A Book Review of Cardinal Francis Arinze's "Marian Veneration: Firm Foundations"

By Justin McClain

03/17/2018 • View profile

A Book Review of Cardinal Francis Arinze's "Marian Veneration: Firm Foundations"

When it comes to that which typifies and distinguishes Catholic Christianity, there are certain characteristics that reliably come to mind, with the three most significant perhaps being the sacramental life, the papacy, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, all three of which are reinforced based on the Bible and going on two thousand years of tradition and ecclesial history. Unfortunately, many Catholics are often unaware of how to defend - let alone promote - the Church's teachings on these three doctrinal points, not to mention various others. Fortunately, in Marian Veneration: Firm Foundations (Ignatius Press, 2017), Cardinal Francis Arinze has provided us with such an opportunity to solidify our resolve when it comes to exploring and explaining our ideal practice of Marian devotion.

At eighty-five years old, Cardinal Arinze is a legend of the Church: within his native Nigeria, throughout the halls of the Vatican, and around the globe. In particular, this prolific writer has a breadth and depth of experience as a bishop, having served as a prelate for well over fifty years, as of 2015! In Marian Veneration, we see Cardinal Arinze's equally clear and profound teaching style exhibited yet again. In an age of occasional confusion when it comes to the transmission of the Church's message, and in which the faithful have a great need to underscore the scriptural underpinnings of doctrinal and liturgical elements, Cardinal Arinze gives us the following urgent reminder regarding the role of Marian devotion in according ourselves ever more to our profession of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: "Christians who venerate the Mother of God will appreciate a statement on how this devotion is in line with Sacred Scripture and with the sacred liturgy. This book will give due attention to this need, since authentic Christian spirituality should be biblically based and should draw from the public worship of the Church, which is the sacred liturgy" (page 9).

No matter your current degree of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, you should take the time to read Cardinal Arinze's short, but concrete, book. Every effort that we make to appreciate Mary is a step closer to basking in the glory of her Divine Son. You can get a copy of this book from Ignatius Press or Amazon. I superbly enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that you will also.

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About the Author

Justin McClain

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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).

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