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Our Lady of Guadalupe
Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom series

by Mirabai Starr



      Mirabai Starr has designed a wonderful series of little hardbound books called Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom. These are tiny books big enough to hold in the hand and filled with spiritual guidance. Printed on rough-tooth paper, the pages are sewn and hand cut, giving each volume a crafted, personalized feel.

Unlike some books in this series, Our Lady of Guadalupe contains excerpts written about the Virgin of Mexico, not excerpts of her own writing, since none exist. Starr begins with a detailed account of the Blessed Mother appearing to an Aztec peasant, except she revealed herself as Coatlallope, which is in the ancient Aztec language of Nahuatl. When the peasant told the Spanish priests about her visitation, they thought he was talking about Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spain. So, the name stuck. As the story became written down, it was Christianized. Starr explains that a conquering people often adjust reality in their favor. The peasant became Don Diego and the goddess was the Blessed Virgin.

Starr divides the book into three sections: Our Lady of Guadalupe's appearance, her mercy compassion, and her social justice. Each chapter contains an opening and closing meditation. The excerpts in each chapter often are poems or short readings. A few black and white illustrations and photographs are sprinkled throughout the book. There also is a list of sources and a bibliography.

This lovely edition makes a wonderful gift book that is small enough to tuck into a pocket or handbag or keep by your bed. Our Lady of Guadalupe is a devotional book that allows readers to contemplate the "woman clothed in the sun," as Our Lady of Guadalupe is often depicted, whether she is the Mary of Christianity or the All Mother of indigenous people. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the embodiment of compassion and miracles, and devotion to her can help us find both in our lives.

Highly recommended.

The Book

Sounds True
March 2008
Hardcover
1591797950 / 978-1591797951
Inspirational
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Janie Franz
Reviewed 2008
NOTE: Reviewer Janie Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid!and co-author of The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book and The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book. Coming Soon: The Ultimate Wedding Workbook.
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