The Life of Mary: Chosen and Blessed Among Women (Mother Mary)

This book at last gives Mary, the mother of Jesus, a voice. It is her story, woven together through biblical references, historical knowledge of the times in which she lived, and spiritual influence. With beautiful illustrations throughout, this little book is a must-have for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with Our Lady.

I loved this book. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to ponder, learn, and understand more about Mary Magdalene. Provides more information and insight than I have seen before. I have read and loved all three of the books in this series (the other two focus on Mother Mary).

In her Preface of Mystical Appearances of Mary Phyllis Giarraffa states “What this book is not set up to do is convert anyone to any specific religion… no one is off-limits from being touched by her.” (PAG) To those who believe in the God of Abraham the apparitions discussed in this book have been accepted or ignored by the Vatican and others. The people who experienced them cannot ignore them. There are many apparitions mentioned e.g. Fatima, Lourdes, some less recognized such as the miracle in the Bronx. Fatima has to be believed because on Oct 13 1917, near Fatima, seventy thousand people witnessed the miracle of the sun. Today one may be surprised to know that many apparitions still occur on a more personal level. One may have a saint join them on the way to work one day or, hear the most beautiful woman’s voice say thank you. These events may be shared with a few friends. The believer lives on with these events to their end. Individuals may never experience more than one or, have them as regular occurrence.

If an atheist, or better a fallen away believer, by chance reads this book I would anticipate the hand of God will touch that person’s heart. Would they know it happened? Knowing the over achievement of God, e.g. Wedding of Cana, I believe they may.

Giarrafa continues to state she is not out to convert anyone. Perhaps Giarrafa was inadvertently used as a Spiritual vessel to pen this book. One cannot walk away from it without asking a question or two of God. Be careful what you ask for God sometimes says no. Padre Pio received the Stigmata for 50 years. His visible wounds and mystical ability to read souls is well documented. With the blessings conversely comes the challenge when the gifted or blessed come face to face with demons. Saint Faustina had two words when she faced off with Satan: Jesus Christ; the shepherds of Fatima were taken to see hell by the Blessed Mother.

Mystical Appearances of Mary is an excellent read. I was not aware of the many prayer beads that exist in the many different religions. I can testify to the Rosary as a life changing prayer. If you open your heart when you open the book you may just experience water being changed to wine. “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29). God bless you all!

Wonderful well- and little-known accounts of Marian apparitions from around the world, brought together into one book that celebrates Our Lady’s presence throughout time.

Very powerful book by Phyllis Giarraffa. A must read for those struggling and seeking peace a harmony in their lives.