Mariology: A Guide for Priests, Deacons,seminarians, and Consecrated Persons

by Mark I. Miravalle, Raymond Leo Burke (Foreword)

Fifteen international Mariology scholars contributed to the compilation of Mariology: A Guide for Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, and Consecrated Persons. The book features a Foreword and Imprimatur by St. Louis Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, who writes, "Mariology: A Guide for Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, and Consecrated Persons is an extraordinarily complete and rich tool for coming to a deeper knowledge of the teaching of the Church on the Blessed Virgin Mary, for growing in Marian devotion and for developing the means of communicating knowledge and love of the Mother of God to others." The book offers answers to many of the questions that come up in ministry, with a thorough treatment of the Church's long-standing teaching on the Mother of God. The anthology, edited by Dr. Mark Miravalle of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, features 17 chapters divided among four major sections: 1) Mary in Scripture and the Early Church; 2) Marian Dogma; 3) Marian Doctrine; and 4) Marian Liturgy and Devotion.
Dr. Scott Hahn, international Catholic authority, enthusiastically praises Mariology: A Guide for Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, and Consecrated Persons, saying "Buy this book and make a present of it to your parish priest, the religious sister you know, the seminarian from your diocese, or the consecrated person or educated layperson at your parish. It's a Mariological 'must read' especially for our priests and seminarians."
Seat of Wisdom Books, A Division of Queenship, 2008

Genres: Theology, Religion, Catholic

887 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2008

About the author

Dr. Mark Miravalle, husband, permanent deacon, and father of eight, earned his Sacred Theological Doctorate at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Dr. Miravalle has been teaching at the Franciscan University of Steubenville since 1986. He is President of the international Catholic movement, Vox Populi Mariae Mediatrici (Voice of the People for Mary Mediatrix). Dr. Miravalle is known for his international lectures in Mariology. He has addressed several episcopal conferences, including that of South India, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. In addition, he has served members of the episcopal hierarchy with preliminary investigations for reported apparitions, and has made many conference appearances as well as several television appearances, for example on EWTN and Fox News. He also produces a biweekly Mariology television show for www.airmaria.com.

Dr. Miravalle is the author of numerous books and articles in the area of Mariology and Marian private revelation.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive book on Mariology, consisting of essays contributed by various scholars, mostly Catholic but including one Russian Orthodox. This volume comments on the presence of Mary in the Bible and the Church Fathers, as well as the development of Marian doctrines, especially the perpetual virginity of Mary, her status as Mother of God, the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. There is a thorough examination of her role in salvation (Mary as Mediatrix, Co-Redemptrix, Queen, Advocate, Mother of the church, etc.), liturgy and personal devotion. One chapter deals with devotional practices such as the recitation of the rosary and the wearing of the scapular. And the last chapter covers private revelations, including a few of the better known Marian apparitions (Rue du Bac, Lourdes and Fatima).

There is some overlap of subject matter which leads to a certain amount of repetition. Oft-revisited details include the alleged foreshadowing of Mary in Genesis 3:15, the scene at the foot of the Cross where Jesus places his mother in the care of the Apostle John, and the early Marian prayer commonly known by the opening words in Latin, "Sub tuum praesidium."

But in general the book is well written and informative. There are many citations from Scripture, works of theology, and papal documents, and lots of annotation. The reader gets a good sense of the history of Mariology, and the change in attitude as some doctrines took time to become widespread and gain approval.

What I found interesting was the material on the rosary, the scapular and the apparitions, although I would have appreciated a bit more on the lesser known appearances of Mary.

[John Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on Mariology rocks! Written by some of the best theologians in their respective fields, this excellent guide will enrich any library. The book is a collection of essays that each deals with a particular doctrine or aspect of Mariology. The book explains how Mary has been venerated in the Church, why she has such a high status, and her role in dispensing grace. I would highly recommend this book to any priest, seminarian, or interested Catholic who wishes to understand better the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ.