What do you think?
Rate this book
Lenten Journey with Mother Mary
A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary invites you to walk with the world's singular model of faith and purity — the Virgin Mary herself — each day of your Lenten spiritual pilgrimage to Easter. Here the enlightened Fr. Edward Looney presents Mary's messages one by one, dedicating each week of Lent to an overarching theme from her apparitions and drawing from each a vibrant new spiritual lesson for your life.
With the help of Our Lady and Fr. Looney, you'll discover how to make your examinations of conscience more fruitful; you'll learn powerful new methods of prayer; and you'll gain an unwavering trust in Our Lord's love and mercy.
As you struggle to pray during times of fasting, a new peace with envelop you as you grow in confidence that the Mother of God is praying for you. You'll also learn:
The keys to praying silently so you can hear God's voice The three ways Mary works to convert sinners How specifically to pray for the healing of a broken heart Why and how you should pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary How a Marian apparition is judged to be worthy of belief What Mary teaches us about praying for the dead And, finally, Our Lady's wise and consoling words for persons with debilitating diseases, for families struggling to conceive, and for couples struggling to heal their marriages.
Best of all, at the end of your Lenten journey with Mother Mary, you'll be prepared to experience the Paschal Mystery through the eyes of Mary herself, sorrowing and rejoicing with her as the events of Holy Week give way to the palpable rising of Christ in your life.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2019
88 people are currently reading
56 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 19, 2020
This is the third volume from Father Looney that I have read and maybe the best. It is designed as a Lenten devotional, but I have read through it in order to be able to write a review of the entire book. That being said I already plan to reread it this year over lent, a day at a time as it is intended. The five weeks of Lend can actually be read at any time of the year and used for personal retreat. It is only once we get to Holy Week and the Easter Octave ending on Divine Mercy Sunday that would not work as well at another point in the year.
The volume contains 46 devotions from Ash Wednesday through to Divine Mercy Sunday. Each of these days contains a quote or bible verse for the day, a prayer, and ends with a suggested action. A sample day is:
“Ash Wednesday - Mary Prays for Us
“I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners.”
— Our Lady in Champion, Wisconsin
Today begins our Lenten journey. Even though it’s not a holy day of obligation, many people go to church to commence this yearly observance. We are marked with ashes, a reminder of our death. We are invited to pray more this Lent, perhaps with the Stations of the Cross. We decide to make small sacrifices, acts of denial, to suffer just a little as a reminder of the suffering of Christ. Some people hope for a life-altering season as they give up vices and bad habits, such as overconsumption of caffeine, alcohol, or sweets. For some, those little penances offered to God become the grace they receive on Easter Sunday, as they continue to deny themselves after the penitential season.
Lent is a time to take our spiritual lives more seriously — to read, pray, and meditate. I hope this book will help you to do just that.
Over the next several weeks, we will journey with the Blessed Virgin Mary and ponder the many messages she spoke to children and adults throughout the years. The Lenten themes of prayer, penance, and conversion are the same themes that the Mother of God addressed in her apparitions over the last several centuries. We will meet the visionaries and apply the messages of Mary to our daily lives and our Lenten observances.
There is one apparition that holds a special place in my heart. It took place in 1859 in the Diocese of Green Bay, the diocese where I was born, raised, and now serve as a Catholic priest. The Blessed Virgin appeared to Adele Brise, a twenty-eight-year-old Belgian immigrant. After seeing the silent, beautiful woman twice, Adele asked the local priest what she should do. He instructed her to ask the woman who she was and what she wanted. That’s what Adele did when she saw the Virgin for the third time. “In God’s name, who are you, and what do you want of me?” she asked. Mary responded, “I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners.” So Adele learned not only her identity, but, even more special, that the Queen of Heaven was praying for her. Adele was a sinner. You are a sinner. I am a sinner. The great news is that we have an intercessor in Heaven who is praying for us. We ask her so often to do that: Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Yes, Mary prays for us sinners, but even more specifically, she is praying for our conversion.
As we begin this season of Lent, a season calling us to conversion of life, we know that Mary prays for us. Even as we begin our Lenten observance, as we hunger through fasting, as we struggle to find time to pray, we should be at peace, because Mary is praying for us. During the next several weeks, don’t forget that. Remind yourself often that Mary is praying for you. Even if we forget to ask, she prays for us; she will not forget her children.
Dear Blessed Mother, whisper my name in Jesus’ ear and ask Him to help me live this Lent to the fullest. Through your intercession, obtain for me the grace of conversion where I need it most.
Lenten Action
Spend a few moments in prayer today and consider what aspect of your life needs greatest conversion. In what area of your life have you not conformed to Christ or heeded His teaching? Make a resolution to strive to turn toward the Lord.”
Father Looney draws from his extensive knowledge and personal experiences in writing the reflections contained within. He also gives examples from people he has encountered. Some of the stories will seem miraculous, like the 2 encounters with a specific woman, Anna. And Some will leave you wondering, like the tale of the thief. But all will have an impact on your heart, your mind, your faith, and your life.
The section on hos to use this book has some age advice. Specifically to keep going. If we end up falling behind, just pick up where you should be or read the extra days. He even goes so far as to state:
“If you miss an entire week, that’s okay. Begin again, starting with the week you are currently in. The devil wants to discourage us and does not want us to draw closer to God in prayer. The devil doesn’t want us to listen to Mary, because her foot is the one that will crush the serpent’s ugly head.”
I love picking books to work through for Advent and lent each year. Some I read once and am done, and others I read several years in a row or return to every few years. This volume is one I will likely use the next few years in a row. It is excellently written. It is engaging, encouraging and if read with an open heart will be a challenge. But it is good to be challenged during lent.
If you are looking for something new for your Lenten journey this year I can highly recommend this book!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Edward Looney .
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
The volume contains 46 devotions from Ash Wednesday through to Divine Mercy Sunday. Each of these days contains a quote or bible verse for the day, a prayer, and ends with a suggested action. A sample day is:
“Ash Wednesday - Mary Prays for Us
“I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners.”
— Our Lady in Champion, Wisconsin
Today begins our Lenten journey. Even though it’s not a holy day of obligation, many people go to church to commence this yearly observance. We are marked with ashes, a reminder of our death. We are invited to pray more this Lent, perhaps with the Stations of the Cross. We decide to make small sacrifices, acts of denial, to suffer just a little as a reminder of the suffering of Christ. Some people hope for a life-altering season as they give up vices and bad habits, such as overconsumption of caffeine, alcohol, or sweets. For some, those little penances offered to God become the grace they receive on Easter Sunday, as they continue to deny themselves after the penitential season.
Lent is a time to take our spiritual lives more seriously — to read, pray, and meditate. I hope this book will help you to do just that.
Over the next several weeks, we will journey with the Blessed Virgin Mary and ponder the many messages she spoke to children and adults throughout the years. The Lenten themes of prayer, penance, and conversion are the same themes that the Mother of God addressed in her apparitions over the last several centuries. We will meet the visionaries and apply the messages of Mary to our daily lives and our Lenten observances.
There is one apparition that holds a special place in my heart. It took place in 1859 in the Diocese of Green Bay, the diocese where I was born, raised, and now serve as a Catholic priest. The Blessed Virgin appeared to Adele Brise, a twenty-eight-year-old Belgian immigrant. After seeing the silent, beautiful woman twice, Adele asked the local priest what she should do. He instructed her to ask the woman who she was and what she wanted. That’s what Adele did when she saw the Virgin for the third time. “In God’s name, who are you, and what do you want of me?” she asked. Mary responded, “I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners.” So Adele learned not only her identity, but, even more special, that the Queen of Heaven was praying for her. Adele was a sinner. You are a sinner. I am a sinner. The great news is that we have an intercessor in Heaven who is praying for us. We ask her so often to do that: Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Yes, Mary prays for us sinners, but even more specifically, she is praying for our conversion.
As we begin this season of Lent, a season calling us to conversion of life, we know that Mary prays for us. Even as we begin our Lenten observance, as we hunger through fasting, as we struggle to find time to pray, we should be at peace, because Mary is praying for us. During the next several weeks, don’t forget that. Remind yourself often that Mary is praying for you. Even if we forget to ask, she prays for us; she will not forget her children.
Dear Blessed Mother, whisper my name in Jesus’ ear and ask Him to help me live this Lent to the fullest. Through your intercession, obtain for me the grace of conversion where I need it most.
Lenten Action
Spend a few moments in prayer today and consider what aspect of your life needs greatest conversion. In what area of your life have you not conformed to Christ or heeded His teaching? Make a resolution to strive to turn toward the Lord.”
Father Looney draws from his extensive knowledge and personal experiences in writing the reflections contained within. He also gives examples from people he has encountered. Some of the stories will seem miraculous, like the 2 encounters with a specific woman, Anna. And Some will leave you wondering, like the tale of the thief. But all will have an impact on your heart, your mind, your faith, and your life.
The section on hos to use this book has some age advice. Specifically to keep going. If we end up falling behind, just pick up where you should be or read the extra days. He even goes so far as to state:
“If you miss an entire week, that’s okay. Begin again, starting with the week you are currently in. The devil wants to discourage us and does not want us to draw closer to God in prayer. The devil doesn’t want us to listen to Mary, because her foot is the one that will crush the serpent’s ugly head.”
I love picking books to work through for Advent and lent each year. Some I read once and am done, and others I read several years in a row or return to every few years. This volume is one I will likely use the next few years in a row. It is excellently written. It is engaging, encouraging and if read with an open heart will be a challenge. But it is good to be challenged during lent.
If you are looking for something new for your Lenten journey this year I can highly recommend this book!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Edward Looney .
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 23, 2020
A traveller's guide, a roadmap to a good Lenten. And a very good one at that! To be read yearly.
April 19, 2020
A fruitful pilgrimage with Mother Mary in the form of a Lenten devotional from Ash Wednesday to Divine Mercy Sunday.
Fr. Looney, though a young priest (he's only 30 years old when he wrote this last 2019! Just a few years ahead of me), had deep Marian day-by-day insights. I also appreciate that everything tied together as a journey of faith from the introduction to the conclusion.
Fr. Looney, though a young priest (he's only 30 years old when he wrote this last 2019! Just a few years ahead of me), had deep Marian day-by-day insights. I also appreciate that everything tied together as a journey of faith from the introduction to the conclusion.
April 19, 2020
This is the book that Liz Ellen sent me for my Lenten reading this year; it was not a bad Devotional book, but it was not entirely one I would have read on my own.
The book takes us from Ash Wednesday through the full Octave of Easter. Many of the devotions are taken from various Apparitions of Mary, especially the ones that are not well known. On those counts, I enjoyed the book. The author is a relatively new priest from Wisconsin who leads and goes on a lot of pilgrimages; we know this because he tells us a lot about his life in the devotional readings. I prefer my devotional reading to not be self-referential.
This was not a bad devotional book, but, again, not one I would have picked up on my own.
The book takes us from Ash Wednesday through the full Octave of Easter. Many of the devotions are taken from various Apparitions of Mary, especially the ones that are not well known. On those counts, I enjoyed the book. The author is a relatively new priest from Wisconsin who leads and goes on a lot of pilgrimages; we know this because he tells us a lot about his life in the devotional readings. I prefer my devotional reading to not be self-referential.
This was not a bad devotional book, but, again, not one I would have picked up on my own.
April 20, 2020
Easy read over the Lenten season. The daily reflections focus on different Marian apparitions and each week (beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing through Divine Mercy Sunday) the reflections relate to a particular theme: examination of conscience, praying for others, intentional prayer, Mary teaches us to pray, healing, Holy Week, Easter Octave.
Perhaps you have historically chosen "deep" and lengthy tomes to read over the Lenten Season. This book does not fall into that category, but offers much food for thought. Personally, I would have liked a deeper reflection on some of the Marian themes ... but that information is available elsewhere for those who are interested.
Probably not a book I will use again for Lenten reading, but it was a worthy read for at least one Lent.
Perhaps you have historically chosen "deep" and lengthy tomes to read over the Lenten Season. This book does not fall into that category, but offers much food for thought. Personally, I would have liked a deeper reflection on some of the Marian themes ... but that information is available elsewhere for those who are interested.
Probably not a book I will use again for Lenten reading, but it was a worthy read for at least one Lent.
April 16, 2023
I'm a big fan of Fr. Edward Looney and his writing style. He did another wonderful job with his book A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary. It's the perfect read during Lent and the week after leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday. Each daily reading is a couple pages long and each week focuses on a different theme: Examining Your Conscience, Praying for Others, Intentional Prayer, Mary Teaches Us Methods of Prayer, Healing, Holy Week, Easter Octave. Every day starts with a quote or passage that ties into that day's message. Fr. Looney used multiple resources to create this book and the entries, while brief, are meaningful and align with the theme of that week. Each entry ends with a prayer and a call to action. Highly recommended to deepen your Lenten journey.
April 15, 2023
This was much different than what I expected and what I was looking for. I thought it would be a journey with Our Sorrowful Mother or a journey with her on the way of the Cross. Instead it is sort of a spiritual pilgrimage of different apparitions of Mary sort of. Maybe more like different aspects of how we can relate to her and how she is a mother to us. I personally didn't learn very much new information but if you are new to learning about Mary it would be beneficial to you. I would also say it could be done anytime. There is not a lot that ties is specifically to Lent other than the length and the way the meditations are split up.
April 19, 2020
I've been working on having a devotional or spiritual book I'm reading all year. This was a great read each morning (or afternoon or whenever children found time to let me read). It's the second book I've read of Fr Looney's and his devotionals are short, well thought out, and always leave you with a spiritual take away and a more concrete thing to do that day as well. This one also seemed providential as the world changed during Lent. There were definite moments where it is evident the Holy Spirit directed this book.
April 29, 2022
Review of Lenten Journey With Mother Mary
I believe that any Catholic would benefit from reading Lenten Journey With Mother Mary. I liked each day’s reading and learning more about the Marian apparitions. Of course I had heard of some of them, but not all that were described in this book. It was good that each day we had a story, a prayer, and an assignment to complete to help us on our Lenten Journey.
I believe that any Catholic would benefit from reading Lenten Journey With Mother Mary. I liked each day’s reading and learning more about the Marian apparitions. Of course I had heard of some of them, but not all that were described in this book. It was good that each day we had a story, a prayer, and an assignment to complete to help us on our Lenten Journey.
April 15, 2023
My Blessed Is She group used in this book as our Lenten journey prayer group book. It was amazing. Everyone in the group got a lot out of it, and there were some great discussions. For me personally, it brought me closer to MARY and helped me to understand so much more about her apparitions, and what she wants from us, which is prayer, prayer, and more prayer, especially through the rosary for the conversion of our world, and in reparation for the blasphemies against her son, Jesus.
April 19, 2020
An excellent resource for daily mediations starting on Ash Wednesday through Lent, Holy Week and continued through Divine Mercy Sunday. This book offers personal narrative and saintly perspective giving insight into Mary’s journey of the Passion of her Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Father Looney for creating this wonderful aid that I will be sure to rely on for many Seasons of Lent to come.
April 20, 2020
Lenten Journey
I wanted something to accompany my daily reading during Kent Father Looney's book for the bill. Enjoyed the journey every day. Thanks Father.Looney for such an inspiring book.
I wanted something to accompany my daily reading during Kent Father Looney's book for the bill. Enjoyed the journey every day. Thanks Father.Looney for such an inspiring book.
Currently reading
April 27, 2020SPIRITUALLY FULFILLING
This book was a helpful during the Lenten season. Contributed to my prayer and provided aspects to meditation. Also provided knowledge of the presence of the Blessed Mother.
This book was a helpful during the Lenten season. Contributed to my prayer and provided aspects to meditation. Also provided knowledge of the presence of the Blessed Mother.
June 6, 2022
5 stars
This book by Fr. Edward Looney (a priest from my state!) was very good to center oneself around prayer and leaning on the Savior and our mother, Mary. I enjoyed learning new prayers, growing my devotion to Our Lady, and building my Faith.
Definitely recommend.
This book by Fr. Edward Looney (a priest from my state!) was very good to center oneself around prayer and leaning on the Savior and our mother, Mary. I enjoyed learning new prayers, growing my devotion to Our Lady, and building my Faith.
Definitely recommend.
April 22, 2023
A beautiful reflective journey through Lent using Mary's words from different apparitions of our Blessed Mother Mary. Each day is a short reading with a prayer and a suggested action to focus on. It helped deepen the Lenten experience while touching and moving my heart
April 7, 2024
I enjoyed this thoughtful and encouraging lenten (and through the Octave of Easter) meditation book. Inspired by different Marian apparitions, I learned about the different messages of our Blessed Mother leading us to her son, Jesus. Jesus, I trust in you!
April 8, 2024
a very simple read
I loved this book. Short descriptions of prayerful acts and follow up. It is so beautiful and was very timely during the Lenten Season to bring me closer to Mary.
I loved this book. Short descriptions of prayerful acts and follow up. It is so beautiful and was very timely during the Lenten Season to bring me closer to Mary.
April 20, 2025
I’m so glad I purchased this. It was so simple, beautiful and powerful throughout my Lenten journey. I learned new prayers.
April 25, 2022
A thoughtful step by step walk with our Lady during Lent.
Loved the story infused into the rating style. And the practical suggested actions at the end of each day's reading.
Loved the story infused into the rating style. And the practical suggested actions at the end of each day's reading.
May 4, 2020
This was and will be one of my favorite Lenten reflection books! I learned so much about Our Lady’s apparitions with which I was unfamiliar. It was educational and also very spiritual. I appreciated the daily reminders and suggestions.
April 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this thought-provoking Lenten devotional. Fr. Looney provides wonderful insight to, perhaps, the holiest time of the year, as we prepare for Jesus' death and resurrection – His triumph over the world and His gift of salvation. Fr. Looney draws the reader into a reflection on Marian apparitions, Mary's role in Jesus' life and crucifixion and return from the grave, and on the way that Mary can help us grow closer to Jesus during Lent. This is certainly worth the read, especially given how quickly each day's readings go.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews