Book-Notes-720-x-340-dark-gold-outline-and-medium-blue-pen-_-Notes-light-blue-702x336 I read A Cause of Our Joy by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C. (Ignatius Press) and it was wonderful in so many ways. I love the Blessed Mother very much and have read a variety of books about her but this book definitely stands out for me. Early in this book, it is explained that when Mother Mary Francis gave spiritual direction she would say, "Think of Our Lady, what she would have done. Ask Our Lady to help you." I underlined it and have thought of her advice often since then. Mother Mary Francis' writing is very truthful and to the point. She doesn't beat around the bush about what Our Heavenly Mother teaches us or how we should put her example into practice in our daily lives. It is obvious in her writing that Mother Mary Francis not only knows Mother Mary, but has a deep relationship with her and loves her very much. This is obvious in the beautiful poetry she wrote in honor of our heavenly Mother. What I love is that the author helped me get to know the Blessed Mother more deeply and know more about her by her different titles. She explains in a very loving manner what our Lady's mission is in each one. In her chapter about May 31, Our Lady's Visitation, Mother describes Our Lady as a magnifying glass! Why? Well, because Our Lady is always magnifying Our Lord! This seems so simple but so beautiful. She also points out that we many times can magnify little things that may create distance between us and those we love. This sees simple, but is a powerful approach and it is what makes this book a gem. It is a gem  for those of us who love Mary and those of us who want to get to know her more deeply. This is a book that won't go on my bookshelf but will be in my bag that I take to Adoration and revisit often for the prayers and all the notes in the margins. A Cause of Our Joy leaves you with many things to ponder but most of all the strength and love that Our Lady has for all of us.

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Copyright 2018 Elizabeth Estrada