Book review: ‘Mary Calling:’ devotion for everyday of the year

‘Mary Calling:’ devotion for everyday of the year – experiencing Jesus in Mary’s presence

The reader may first think from seeing the title that this book is like Sarah Young’s book, “Jesus Calling,” but the reader would be mistaken. The book is not like Young’s book where Jesus speaks with the reader with some Scripture quotes. You would have to go to Sister Mary Kathleen Glavich’s book, “Heart to Heart with Mary: a yearly devotion” which I have previously reviewed.

Jhonsen Sales’ book might not be like Young’s book, but it is a worthwhile read for reflection and meditation with Mary, the mother of God. As the title implies it is a yearly devotional. Sales starts each entry, which is usually a page long with the date and the theme of the entry. This is followed by a reflection which sometimes includes a Scripture quote. After that there are quotes from various saints, like Saint Augustine, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Bernard, Saint Ambrose and many other saints, from both the east and west. These are followed by a quote from The Catechism of the Council of Trent. The entry concludes with a final reflection from the author. 

Each month has a theme. For example: January is Mary’s Fiat-the power of surrender, March is the Annunciation-trusting God’s promise, June is the Presentation-offering ourselves to God, August is Mary’s sorrows-finding consolation in our suffering, September is Mary’s Assumption-hope for eternal life. September’s theme, I think should have been August since the Solemnity of the Assumption is Aug. 15 and September has the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. December’s theme is Mary, our mother and guide-journeying towards salvation.  

Sales hopes this book will not only educate the readers about Mary but also deepen their relationship with Mary. There is no index or bibliographical references. There is a table of contents and an introduction. There are no illustrations. 

Jhonsen Sales is the author of several books on the topic of Mary and other Catholic topics. He lives in the Philippines with his wife. This book is recommended to people looking for devotional involving Mary, the mother of God. Sales provides material for reflection and meditation.

Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., Saint Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.