Father John A. Hardon, S.J. Archives

Mariology

Book Review - Mary and the Eucharist

by Fr. Richard Foley, S.J.

Book review by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

I heartily recommend Mary and the Eucharist by Father Richard Foley, S.J. What I especially admire about this beautiful volume on the Blessed Sacrament is the author’s emphasis on our Lady. He brings out what is so desperately needed today, to believe that the same Jesus Christ whom Mary conceived at the Annunciation is now on earth in the fullness of His divine and human natures. Without Mary we would not have the Eucharist. Why not? Because the Eucharist began at the moment that our Lady told the angel, “be it done unto me according to your word.” The Blessed Sacrament is the Incarnate God living among us and inviting our adoration and love. In the Blessed Sacrament, is the divine Miracle Worker who raised Lazarus from the dead. As Fr. Foley makes so clear, Jesus is ready to perform miracles, especially the conversion of sinners, provided we have something of Mary’s faith when she told the servants at Cana, “do whatever He tells you to.”

This is not a book of pious fancy, but a carefully written work of faith. Easy to read, it relies heavily on the teachings of the Holy Father and the great Eucharistic saints of Catholic history.

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