Book Reviews2 Encyclopedia of Mary

May 16, 2008

Book written by Monica and Bill Dodds

 

Those interested in knowing anything about the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, can consult this encyclopedia.  The reference book provides quick and short descriptions about everything related to Mary.  It is arranged in the A to Z format with many black and white illustrations of Mary, saints, buildings, shrines, and other images.  The articles vary in size, with most being very readable for the general reader.  The husband and wife authors, Monica and Bill Dodds, have created a very useful quick reference on Mary and topics related to her.  They have included cross referencing, an index of topics, and an index on the images and art in the book.

 

The Dodds have compiled information on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s various titles such as, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Sorrows, and many others that most people are unaware of.  The Dodds present information on the various Marian feast days, apparitions, organizations and associations, religious orders dedicated to Mary, songs, devotions, customs, and many other topics. 

 

The authors also provide the words to various prayers to Mary like the Hail Mary, Regina Caeli and others.  They also provide some of the litanies and novenas devoted to Mary as well as articles on Mary’s relationship with Orthodoxy, Anglicanism and other Protestant churches and with Islam.  The authors also present a list of encyclicals by various popes on Mary and articles on the various doctrines and dogmas concerning Mary like the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception.

 

This book is highly recommended to those looking for a quick reference on anything related to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Monica and Bill Dodds are the editors of My Daily Visitor magazine, family columnists for Catholic News Service, and founders of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver (www.FSJC.org).  Monica Dodds is the author of A Catholic Guide to Caring for your Aging Parents  (2006), Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with St. Therese of Lisieux (2004) and co-authored with Bill Dodds Joy of Marriage (2003).  Bill Dodds is the author of The Seeker’s Guide to the Holy Spirit (2003), The Ride of Your Life (2002), and of Your One Step Guide to how Saints are Made (2000).