Mu Souty Magnifies S Lord

The tradition of Marian devotion in the Christian life is ever ancient and ever new.

As we approach a new century, here is a resource to celebrate Mary, Mother of God and Woman of the Church. Fifteen prayer experiences, suitable for individual private prayer or for Services of the Word celebrated in small groups, are provided. Using images drawn from the fifteen celebrations of Mary in the liturgical calendar, the individual feasts serve as the basis of services that can be used any time during the church year.

Each service begins with a call to prayer and a reflection on the particular Marian image or title. Edward Gabriele is well known for his evocative renderings of the Psalms and he offers here a new psalm-poem for each service. Two biblical readings and an excerpt from Martin Luther's remarkable Commentary on the Magnificat follow. A hymn of praise (based on the "Te Deum"), acclamations, intercessions, and a closing prayer are also provided. Then a contemporary prayer based on one of the church's ancient texts in honor of Mary concludes the service.

Christians of all churches will find that My Soul Magnifies the Lord is a wonderful resource to deepen their awareness of the call to imi- tate Mary by bringing Christ to birth in our own day.

EDWARD FRANCIS GABRIELE received a Doctorate of

Ministry from the Catholic University of America with a specializa- tion in liturgy and spirituality. He is author of From Many, One Praying Our Rich and Diverse Cultural Heritage (Ave Maria Press), Frayers for Dawn and Dusk, and Act Justly, Love Tenderly and Wall mbly (both from St. Mary's PressMu Souty Magnifies S Lord

The tradition of Marian devotion in the Christian life is ever ancient and ever new.

As we approach a new century, here is a resource to celebrate Mary, Mother of God and Woman of the Church. Fifteen prayer experiences, suitable for individual private prayer or for Services of the Word celebrated in small groups, are provided. Using images drawn from the fifteen celebrations of Mary in the liturgical calendar, the individual feasts serve as the basis of services that can be used any time during the church year.

Each service begins with a call to prayer and a reflection on the particular Marian image or title. Edward Gabriele is well known for his evocative renderings of the Psalms and he offers here a new psalm-poem for each service. Two biblical readings and an excerpt from Martin Luther's remarkable Commentary on the Magnificat follow. A hymn of praise (based on the "Te Deum"), acclamations, intercessions, and a closing prayer are also provided. Then a contemporary prayer based on one of the church's ancient texts in honor of Mary concludes the service.

Christians of all churches will find that My Soul Magnifies the Lord is a wonderful resource to deepen their awareness of the call to imi- tate Mary by bringing Christ to birth in our own day.

EDWARD FRANCIS GABRIELE received a Doctorate of

Ministry from the Catholic University of America with a specializa- tion in liturgy and spirituality. He is author of From Many, One Praying Our Rich and Diverse Cultural Heritage (Ave Maria Press), Frayers for Dawn and Dusk, and Act Justly, Love Tenderly and Wall mbly (both from St. Mary's Press