The Life of Mary As Seen By the Mystics

by Raphael Brown

The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics provides a detailed look at the life of the Virgin Mother from the Immaculate Conception until her Assumption. Compiled by reference librarian and Franciscan, Raphael Brown, in 1951, this work brings together the visions and revelations of four devout women separated by centuries but united in their Catholic faith and piety.

Not much is said in the Biblical gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John regarding the life of Mary. After all, their gospels were intended to tell the story of Christ -- his birth, teachings, crucifixion and ascension.

The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics provides greater context to the life of Jesus Christ by bringing the reader closer to his earthly mother. It explains the trials she suffered in order to bring about the salvation of mankind.

This work is unique in that not only is it focused entirely on the Virgin Mary, but its sources were all women as well. The four "mystics" whose writings make up the basis of this work lived in different times and different nations. But they were all devout Catholics who dedicated their lives to their faith.

St. Elizabeth of Sch�nau lived from 1129 to 1164. Born in the Rhineland, she entered Sch�nau Abbey, where she became an abbess. Her visions were known across Europe, and she was often consulted for advice by learned and religious men.

St. Bridget of Sweden, born in 1303, was the daughter of a wealthy provincial governor. She did not enter a convent, but rather married and had 8 children. After her husband's death, she entered the Franciscan order and dictated over 1,500 pages of revelations regarding the Passion of Christ and the Nativity.

Ven. Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda was born in Spain in 1602. She founded the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception with her mother and sisters, where she was elected abbess 11 times. Mary of Jesus was said to have visited the New World through bilocation -- being in two places at the same time. She appeared and spoke to Native Americans in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona without ever leaving Spain. The content of her book, The Mystical City of God, forms part of the basis of The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics.

Sister Anna Catherine Emmerich was born to poor Westphalian peasants in 1774. She spent 10 years in a convent, but when it was closed in 1812 she moved to a private home where she spent the rest of her life. She claimed (not without controversy) to have experienced the wounds of Christ, and to witness his daily teachings over the course of three years. She dictated her visions to Clemens Brentano, who later published them based on his notes.

The visions and revelations of these four remarkable women were compiled and condensed by Mr. Brown into a coherent narrative. Beginning with the history of her parents, St. Ann and St. Joachim, it follows Mary from her Immaculate Conception through her life to the Assumption. It describes her many conversations with God and his angels throughout her life, the revelation that she would be the mother of the Messiah, and the trials that she had to undergo to prove herself worthy of serving God's only son.

Rather than intending this work to be a fifth gospel, Mr. Brown meant it to be a secondary text, a "religious novel" providing insight into the Blessed Virgin's humility, charity, and devotion to God. It draws about two-thirds of the history from the writings of Sister Anna Catherine Emmerich and Ven. Mother Mary of Jesus. St. Bridget's visions add to the major events in Mary's life, and St. Elizabeth's writings provide insight into Mary's youth in the Temple and the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Mysticism, Faith, Christianity

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1951

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your heart will burst with so much love for Jesus and Mary after reading this.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an interesting concept the author Raphael Brown did in bringing together four nuns special meditations about the life of Mother Mary, into a format of a novel. It brings the reader on the journey, which brings out the miracle of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, his mother. Many know about the conception of Our Lord, but the birth in scripture does not go into details, but this book shares about the miracle birth and the deep love Mary had for her son Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Can you imagine having God within you, Mary was the new tabernacle that contain the Holies of Holies. How was she prepared for such a holy task for a human, a creature created by God himself, for God – Jesus created His own mother. If you could how would you create your mother? Would Jesus not follow the 10 Commandments, to honor His Father and Mother?

The four great Catholic nuns and mystics about the life of Mary are based on the accounts of Venerable Mary of Agreda, Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich, St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau. A truly unique book that reads like a masterfully written biography of the Mary, the Mother of God.

Since the beginning of Christianity, Our Blessed Lord and His Mother have favored a select few people with special revelations containing information on their lives that is not to be found anywhere else. This inspiring work blends all the magnificent visions granted to four of the most privileged souls in the history of the Church.

The book has wonderful mental pictures obtained from this enthralling narration will so impress you that they will stay with you the rest of your life. These images can't help but enhance our understanding of the New Testament and our love for Jesus, Mary and Joseph which is why the Church allows and encourages the circulation of these writings.

Perhaps just as important as the telling of Mary's life according to these famous mystics is the most valuable explanation included on how the Church deals with the contradictions on historical details that sometimes occur in writings of people who receive private revelations.


Sample - CHAPTER THIRTEEN THE NATIVITY --


AFTER RECITING SOME PRAYERS together with Mary, St. Joseph filled the manger with straw and moss and placed a cloth over it. Then he withdrew to the entrance of the cave. Looking back, he saw the holy Mother of God praying on her knees, surrounded by flames of dazzling supernatural light. Filled with reverent fear, he threw himself down on the ground and was soon rapt in an ecstatic sleep.

Mary was kneeling, with her eyes raised to Heaven and her hands joined on her breast. Her countenance emitted rays of light, like the sun incarnadined, and shone in indescribable earnestness and majesty, all inflamed with burning love of God. Her body became so spiritualized with the beauty of Heaven that she seemed no more a human and earthly creature…..

[Caroline Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites, and deepens my relationship and reverence towards the Blessed Virgin every time. Reading an incredibly in-depth telling of her life and personhood (as well as St. Joseph) is so beautiful and inspiring. I strongly recommend this book! All Glory to God. Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, pray for us✨💞

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a "religious novel" than an entirely authenticated biography of Our Lady, this book, despite not being an article of faith (for neither are the four sources of private revelation they derive their information from), this book does provide the devout Catholic reader with a moving, in-depth story for reflection on the life and conduct of this Holy Mother.

Although I haven't yet read the other three books sourced here, I did complete the massive four-volume Mystical City of God by Mary of Agreda earlier this year, which was a deeply enriching experience. This book does also offer some good critical discussion on the nature of private revelation, the Church's position of neutrality providing nothing contrary to the faith is eschewed, and how profound good (in a sense, miraculous transformation on its own) can still be accomplished within souls who feel called to deeper piety and religious devotion after reading them.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a novel. Explains the life of Mary after she is chosen to be the mother of God. The Author adds explanations that take away the mystery of the biblical documentation of Mary. Especially intriguing is the accounting of the Passion of Jesus as Mary his mother walks through this with him. Mary I believe was also a mystic. What a hope filled book indicating what a daily relationship we can have with God. Mary's prayer life is expounded on by the author. This book settles my feelings about motherhood and prayer life.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easy to read novel really brings the Holy Family and apostles to life, but especially Mary! I've often wondered about the hidden life of Christ and this book shed light upon what it might have been like. I felt my love for Jesus and Mary grow as I felt I knew them better. I recommend for all Catholics!

[Jud Ergle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by all!

[Dinah]

want to read this again

[Susan Eberhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Would be excellent to reread chapters during Advent and Lent.

[Nic Lishko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me that I don't pray enough. Our Lady is amazing.

[Bridget O'Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful insight on our Blessed Mother. She led such an incredible life and most of the content in this book, I’ve never heard of! I truly loved it because it even talks about the details in Mary’s, Jesus’s, and the early apostles lives that most people don’t even know about. A must read for sure!

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve ever read! Cried throughout most of it

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in a book club with my friends! It was very eye opening and honestly well written. Grew my understanding of Mary and the Holy Family and was a perfect read while reconsecrating myself to Mary! (33 Days to Morning Glory). Highly recommend. It gives a disclaimer on mystics in the intro- it's a bit lengthy/wordy but I would suggest reading the intro anyway.

[Juana Wink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm happy I read this book. While I did read it with trepidation, the book gave me much food for thought and certainly helped expand my understanding of Mary. It change how I pray a Rosary and how I think about Saint Joseph. I would recommend it to anyone looking to expand their view of Mary. I read it with friends and that also enriched what I took away from it.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it.❤️

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A COMPILATION OF FOUR FEMALE MYSTICS’ VISIONS OF THE VIRGIN MARY

Editor Raphael Brown wrote in the Introduction to this 1951 book, “Due to the special nature of its sources, [this book] does not purport to be and therefore should not be considered a historical biography… This work… has been compiled entirely from the visions and private revelations of St. Elizabeth of Schoenau… St. Bridget of Sweden… Venerable Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda… and Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich… as recorded in their writings or in those of their secretaries. It is therefore essential… that the reader have a clear understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church concerning the nature and reliability of private revelations… First and most important… we must always make a very sharp distinction between: (1) the divinely guaranteed, universal public Revelation which is contained in the Bible and the Apostolic Tradition of the Church, and (2) the numerous private or special revelations of saintly Chirstian men and women. The first came to an end with the preaching of the Apostles… whereas the second have occurred throughout the history of the Church and do not require belief, even when approved.” (Pg. 1-2)

He acknowledges, “Next, we must understand why it is possible that the writings or revelations of some saintly mystics have occasionally contained minor inaccuracies or details which do not agree with similar accounts of other equally holy mystics. This is especially observable when their visions represent historical scenes, such as the life and death of Jesus Christ and His Mother. For instance, St. Bridget and Mary of Agreda differ as to various details of the Nativity… This does not mean that in each case only one mystic saw correctly and the others must have been mistaken. For, as Father Poulain very wisely explains… ‘When visions represent historical scenes… they often have an approximate and probable likeness only… It is a mistake to attribute an absolute accuracy to them….’” (Pg. 2-3)

He explains, “It should be clearly understood that, except for a few scriptural quotations, every statement in [this book] had been borrowed directly from one of its four sources. The compiler has merely combined, condensed and adapted into a unified style the materials which he found therein. Occasionally elements from the two or three principal sources have even been brought together in one sentence or phrase, as one of the other supplied a relevant detail.” (Pg. 22)

He continues, “With regard to the relative contribution of each of the sources, in general Venerable Mother Mary of Agreda and Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich have provided approximately two thirds of the total text. Of those two, the former contributed most of the material concerning the interior life of the Blessed Virgin, while the latter was usually responsible for exterior actions. St. Bridget of Sweden supplied valuable light on the major events, whereas St. Elizabeth of Schoenau’s contribution was limited to the years in the Temple and (in part) to the Annunciation.” (Pg. 22)

The various visionary statements are herein all ‘blended together’ by the editor, so that one cannot distinguish the respective contributions of, say, Mary of Agreda versus Sister Emmerich.

This book will be of great interest to those studying such mystical visions.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was sophomoric. It was written like a child's bedtime storybook. I expected it to be more thought provoking. It was required reading as a prerequisite to a study on Mary that begins next month. It will be interesting to hear the others opinions. I would rate it like a novel, not a study guide.

[Joey Sagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book. One of the more inspiring spiritual reads I've come across in a while. Very touching to hear the descriptions of the love of the holy family and wonderful meditation on the relationship between Jesus and his mother.

[Sara J. (kefuwa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read other revelations before it may seem a bit all over the place but it does provide you with some jumping off points to all the various revelations you can seek out to read more in detail.

[Jessica Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Beautifully written and takes the reader on a mystical journey of Our Mother's life. I'm Thankful to have read it.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing. This book has brought me closer than ever to Mary. I will ponder these mysteries for quite some time!

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unlike anything else I have read.

The Life of Mary As Seen By the Mystics is not theology in the academic sense, nor is it speculative historical fiction. It is something rarer and quieter: a devotional narrative that dares to imagine the interior life of the Mother of God through the accumulated visions of the Church’s great mystics.

Raphael Brown takes the private revelations of four women Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich, Ven. Mary of Agreda, St. Bridget of Sweden, and St. Elizabeth of Schenau, and weaves them into a single, coherent account of Mary’s life. And astonishingly, it reads like a novel. A gentle one. A luminous one.

This book does not rush but contemplates. It allows Mary to be seen not as a distant icon but as a living, breathing woman formed slowly for an unimaginable vocation.

There is such tenderness in the way her childhood is imagined. Such reverence in her espousal to Joseph. Such awe in the Nativity, described as pure holiness unfolding in silence and light.

“Her countenance emitted rays of light, like the sun incarnadined, and shone in indescribable earnestness and majesty, all inflamed with burning love of God.”

What moved me most is how deeply this book understands Mary as the new Tabernacle. The one who carried God Himself. The one formed by grace for that singular purpose.

Again and again, the question rose quietly in my mind: If Christ created His own mother, how would He have made her? This book dares to answer that with beauty rather than argument.

Importantly, Brown is careful. He includes clear explanations about private revelation, about where mystics may differ in historical detail, and how the Church approaches these writings with discernment rather than literalism. That grounding matters. It allows the reader to enter the story without confusion or credulity.

What remains is not dogma, but intimacy.

Reading this felt like being invited to stand slightly closer to the Holy Family. To glimpse the hidden life. To love Mary not only as Queen of Heaven, but as mother, daughter, spouse, and servant.

“The Beauty of holiness is quiet.”

This book is beautiful. Moving. Deeply consoling.

4.5 out of 5.

Recommended for Catholics, for Marian devotees, and for anyone who longs to understand the Gospel through love rather than analysis. Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.

[Janet Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no disclaimers to write. I am a Catholic attending the traditional mass and this review comes from my experience and education, and I hate this book and wish I had never read it, or the half I did read until it thoroughly sickened me. Mary and Jesus are portrayed here as masochist and sadist! Mary, who could speak at birth, is to have entered the temple at three years old and so thoroughly alienated the other girls in training there with her 'humility' that they all attacked her. That was unlike Jesus, who also could speak from birth and knew everything and saw everything around him with his God nature and commanded angels as he chose. Jesus, unlike Mary, knew his little friends in his community well enough to not offend their weakness but rather to teach them and lead them. He was popular with them, but was cruel to his mother. He gave her a schedule that involved her getting up at midnight and praying until six in the morning every day, and once he did not speak to her for thirty days to 'test' her, which hurt her very terribly but is not listed in traditional Catholic circles as one of the swords that pierced her heart. There is much of this in the same vein. But it is in fact contrary to Catholic doctrine, which to the point St. Paul spoke and tells us that Jesus was *like us in all ways except sin, and my traditional pastor has preached on more than one occasion that Christ deliberately veiled from himself the power and knowledge from his God nature as he grew up and understood his mission. So he would not have spoken from birth and known all the secrets of physics and astronomy and biology as he is portrayed here in his dialogue with the teachers in the temple when he was lost those three days. He would have wowed them with the knowledge he gained from the scriptures *with effort like any normal but sinless boy. He would not have used angels as flashlights. He was sinless but he was not an omnipotent newborn giving his family orders about his feeding requirements. He would not have laden his mother with more trials when clearly she had her hands full running from Herod and keeping a roof over his head and food on the table. The picture of Christ and Mary in this book does in fact read like a novel as the forward suggests--and a very bad one. I wish I could forget it, and I hope this serves as a warning.

[Elkaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, has to be one of my favourite and beloved spiritual reads ever. Hence, I pulled it out for my Advent spiritual reading.
Since, I know, I am not alone in pondering the spiritual and loving mysteries of the Holy Family, which this book can assist with. As, this book collected some catholic mystics, who were blessed to have the gift of revelations about the real life of the Holy Family most especially Jesus Christ and Mary.
However, I am now discerning the things in the novels, to things I read and watch.
Anyway, this book will be good to anyone who wants to learn about Mary, and her role within the catholic faith, but more importantly in Man’s overall salvation.
Hence, I know this book, must be put into a special place in my book shelves, as will ensure that I re-read this book on a regular basis from now on.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to the special nature of its sources, "The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics" is not, does not purport to be, and therefore should not be considered a historical biography. 1

A classic in the Catholic tradition.
Raphael Brown has compiled the revelations of 4 mystic women (St. Elizabeth of Schoenau, St. Bridget of Sweden, Venerable Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda, and Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich) to create a biography of Mother Mary's life. It reads and flows like a novel. I literally could not put it down.
Even if you're not Catholic it's an amazingly interesting book to read from a significant period of history.

Interesting tidbit related to a vision of Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich: purported home Mary lived in after Jesus' death.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: The Catholic Church allows for the Faithful to use their own judgement regarding devotion to mystics and their visions.

With that said, this compilation of mystical experiences with our Lady is disturbingly close to portraying Mary as a deity, rather than human. While Mary was without sin, her holiness is not equal to Jesus’ and neither is her holiness the key to salvation, which this book implies (if not directly states).

Further, Mary is portrayed as impossible to relate to, which is hard to swallow. She was one of us! Rather, this book portrays her as beyond human, which is inappropriate and inaccurate.

If I did not already have a close relationship with our Lady, this book would have confused my faith, not strengthened it.

[Maurice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chronicles the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, based on the visions of four Catholic mystics: Anne Catherine Emmerich, Mary of Agreda, St Bridget of Sweden, and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau. This compilation, based on Catholic writings, places great importance on the life and work of Mary. I would have to say that it places Mary on an almost equal footing with Jesus himself, which I'm sure other Christian denominations would disagree with. According to these accounts, Mary lived for 30 years after the death of her son, and during that time she greatly influenced the expansion of his teachings and his church. Frankly, from these accounts, I would say that Christianity would never have succeeded without Mary's efforts.

[David Trawinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read detailing the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary as discerned from the Private Revelations of four Mystics: Saint Elizabeth of Schopenhauer, St. Bridget of Sweden, Venerable Mother Mary of Agreda, and Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich. Private Revelations are not dogma, and as much do not require adherence by the faithful, but those included in this work have been deemed not to be in any conflict with church teachings. The life of The Blessed Virgin Mary is thus presented in narrative form. From before her Immaculate Conception up through her Assumptionand being crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth from the revelations of these four Mystics.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever read the Gospels, noticed the scant mention of Mary, and wondered what she was doing all that time and in the years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, this book provides the answers. It also makes it apparent why Mary is held in the highest esteem in the Catholic Church. I would recommend this book to Protestants and Catholics equally because it will enrich and deepen your connection to the holy family. A good read during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Also, if you regularly pray the Rosary, this book’s content will help your understanding and deepen your meditation.

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book. It is a "compilation" of visions of mystics over the last millenium. As such, it shouldn't be the first thing one studies on Marian teaching of the church. It reads like a story and includes imlicitly the Church teaching. The book compiller, Raphael Brown, explains in the introduction that the book is not a factually verified account of Mary's life (even though it could be true if the interpretatoin of the mystic visions is accurate), but that it is completely aligned with and true to the doctrinal teaching of the Church inregard to Mary.