This book was exactly what I needed to read when I read it. Donna-Marie provides a vivid and simplistic hagiography of the life of St. Catherine Laboure – her inner life, her trials, her faith, her family, and the miraculous relationship she had with our Blessed Mother. In Catholic communities, the Miraculous Medal is as omnipresent as the crucifix. Unlike the crucifix, however, the biblical symbolism and history of the medal are not as well known. Donna-Marie takes the important step of teaching readers about the Miraculous Medal’s meaning, historical context, and biblical symbolism in a way that anyone can understand and appreciate. She then makes the graces afforded through the intercession of the Blessed Mother real by painting a picture of the work of the Blessed Mother in the life of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta. But she does not stop there. Donna-Marie demonstrates the graces bestowed upon everyday saints like you and me by telling the stories of the people she has met through gifting Miraculous Medals to people she meets – from a homeless lady in Rome (which will make you cry), to a soldier in an airport. This book is a fantastic read for anyone from middle school through old age. It would be a lovely book club or personal devotion book for the month of May – the month of our Blessed Mother. For me it was great nighttime reading during the few quiet moments I have while my children sleep.
[As seen on Amazon]
