Nourishing Love: A Franciscan Celebration of Mary

by Murray Bodo O.F.M.

Overview

St. Francis had a deep and lifelong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, committing his order to her care. Franciscan Murray Bodo explores that relationship in this evocative and deeply spiritual encounter with Mary. At the heart of the book, Fr. Murray gives us a glimpse into all that Mary treasured in her heart during her extraordinary lifetime.  He shares poems and stories of his own complicated relationship with Mary. He examines Marian devotion across the centuries, particularly through the lens of great Franciscans such as Blessed John Duns Scotus and St. Bonaventure. A collection of Marian prayers rounds out this Franciscan celebration of Mary of Nazareth, Mother of God, Queen of the Angels. 
 
“There is something about a nourishing love that was central to the spirituality of St. Francis. He used to say to his Brothers that they were to love one another, as far as grace enables them to do so, the way a mother loves and nourishes the child of her flesh. And for St. Francis Mary was the mother because of the way she loved and nourished Jesus.”—Murray Bodo
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632533340
Publisher:	Franciscan Media
Publication date:	05/04/2021
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

MURRAY BODO, OFM, a Franciscan priest, is the award-winning author of numerous books, including the bestselling Francis: The Journey and the Dream, Francis and Jesus, Mystics: Twelve Who Reveal God’s Love, nine books of poetry, and most recently Surrounded by Love: Seven Teachings from Saint Francis. Friar Murray has had his poems, stories and articles published in magazines and literary journals in the United States, England, and Ireland. He was a founding staff member of the Franciscan Pilgrimages Program and has led yearly pilgrimages in Assisi and the surrounding areas for over forty years. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.
 

Table of Contents

Foreword Frances Teresa Downing, OSC … xi

Introduction … xv

The Story of Mary … 1

Meditations: Scenes from the Life of Mary … 9

Poems … 53

Reflections … 67

Afterword … 113

Prayers … 117

Notes … 133

A Note from the Cover Artist … 135

Editorial Reviews

In Nourishing Love, Murray Bodo has provided a literary banquet of foods for reflection, inspiration, and instruction. For all who seek to develop a deeper personal appreciation of Mary’s centrality in Catholic faith and spirituality, here is food for mind and heart. A variety of resources—teachings, reflections, poetry, traditional prayers—will serve those who preach and who direct spiritual exercises and retreats. Ensconced within the poetic meditations on Mary’s life are a number of “teaching moments” in which Bodo offers clear summaries of complex theological traditions. His articulation of the theology of the Incarnation developed by John Duns Scotus is a gem. This book is the fruit of a lifetime of searching for the elusive but essential truth behind the words we pray when we address this woman of ancient Palestine with the words, “Holy Mary, Mother of God.”—Margaret Carney, OSF, retired president of St. Bonaventure University

In Nourishing Love, Fr. Murray Bodo draws readers into a series of captivating reflections and poetry about the Blessed Mother. This is a perfect book for those looking to expand their appreciation for the Franciscan spiritual tradition, as well as for those who desire to deepen their Marian devotion. Those already familiar with Fr. Murray’s creative writing style will recognize his distinctive poetic voice in each line, while those who have yet to encounter his wonderful work will find a welcome introduction to his inspired writing and spiritual guidance in this book.— Daniel P. Horan, OFM, Duns Scotus Chair of Spirituality, Catholic Theological Union and author of God is Not Fair and Other Reasons for Gratitude.

From the Publisher