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As a lay Dominican with a strong affinity for the Rosary, I look forward to every opportunity to highlight the remarkable role in salvation history of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the Mother of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are thankfully in an era of popes with a great deal of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Between Saint John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, recognizing the wonderful example of Mother Mary has been a priority for the popes of the last few decades in particular. In the current papacy of Francis, we see the role of Mary in the Christian life emphasized in his recent book Mother Mary: Inspiring Words (Franciscan Media / Servant Books, 2017).
Pope Francis’s new book, which is edited by Alicia von Stamwitz, is a compilation of the Holy Father’s reflections on how Mary brings us closer to Christ. It is a relatively brief book, at 186 pages, with an introduction by von Stamwitz, six chapters (1: “Handmaid of the Lord,” 2: “Model of Faith,” 3: “Mother of Mercy,” 4: “Our Refuge and Our Hope,” 5: “Star of the New Evangelization,” and 6: “Queen of Peace”), along with an appendix titled “Prayers of Pope Francis to Mary.” The book reads very easily, and can either be read in a few sittings or as a reference for Pope Francis’s words on a specific Marian topic.
If you are looking for a book to enhance your Marian devotion, looking to Mother Mary as a source of encouragement while walking with her Son, you should buy Pope Francis’s Mother Mary: Inspiring Words. You can buy a copy at Franciscan Media / Servant Books or on Amazon. During Women’s History Month (March) or otherwise, this volume of Pope Francis’s most spiritually invigorating words regarding Christ’s Mother and her desire to draw us ever closer to her Son will enkindle your faith as you aim to stand with her at the foot of the Cross (see John 19:25-27), particularly during this Lenten season. I greatly recommend that you read this enlivening book. Our Lady, pray for us!
A lifelong resident of the Archdiocese of Washington, Justin has taught theology and Spanish at his alma mater, Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland, since 2006.
Justin has written widely on various aspects of the Catholic faith. His books include Called to Teach: Daily Inspiration for Catholic Educators, Called to Pray: Daily Prayers for Catholic Schools, The History of the Catholic Church (a textbook), and Alleluia to Amen: The Prayer Book for Catholic Parishes. Justin is active in pro-life ministries, and serves on the volunteer board of directors for the Forestville Pregnancy Center.
Justin holds an M.A. in Spanish Language and Culture from the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain), an M.A. in International History from Staffordshire University (England), and an M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Justin has studied philosophy and theology at Seton Hall University, and Church history from the University of Notre Dame’s Satellite Theological Education Program, for whom he has likewise taught various online courses.
Justin, his wife Bernadette, and their children live in Bowie, Maryland, where they attend Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Justin is a lay member of the Order of Saint Dominic. You can follow him on Twitter (@JustinMcClainOP).
