May is traditionally the month dedicated to Mary, but any
time is a good time to learn more about Our Blessed Mother. In Virgin, Mother, Queen: Encountering Mary in Time
and Tradition, Michael O’Neill, “The Miracle Hunter”, and Marian expert and
professor of systematic theology Dr. Robert L. Fastiggi combine their talents
to share information about Marian apparitions and different traditional titles
of Mary.
Ten different Vatican-recognized apparitions and titles are
explored. Some of the apparitions may be familiar to readers, such as Our Lady
of Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our
Lady of Fatima. Several others may be relatively unknown, such as Our Lady of
La Salette (which I was blessed to write a
book about), Our Lady of Hope (Pontmain), The Knock Apparition, Our Lady of
Beuraing, Our Lady of Banneaux, and Our Lady of Kibeho.
The historical exploration and explanations of these apparitions
is fascinating. These apparitions take place in various centuries and
locations, from Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 Mexico to Our Lady of Lourdes in
1858 France to Our Lady of Kibeho in 1981 Rwanda. However, even more important
than the details of when, where, and why the apparitions took place are the
messages that Our Blessed Mother comes to share. She loves us, her children.
Each and every time she has graced humanity with her presence, “she calls us to
conversion and penance in order to draw us ever closer to her Son.”
Dr. Fastiggi provides theological background and support for
venerating Mary under different titles, such as Mary as Virgin, Mother of God,
Immaculate and All-Holy, Mother of Sorrows, Mediatrix of Grace, Advocate,
Mother of Mercy, Mother of the Church, and Queen of Heaven.
Anyone interested in learning more about Mary and her
apparitions and titles will love Virgin,
Mother, Queen: Encountering Mary in Time and Tradition.
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