The Life of Mary of Nazareth

Reflections of an Exorcist

By: Gabriele Amorth

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Fr. Gabriele Amorth (1925-2016) is known primarily for his tireless work as the official exorcist of Rome. But he was also a journalist, noted theologian, and biblical scholar. In this book, one of five he wrote about Mary, he retraces the life of the Virgin Mary. Drawing on the Gospels, Catholic Tradition, conciliar documents, and papal teachings, Fr. Amorth accompanies the reader on a veritable Marian itinerary.

Divided into thirty-one chapters, one for each day of the month, the author breaks open the Gospels, particularly Matthew and Luke. As a biblical exegete, Fr. Amorth carefully analyzes the narratives of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity of Christ, the visit of the Shepherds and Magi, the Presentation in the Temple, the Flight into Egypt, and the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth. From here, Mary lives in "silence" and "hiddenness," where she “kept all these things in her heart”; that is, her knowledge of what is coming – the "Hour," revealed at the Wedding in Cana, when she will witness the death of Christ on the cross and receive her role as Mother of all. But she is also the only one who knew what was coming after Good Friday, the only one of Christ’s followers who had hope on Good Saturday.

In addition to the Scriptures, Fr. Amorth explores ancient Marian titles and designations such as the New Eve, Ever-Virgin, the Mother of God, God-bearer (Theotokos), and All Holy. He explains the relatively recent Marian dogmas (with ancient roots) of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption. He also looks at popular devotions, such as keeping Holy Saturdays, Marian apparitions, the Rosary, and even what it means to be consecrated to her.

Intended to be catechetical, a series of reflections follows each chapter. Written in simple and clear language, the book is spiritually and theologically rich. Though the focus is on Mary, Fr. Amorth frequently reminds the reader that devotion to the Mother is to better know the Son. Published originally in Italian as Il Vangelo di Maria (The Gospel of Mary), this book is Fr. Amorth at his best.

About the author:
Fr. Gabriele Amorth was born in Modena, Italy, on May 1, 1925. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1954 as a member of the Society of St. Paul, the congregation founded by Giacomo Alberione in 1914. He worked for thirty years as a journalist and editor for the Italian magazine Familia Cristiana and for the monthly Madre di Dio, for which he wrote numerous Marian articles. After working as a journalist, he was appointed an exorcist of the Diocese of Rome in June 1986, under the tutelage of Candido Amantini. In 1990, along with five other priests, he founded the International Association of Exorcists and was president until his retirement in 2000. Over the course of his career, Father Amorth is believed to have performed over 60,000 exorcisms. His work in demonology and exorcism, combined with his experience in media, gained him international recognition. As such, he became one of the most prominent figures in the Catholic Church in the modern era.

Very educational.

Very educational. However, I was looking forward learning more about Mother Mary from private revelations. I felt it sure could use them.

Solid ream of excerpts rarely found together.

while I would not call it a Must to spend a credit on this was definitely an excellent plus title for the Marian completionist.

Needs a human touch…

Needs a human touch. You cannot replace a human voice for audio books. It looses the purpose of feeling the author’s message.