that the world is longing for.
I want to thank Ava Marie Press via NetGalley for an advanced reader of A Heart Like Mary’s by Edward Looney for a fair and honest review.
This devotional which takes thirty-one days to complete was motivated by the two Marian months, May and October which has thirty-one calendar days and also by the length of days of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima. The first part of this beautiful devotional concentrates on the attributes of Mary’s heart such as patience, chastity, generosity and humility. The period of time to complete the attributes of Mary’s heart is twenty-one days. The last ten days are filled with the desires of Mary’s heart as revealed through her many appearances throughout the years. Some of those include praying for peace, conversion and alleviating the pain of those who are suffering. Each day Reverend Looney begins with a short Scripture passage or a title called Mary Speaks, followed by a reflection and finishing with a short prayer to Mary Our Intercessor and a Step toward Living with a Marian Heart. The single day’s reading flows perfectly from beginning to end. At the conclusion of the thirty-one days of devotion, Reverend Looney discusses Consecration to Mary and gives us information how to do so with a variety of prayers to help us.
In conclusion, A Heart Like Mary’s is a lovely book of prayer and reflection that anyone who has a devotion to Mary will truly appreciate. It is also a starting point for anyone who wishes to become more like Mary and desires to become closer to her Son through prayer and service. It is a devotional that will benefit anyone and everyone wishing to have a heart more like Our Lady’s, a heart that is humble, charitable and loving. A heart that the world is desperate for, a heart that the world is longing for.
I want to thank Ava Marie Press via NetGalley for an advanced reader of A Heart Like Mary’s by Edward Looney for a fair and honest review.
October 18, 2017
A Heart Like Mary’s
31 Daily Meditations to Help You Live and Love as She Does
by Edward Looney
Ave Maria Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 06 Oct 2017
I am reviewing a copy of A Heart Like May’s Through Ave Maria Press and Netgalley:
This Thirty one day journey through the heart of Mary the Mother Of Jesus, we are reminded of the patiently waiting heart of Mary as well as a Heart Seeking Clarity. A Chaste Heart reminds us of how the dangers of pornography affect many men in today’s world, and how a Chaste Heart is needed.
In this journey we are encouraged to be a heart that says yes, as well A Heart Filled with generous love. We are encouraged too, to be a heart that praises God, as well as being reminded of the importance of having a humble heart.
We are reminded too of the importance of having a heart that bares wrongs as well as having A Heart that adores. In this book we are reminded too that Mary had a heart that was pierced by swords, as well as having a heart that ponders and one that is searching for God.
A Heart Like Mary’s reminds us of the importance of having a heart that listens to God. We are encouraged too to have a heart that is attentive to others. As well as having a heart of compassion, and a heart that loves all people. We learn too of the importance of having a heart that both rejoices and feels sorrow. We are reminded too of the importance of having a heart filled with the spirit.
This book reminds us of how Mary had a heart that desired unity, as well as a Heart tat desired our salvation.
I give A Heart Like Mary’s five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 30, 2017
For the past few weeks, I've kept Father Edward Looney's A Heart Like Mary's tucked in my bag, and I've made a special effort to get to the 9 AM Mass a little early instead of sliding in at 8:59, so I can spend a few quiet moments pondering the day's reflection.
With 31 chapters, this book is a month-long mini-retreat that you can start reading anytime. Each day's entry contains a Scripture passage, reflection, prayer to Mary our intercessor, and an action item: a step toward living with a Marian heart.
This book doesn't feel like it's "once and done." I'm not in any hurry to put this one on the shelf and forget about it.
With 31 chapters, this book is a month-long mini-retreat that you can start reading anytime. Each day's entry contains a Scripture passage, reflection, prayer to Mary our intercessor, and an action item: a step toward living with a Marian heart.
This book doesn't feel like it's "once and done." I'm not in any hurry to put this one on the shelf and forget about it.
October 20, 2018
I read this while home on maternity leave and found it incredibly uplifting. It is a book that takes you as deep as you’d like to go. It’s a nice intro to Marian Spirituality for those not quite ready for St Louie de Montfort.
Would wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking to grow in their faith and to grow closer to Jesus through Mary.
Would wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking to grow in their faith and to grow closer to Jesus through Mary.
November 7, 2018
Krásna a hodnotná knižka, vhodná aj ako darček pre veriaceho človeka.
Je rozdelená na dve časti - v prvej môžeme spoznávať vlastnosti Máriinho srdca a v druhej Túžby Máriinho srdca.
Knižka menších rozmerov, ktorú môžete čítať aj cestou v autobuse či vlakom, obsahuje 31 zamyslení - na každý deň v mesiaci jedno.
V úvode každej kapitolky sa nachádza úryvok z Písma, odhaľujúci určitú časť Máriinho života, a teda aj jej srdca. Nasleduje rozjímanie, krátka modlitba a "úloha" na tento deň, ktorá by nám mala pomôcť pripodobniť naše srdce tomu Máriinmu.
Kapitolky dopĺňajú aj krásne jemné fotografie.
Knižočku hodnotím ako veľmi vydarené dielko, ktoré nasýti oči aj dušu.
Je rozdelená na dve časti - v prvej môžeme spoznávať vlastnosti Máriinho srdca a v druhej Túžby Máriinho srdca.
Knižka menších rozmerov, ktorú môžete čítať aj cestou v autobuse či vlakom, obsahuje 31 zamyslení - na každý deň v mesiaci jedno.
V úvode každej kapitolky sa nachádza úryvok z Písma, odhaľujúci určitú časť Máriinho života, a teda aj jej srdca. Nasleduje rozjímanie, krátka modlitba a "úloha" na tento deň, ktorá by nám mala pomôcť pripodobniť naše srdce tomu Máriinmu.
Kapitolky dopĺňajú aj krásne jemné fotografie.
Knižočku hodnotím ako veľmi vydarené dielko, ktoré nasýti oči aj dušu.
April 2, 2018
Wonderful book.
I will continue to depend on the prayers in this book. It reminds us the comfort we can find in our Holy Mother.
I will continue to depend on the prayers in this book. It reminds us the comfort we can find in our Holy Mother.
September 25, 2023
4+ Stars
November 11, 2022
I loved this books it was so good and informative book about our love for Mother Mary!
July 23, 2018
In the beginning of the book the author wrote about visiting Fatima, Portugal. Which I visited last year and made a real impact. The beauty and peace I experienced there is hard to describe. This book was perfect for the month of May to read everyday about Mary and grow in love to be more like her. The reflections were great with Scriptures that are well chosen. The little tasks helped growing in love. Perfect book for the Month of Mary.
February 2, 2024
I read this every summer. I wouldn't recommend it per se. I will say, it's important me and was perfect for me when I started growing in devotion to Our Lady.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews