Mary at the Crossroads of History

by Francis J. Hoffman

Genres: Nonfiction, Catholic, Religion, History

117 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Maureen Tarango · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book, and I learned so much not only about Mary and her intercession throughout history, but about history itself! Fr. Rocky lays out a very concise, well-ordered history from the time of the Apostles until the present, which really connects the dots between the life of the Catholic Church and its role in the history of the world. I particularly appreciated his respectful treatment of the relationship between Christians and Muslims, especially with regard to Mary. It was fascinating!

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was originally published in 2020 by Relevant Radio, it was then reprinted by Scepter Publishers in 2022. I received a copy to review many months ago, I took it on a short vacation to read and absolutely loved it. My only regret is that there is no eBook edition of this or The Memorare Moment, I have a dual form of dyslexia and prefer eBooks so I can change the font, and the colour of the font and the page, to make reading easier. But even with there being no eBook edition I consider this an excellent volume and one of the best books I have read this year. At the reading of this volume I have read 187 books in nearly the first half of this year. And this is one I will be sharing with friends for a long time to come.

The description of the book states:

“Mary at the Crossroads of History provides insight and justification into the special role our Blessed Mother plays in history. As Drew Mariani expressed: " This book will give you a deeper understanding of Our Lady's special role in human history and stir your heart with a greater love for her".”

And about the author we are informed:

“Rev. Francis J. Hoffman, JCD (Fr. Rocky) is Executive Director of Relevant Radio. Ordained as a priest for Opus Dei in 1992 by Blessed John Paul II, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and a BA in History from Northwestern University.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Forward: The Inflection Point
The Millennium Game
In the Beginning
Mother of God, Mother of the Church
The Confrontation in Spain
The Flowering of Christendom
The Century of Fatima
The Battle for Life – and Relevant Radio’s Part in It
What We Can Do – with Our Lady’s Help
Some Sources
About the Author
About Relevant Radio

The story of the Millennium Game and how it started the idea for this volume back on December 31st 1999 was fascinating, and from there Father Rocky goes back and forth through history of Mary’s interventions, messages, and the impact they have had on communities, society and the world. But that is wrapped in the idea that we are at another inflection point in history, and we can use these examples from the past to trust in Mary and her intercession.

His examples span history from Mary’s interactions with the disciples, to the battle at Lepanto, From Guadalupe to Fatima. He has a focus of a few stores about Our Lady of Good Help, and Adele Brise. His story are from epic battles in Christendom, Mary guiding a bullet, to personal stories of families he met on the Walk to Champion.

This is an amazing little volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading. It will challenge, encourage and inspire readers of all ages. I can easily recommend this book.

This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Amanda Fetzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This absolutely blew my mind. If you are on the fence about the importance of Mary, read this!!

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the concept of this book, and I love Fr. Rocky (Francis J. Hoffman). Since Mary was present at the most important events in the life of Christ: His conception, birth, first miracle, crucifixion, and resurrection, it should be no surprise that she has been present and that her presence has impacted history at some of the most pivotal times in world history and in our own personal histories. Mary at the Crossroads of History is introduced and concluded with stories from the life of Fr. Rocky. Though chatty with a bit of a self-published feel, this book is a great introduction to Our Lady and to some of the most important time periods of history.

[GrannyLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that spotlights Our Lady at various times throughout history. Many times not even noticing that she was even there. But she was. With Father Rocky's ease and delightful telling of how and where we spot her, makes for a very good read. I enjoyed discussing this book with my granddaughter.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book about Mary, particularly the placement of Mary and visions of Mary in historical, chronological context

[Dolores Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding a must read!! Father Rocky wrote this wonderfully. I couldn’t put it down. I kept reading 📖 until the end.

[Louise Molinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far , the best book I’ve read this year. If you are Catholic and need inspiration and love our church, then this is a MUST read. Enjoy!

[Doris Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this author's style of writing. He is a great conversationist. He outlines Mary's place in history down through the ages. He starts with Mary and the snake in the Garden of Eden. Mary is then present at all times in Jesus' major episodes in the New Testament. Father Rocky then moves on to the Council at Constantinople where Mary is proclaimed the Mother of God. Mary is present in the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages, Columbus' founding of America, Our Lady of Guadalupe's miraculous appearance in Mexico, and, whenever there is a major historical change, Mary is there. This book is a very clear, understandable message.

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever and so easy to read. I grew up in USA and didn’t know half the US history facts shared here. So excited to finish this book today on the 4th of July especially on returning from our Catholic friends bbq where they shared the heroic faith of our founding fathers who sacrificed their lives and families for our liberties, to come home and finish this book. I believe Our Lady is behind all the major milestones. Even my beloved podcast app radio show Relevant Radio - she had a hand on that as well. Do read this book. Love Fr Rocky and especially appreciate his MBA and history majors that have his feet firmly planted on the ground.

[Brace1737 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Father Francis Hoffman, also known to thousands of Relevant RadiTje central thesis of o listeners as Father Rocky, has a deep and strong devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. The central thesis of this book is that Mary has intervened at critical moments of history to safeguard and promote the work of the Catholic Church.

Comment:
This book is a fine review of the teachings about Mary held by the Catholic Church. It would be a great help to those who are considering becoming Catholic. Fans of the books of Scott Hahn and Bishop Robert Barron will likely enjoy this book.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ignited in my heart a flame of love for Our Lady. She hearkened in the age of salvation through her fiat, and continues to hearken in the life of grace as the Mediatrix of Grace. This book walks you through some major crossroads of history where the outcome was affected by devotion to Our Lady. I am no history buff, so I cannot comment on the accuracy of the history given, but it does awaken your imagination for sure. You’ll need to read it twice, because he builds as he goes through the book, and sometimes you lose the connections he made.

[Marc Washburne · Rating 5 out of 5]

FR Hoffman reveals stories of Mother Mary which I have never heard. If you want to know more about Mother Mary...you must read this book.

For instance...how did the 're-conquista' succeed in defeating the Moors? (hint: Mother Mary),
How did the Quran come to regard Mother Mary in such high esteem? The Muslims honor Mary more than the protestants. Doubt it? Read the Quran for yourself.

Fr Hoffman's book should be read in all Catholic High Schools.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Rocky is my spiritual rockstar. MARY at the CROSSROADS of HISTORY provides insight and justification into the special role our Blessed Mother plays in history. An inspiring read. As Drew Martini expressed: " This book will give you a deeper understanding of Our Lady's special role in human history and stir your heart with a greater love for Her". Thank you, Father Rocky and Relevant Radio

[Curt Locklear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I emphatically encourage you to read this book about a new angle of history. The spiritual world is so involved in this material world. Again and again, the virgin Mary has played a critical role in the Americas, and we all can learn so much from her simple and joyful intercessions.
A delightful and often funny read. Worth your time for sure.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fascinating! I looked forward to reading it until I finished and will probably reread it. It was the most "not boring" religious book I've ever read. Easy to read, sometimes funny, and always inspiring.

[Janet Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Fun to read!

[Roland Lajoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book must read to understand the care of Mary for all peoplethroughout history.at

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly quick read. Great way to connect with the Blessed Mother.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and history make this book a great read.

[Dolores Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I learned so much.

[Vicki Kolbinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

First history book I’ve enjoyed reading!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read with a few interesting stories regarding Marian apparitions. Ultimately left me wanting more information about historical events and context.