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maxblackmore's review against another edition
3.0
I just realized that I first started reading this book in March 2020. A full two years has passed - and it is remarkable how much the world has changed.
A lot of people found utility in the book - which means the book likely served its purpose. But overall, I am not a big fan of popular spiritual books. The discussions tend to stay on the surface level. That being said, these books could be helpful in practical ministry.
The book does have a long appendix where all the prayers and popular devotion methods (Rosary, Chaplet, etc) are discussed. I was not aware of all the methods - so I learned a bit here.
A lot of people found utility in the book - which means the book likely served its purpose. But overall, I am not a big fan of popular spiritual books. The discussions tend to stay on the surface level. That being said, these books could be helpful in practical ministry.
The book does have a long appendix where all the prayers and popular devotion methods (Rosary, Chaplet, etc) are discussed. I was not aware of all the methods - so I learned a bit here.
rravenii's review against another edition
3.0
10/23: More like 2.5 stars. A little more palatable than True Devotion. There are some great spiritual insights but I feel neurotic and almost sick reading everything else. Not a fan of contractual language, nor the car-salesman “quick and easy salvation!!” shtick.
Who is this for? I would imagine maybe cradle Latins who have been solid and comfortable in their faith in Jesus Christ for a long time. I could see it being much more helpful for those people. But as a convert, it’s borderline scandalous to me and shakes my already weak trust in Christ. It makes Him seem so far off and unapproachable. “We must never go to Our Lord except through Mary,” says St. Kolbe. Ouch.
I did appreciate the lengthy excerpts from Mother Teresa about the sufferings of Christ being the means of our unity with Him. It was very Christ-centered and clear that Mary’s role is subordinate, as helper, as the one who brings us to Him and helps us actually contemplate His love and sufferings.
I’ll read it again in a year or a few. For right now I’m going to step away.
Who is this for? I would imagine maybe cradle Latins who have been solid and comfortable in their faith in Jesus Christ for a long time. I could see it being much more helpful for those people. But as a convert, it’s borderline scandalous to me and shakes my already weak trust in Christ. It makes Him seem so far off and unapproachable. “We must never go to Our Lord except through Mary,” says St. Kolbe. Ouch.
I did appreciate the lengthy excerpts from Mother Teresa about the sufferings of Christ being the means of our unity with Him. It was very Christ-centered and clear that Mary’s role is subordinate, as helper, as the one who brings us to Him and helps us actually contemplate His love and sufferings.
I’ll read it again in a year or a few. For right now I’m going to step away.
kbrantmeier24's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good introduction to devoting yourself to Mary, but I think I would have appreciated going deeper.
sarahareinhard's review against another edition
5.0
I've done the 33-day consecration to Jesus through Mary before, and it wasn't too bad. Using Fr. Gaitley's book, though, was amazing. If I had let myself, I would have whipped right through it--the writing is accessible and down-to-earth and relevant to modern readers. Gaitley tapped into four great Marian saints and transformed the consecration preparation into a whole new experience for me. His explanations and insights were smack-my-forehead good and somehow, they stuck with me. I couldn't recommend this more. If you read one book this year, let it be THIS one.
marymikebrisbane's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
I agree with the other reviewers that this book is perfect for your first Marian Consecration. I’ve tried multiple times over the years to complete but this is my first time actually finishing the 33 Days of Prep! I love the wholistic overview provided with each Saint’s POV on the Marian Consecration. Like someone else mentioned, the Marian Consecration is vast, limitless & never ending. This study gives practical examples & a realistic amount of reading each day to keep the Marian Consecration accessible to all. Thankful for this resource! Loved the daily prayers & rosary guide in the appendix, that’s always handy to have around!