Saint The Books

I was given a copy of this book by the author and asked to read it and comment on it. As a former Catholic Priest and psychotherapist, I must agree with Richard Roar" This is how theology and psychology should come together". I found myself captivated by this scholarly,yet understandable masterpiece. This is an inspirational book and should be necessary reading for every seminary and household regardless of your religion.David's expose on archetypes and methaphore reaches to the depths of one's very essence, challenging and clarifying one's beliefs and illustrating to the reader exactly how to pray from your heart and not just with words. It has inspired me to write a book on 150 Psalms, Poems, Letters, Prayers and Meditations for the Millenium. I challenge you to become inspired and search the Mary Within you. If you haven't read Mary Within, you must! You won't be able to put it down. Good reading!

MY BOOK IS ABOUT: The feminine aspect of God as personified by Mary is built into the design of every human psyche.

This book is about how we have always venerated not the literal Mary but the feminine dimension of the divine that she represents and enriches. Using the titles of the Litany of Loreto-including prayers for each- with depth and reverence, this book opens a dialogue about Mary. We see her as a personification of the virtues and destiny of all of us, including the so far unexplored dark side. The book is written with respect for Catholic tradition and it helps us expand our spirituality and update our view of religion in general. (davericho.com)

"What a brilliant confluence of images and energies! David Richo has made a very useful set of connections between Mary and the deepest archetypes of the human psyche. This is how theology and psychology should come together. Good scholarship that could lead to good prayer." -Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.. Franciscan priest and writer

I read this book a while ago and still go back to it occasionally. It is a wonderful exploration of the true power of Mary and is also an inspiring rendering of adult faith that I so yearn for (and find so little of) in the Catholic Church I was raised in and am so familiar with. This book, as well as others of Mr. Richo's, deepens our understanding of religion, giving it the permission to grow that is denied it by fundamentalist and institutionalist forces. He encourages us to move beyond literal belief into a more universal realm that has room for more of creation.

Being fluent in `Catholic,' `Jungian,' and `American,' he enlightens our common experience by revealing that there's a place below all the various kinds of religious thought. Many Buddhists have understood this more universal and more present place, and it is refreshing to see Richo bring these truths through the Christian matrix.

Too often religious ideas, symbols and scriptures are kept frozen by being referenced outside of ordinary people in their ordinary lives. Why are we so afraid to let them come alive? Mary is not only the woman who lived 2000 years ago and was the mother of Jesus; not only the teachings that have come down through the ages; not only whatever we can think about her. She is something real, something present, something beyond explanation that can only be experienced. Richo brings Mary alive by showing how for each of us she is here in the present and indeed resides within.

Beautiful illustrations. I used information to design a Mary Garden in memory of my mother Margaret McGill. I also gave a copy to an Irish Catholic friend named Mary.

At my mother's death, one of our children suggested we begin growing a "Mary Garden". Not knowing much about this, I did some research on line and kept bumping into references to this book. So, I ordered it. I was NOT disappointed!!! It's kind of an anchor piece to the concept of Mary gardens. Not only are the paintings of species lovely and stylized, but the legends about how these flowers relate to Mary dear; the description of suggested flowers help to chose when and where to plant, and the presentation of material makes the book a pleasure to hold. Right now it's being passed around to friends who are also intrigued by the concept.... to their delight. I love this book.

Well researched , well illustrated , good print , easy to read , and I would say a " Must have " for any person interested in getting closer in their relationship to God through having a Mary Garden or even observing one .

This is a great book that gives you more insight on these women. I learned so much from reading it.

This was a great book to gain deeper understanding of these 2 very important people in the New Testament.

We often juggle between "doing" and "listening". Camille Fronk Olson has hit the right balance by comparing Mary and Martha to Ourselves.

Tale of Two Sisters: Martha is the hostess with the mostest - preparing who knows what for the LORD, while Mary sits at his feet and listens. Martha pleads with the LORD for some help from Mary. If you don't know this story, it's found in: Luke 10:38-42 KJV

38 ¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

"Mary, Martha and Me" helps us to see the good in both women, and think about which one we most identify with - or not?

Surprise! Most of us are quite a bit like each of the sisters, in more ways than we might imagine.

Please read this little book, or give it as a gift. It will speak wonderful words to your heart and soul :o)

Whether you are a dedicated medieval scholar or merely have a layman's interest in the area, there is much insight to be gleaned from this highly expository and very readable treatise.
Ever wonder what all that symbolism meant in thousand year old Christian art? Or how it related to those who created and heard the oral histories of the time? This fascinating book ties together explorations of language, medieval history, religious mythology and physical as well as spiritual pilgrimage, and their impact on modern understanding of this turbulent period.

Tom Spaccarelli was one of my professors at the University of the South (Sewanee TN). He was a major influence as a teacher -- fanning the flames of my passion for Medieval and Renaissance literature -- and has remained a major influence as a friend. I hear his voice on every page of this book. But for those who don't know him, I'll let him introduce the work himself (from Chapter I, INTRODUCTORY REMARKS). "The codex traditionally known as Ms. h.I.13 of El Escorial, which I have named the *Libro de los huespedes,* has generally been edited by medievalists as nine separate works ... "This now traditional fragmentation of the codex has resulted in our failure to perceive that the book was compiled and comprehended in its own time as a unified work. Modern editions of the separate chapters, produced in the tradition of scholarly concepts such as source texts, regularization of language, literary genres, the primacy of the relationship author/work, etc., have diminished our ability to comprehend the unique and unified nature of the LH, thereby distorting our knowledge and appreciation of the canon of medieval Spanish literature. I intend to show in this study that the LH is a text intimately related to the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and to various religious, literary, and artistic traditions associated with it. To restore the integrity of this text, I believe, is also to provide a more historically accurate view of medieval Spanish culture and of the concerns and issues that fired the enthusiasm of medieval people."

Tom Spaccarelli was one of my professors at the University of the South (Sewanee TN). He was a major influence as a teacher -- fanning the flames of my passion for Medieval and Renaissance literature -- and has remained a major influence as a friend. I hear his voice on every page of this book. But for those who don't know him, I'll let him introduce the work himself (from Chapter I, INTRODUCTORY REMARKS). "The codex traditionally known as Ms. h.I.13 of El Escorial, which I have named the *Libro de los huespedes,* has generally been edited by medievalists as nine separate works ... "This now traditional fragmentation of the codex has resulted in our failure to perceive that the book was compiled and comprehended in its own time as a unified work. Modern editions of the separate chapters, produced in the tradition of scholarly concepts such as source texts, regularization of language, literary genres, the primacy of the relationship author/work, etc., have diminished our ability to comprehend the unique and unified nature of the LH, thereby distorting our knowledge and appreciation of the canon of medieval Spanish literature. I intend to show in this study that the LH is a text intimately related to the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and to various religious, literary, and artistic traditions associated with it. To restore the integrity of this text, I believe, is also to provide a more historically accurate view of medieval Spanish culture and of the concerns and issues that fired the enthusiasm of medieval people."

I am a diehard fan of European royal history and I loved this book. It is the first part of the memoirs of a Duke who lived in France during the last years of Louis XIV and during the regency of Duc de Orleans, Louis XV's minority. He is very detailed, telling stories about all of the people at court. Lucy Norton has done a great job of leaving the interesting tidbits in and leaving out the dull, long stories on politics, treaties, etc. I am more interested in biographies and this book was just what I love, you really get to know a lot about court life during this period. This first volume deals with the reign of Louis XIV and all of the intrigues as he is 53-71 years old.

I am a diehard fan of European royal history and I loved this book. It is the first part of the memoirs of a Duke who lived in France during the last years of Louis XIV and during the regency of Duc de Orleans, Louis XV's minority. He is very detailed, telling stories about all of the people at court. Lucy Norton has done a great job of leaving the interesting tidbits in and leaving out the dull, long stories on politics, treaties, etc. I am more interested in biographies and this book was just what I love, you really get to know a lot about court life during this period. This third volume deals with the regency of the Duc d'Oreleans and the coronation of Louis XV.

The Memoirs of the Duc de Saint-Simon is one of those rare books that compel one to pick up a pen and try their own hand at the literary caper. The easy flow of the narrative, and, as the Memoirs progress, his delightful vitriol read as if receiving a letter from a long lost friend. The very fact that Saint-Simon's everyday life revolved around the French court of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries makes it all the more fascinating for the modern reader. A word of warning - the long-winded French names and the plethora of ever changing titles can get confusing.

There would be few who could not be moved by Saint-Simon's rapturous delight at the defeat of his enemies, where his writing is at its unequalled best. However, by far the greatest strength of these Memoirs is the authors humbleness. Time and again he apologies to his reader for lengthy diversions, and for his inability to handle the material well, yet it cannot be denied that he is the greatest memoir writer to have lived, in all senses of the word. His conclusion, admiting that he can be repetitive and long winded is a tour de force, and we are allowed a knowing smile when we recollect that his pride has so often shone through elsewhere - there is nothing more pleasant to read than the work of a HUMAN author, with all the quirks and failings of our own. The translator's (Lucy Norton) footnotes are extremely helpful without being cumbersome. While the length of the three volumes will alienate many a potential reader, they are well worth any time invested in their perusal.

This incredibly generous volume presents three different Pieta sculptures by Michelangelo, each representing a different phase in the development of his artistry. The black and white photography is exquisite, and captures every conceivable angle of the pieces in a huanting, illuminating manner. The volume is slipcovered and is a work of art in itself. HIGHLY recommended.

Michelangelo's pietas are a monument, a testament in stone to the life and struggles of this strange tortured genius. The book is actually a bargain. The lavish,beautiful photographs show all 3 pietas in their entirety,not just the face{as a previous reviewer noted}. Since these works{especially the first} are not asaccesible {due to the unfortunate incident in the early 70's} we get a full view here of these works that explain the spiritual struggles of this giant.Each pieta is carefully,lovingly photgraphed form every angle. Curiosly, the second and third pietas are equally compelling,though it is the first with which most people{myself included} are most familiar. Save going over to each of the three cities in Italy where these pieces are,i cannot fathom a better book. I Think this is as compelling spiritual "reading' as any ,and is almost overwhelming in its purity,its emotional beauty , and its sublime passion. This is one to pass on for generations.

This book has excellent photography of Michelangelo's pietas. One is allowed a glimpse of his work at all sorts of angles one could not get to in actual life. The St. Peter's Pieta in the Vatican and the Rondanini Pieta in Milan are both not accessible from the back to the general public, thus this book gives you the opportunity to study these works close up.

"The Misfortunes of Mr. Teal" (aka "The Saint in London") is one my favourites of the books of (usually three) Saint "novelettes", the other being The Holy Terror.

Chief among its pleasures is the finale to the battle of wits between Simon and Rayt Marius, the unscrupulous arms-merchant of The Last Hero and Knight Templar. Marius, learning that he has only a few months to live, has devised a scheme, worthy of his evil genius, for revenging himself on the Saint: he has written his memoirs, detailing all the criminal (indeed, treasonous) transactions he has had with members of British government and industry, and sent the resulting opus to Simon.

"At the same time as this book is sent to you, there will be sent, to the gentlemen most conspicuously mentioned in these notes, letters which will inform them into whose hands the book has fallen. After reading it yourself, you will see that this cannot fail to cause them great perturbation.

"Nevertheless, while it would be simple for you to allay their alarm and assure your own safety from molestation, I cannot foresee that a man such as I recall you to be would so tamely surrender such a unique opportunity to apply moral pressure towards the righting of what you consider to be wrongs.

"I therefore hope to leave behind me the makings of a most diverting contest [...] And you will understand, I am sure, my dear Mr. Templar, that I can hardly be blamed for sincerely trusting that these gentlemen, or their agents, will succeed where I have failed."

This story is also notable for introducing the Runyonesque American gangster Hoppy Uniatz, veteran of Prohibition who drinks whisky like lemonade, the Saint's companion in so many later adventures.

That Charteris manages to make Hoppy simultaneously menacing, comical and believable (and even at times sympathetic!) is an amazing feat, but he pulls it off - in part because of a firm grasp of Transatlantic mores and idiom, much better than (for example) Ian Fleming's.

The other stories are just as skilled; there is little point in detailing the plots, and again the familiar friends - Pat, Orace, Claud Eustace - are here.

One of the best books in the series.

P.S. For a list of -- and discussion of -- all Charteris's Saint books, see my So You'd Like To... Guide.

"The Misfortunes of Mr. Teal" (aka "The Saint in London" aka "The Saint in England"*) is one my favourites of the books of (usually three) Saint "novelettes", the other being The Holy Terror.

Chief among its pleasures is the finale to the battle of wits between Simon and Rayt Marius, the unscrupulous arms-merchant of The Last Hero and Knight Templar. Marius, learning that he has only a few months to live, has devised a scheme, worthy of his evil genius, for revenging himself on the Saint: he has written his memoirs, detailing all the criminal (indeed, treasonous) transactions he has had with members of British government and industry, and sent the resulting opus to Simon.

"At the same time as this book is sent to you, there will be sent, to the gentlemen most conspicuously mentioned in these notes, letters which will inform them into whose hands the book has fallen. After reading it yourself, you will see that this cannot fail to cause them great perturbation.

"Nevertheless, while it would be simple for you to allay their alarm and assure your own safety from molestation, I cannot foresee that a man such as I recall you to be would so tamely surrender such a unique opportunity to apply moral pressure towards the righting of what you consider to be wrongs.

"I therefore hope to leave behind me the makings of a most diverting contest [...] And you will understand, I am sure, my dear Mr. Templar, that I can hardly be blamed for sincerely trusting that these gentlemen, or their agents, will succeed where I have failed."

This story is also notable for introducing the Runyonesque American gangster Hoppy Uniatz, veteran of Prohibition who drinks whisky like lemonade, the Saint's companion in so many later adventures.

That Charteris manages to make Hoppy simultaneously menacing, comical and believable (and even at times sympathetic!) is an amazing feat, but he pulls it off - in part because of a firm grasp of Transatlantic mores and idiom, much better than (for example) Ian Fleming's.

The other stories are just as skilled; there is little point in detailing the plots, and again the familiar friends - Pat, Orace, Claud Eustace - are here.

One of the best books in the series.

*Singularly uninformatively, since all but 4 of the first 21 Saint books are set in England, and most of those are set in London.

P.S. For a list of -- and discussion of -- all Charteris's Saint books, see my So You'd Like To... Guide.

This book contains three stories; "The Simon Templar Foundation", "The Higher Finance" and "The Art of Alibi". They are typical Saint stories; the Saint fights a life-and-death fight with ungodly evildoers on one hand, and tweaks the nose of poor Inspector Teal on the other hand.

I liked "The Saint and Mr. Teal" that was written shortly before this book, but I like this book much better. All three stories are so unusual and unpredictable. Fewer dull parts, more twists and turns, and the stakes are much higher. The evildoers are so-called respectable men and they are more vicious than ordinary criminals.

If you want to know what happened to Rayt Marius, the Saint's arch-enemy in "The Last Hero" and "Knight Templar", you should read "The Simon Templar Foundation". It's about the strange and deadly legacy of Rayt Marius. "The Higher Finance" is a rather astonishing story; funny opening, uncanny development, and the climax is so sudden and shocking! "The Art of Alibi"; someone takes the Saint's trade-mark in vain. That's not so surprising, but the imposter's plan and how the Saint frustrates it are totally unpredictable.

Este libro es fabuloso, me encanta porque parece que te estan diciendo un cuento, y encima este cuento tiene una instrucción espiritual sin igual. Es de esos libros que tu no quieres dejar de leer. Si te gustan las narraciones esta es una muy buena elección.

Este es el primer libro de la Enseñanza del Maestro Saint Germain descargado a través de Guy Ballard en el cual en verdad se devela al estudiante el requerimiento inicial en el Sendero: Obediencia. El Señor Guy Ballard es hoy el Maestro Ascendido que encarna la cualidad de Obediencia. Esto nos dice, según lo entiendo, que la obediencia a la Ley es lo primero a cultivar en nuestro camino de regreso al Padre. A todo hermano que esté buscando espiritualmente le sugiero inicie con la lectura de este maravilloso tesoro, un regalo de Amor de Dios y una apertura al verdadero estado de consciencia y radiación de los Maestros Ascendidos.

Estas son las dos palabras que me vienen a la mente al pensar en este libro.

Muchos son los estudiantes de la Luz de diversas denominaciones que sienten que estan contribuyendo a eso que conocemos como la Edad Dorada de Saint Germain o Era de Acuario, por el solo hecho de tener una vida "esoterica" o "mistica", por prender inciensos y escuchar musica New Age. Yo era uno de esos, hasta que lei este libro.

Aqui encontre algo que cambio radicalmente mi manera de pensar y actuar, pues aqui esta contenida la instruccion sobre como se puede contribuir a la elevacion de una Edad Dorada. Y basicamente se trata de dos elementos que atraviesan el libro de principio a fin: control del proceso de precipitacion y descarga sostenida de la sustancia luminosa de Amor Divino.

Aprendi que realizar esos dos puntos, y ser maestro de ellos, es el verdadero servicio en esta Edad Dorada que ha amanecido. Asi, no basta con leer libros "especiales", con asistir a conferencias o convertirse en vegetariano; prácticas, por cierto, muy bellas y loables. La actividad que hará la diferencia, que hará que esta encarnación haya valido la pena, será la precipitación consciente y sostenida del Puro Amor Divino.

Que la Presencia "YO SOY" abra todos los canales que sean necesario para que toda la humanidad comprenda esto.

Following the murder of their old friend Lou Hernando, husand-and-wife team Mike McCleary and Quin St. James are caught up in the steamy entanglements of old families and new development on tropical Tango Key, a tiny island off Key West.

Hernando's last months had been obsessed by the ghost of a freed slave woman - the mistress of a pirate and island benefactor - who seems to be seraching for something.

Hernando's death, however, seems straightforward - he was stabbed by a troubled boy who is now missing. But Quin and Mike are dissatisfied with this easy solution and bothered by inexplicable evidence of haunting. They begin delving into Hernando's bail bond business, the debts he'd amassed and the eager interest in his land exhibitted by the island's most prominent developer and its most prominent ecologist.

Few are what they seem in this complex tangle of greed, supernatural phenomenon, adultery and loose-cannon sociopaths. The bang-up ending gives even MacGregor's previous fans more than they bargained for.

i was absolutely enthralled with the way macgregor ended this book. it is amazing and has left me on the edge of my seat - i am disappointed not to find more macgregor books. give me an ending i can believe - and this is it! ...

Following the murder of their old friend Lou Hernando, husand-and-wife team Mike McCleary and Quin St. James are caught up in the steamy entanglements of old families and new development on tropical Tango Key, a tiny island off Key West.

Hernando's last months had been obsessed by the ghost of a freed slave woman - the mistress of a pirate and island benefactor - who seems to be seraching for something.

Hernando's death, however, seems straightforward - he was stabbed by a troubled boy who is now missing. But Quin and Mike are dissatisfied with this easy solution and bothered by inexplicable evidence of haunting. They begin delving into Hernando's bail bond business, the debts he'd amassed and the eager interest in his land exhibitted by the island's most prominent developer and its most prominent ecologist.

Few are what they seem in this complex tangle of greed, supernatural phenomenon, adultery and loose-cannon sociopaths. The bang-up ending gives even MacGregor's previous fans more than they bargained for.

This is a beautifully written gem with many facets: biblical and theological insight, pastoral sensitivity, wonderful humor, and stories with warmth and depth. Professionally, I intend to recommend Modeling Mary to all my pastoral colleagues, Protestant and Catholic alike, as a great Advent resource. Personally, I was reminded that God's grace both precedes and exceeds my perfectionistic tendencies, that spiritual growth involves many twists and turns that surprise, frustrate and liberate my more "linear" expectations. Containing some very helpful discussion questions, Modeling Mary may be read as a devotional guide or used for a group study. Shining throughout this book is a remarkable and wondrous sense of God's grace that permeates, informs and transforms all things human. I cannot wait to read Rev. Burns' next book!

I recently ordered this book as a tool for our faith community in Bible Study. It is an excellent guide for reaching a higher level of discipleship. John Burns is a very skillful writer and we can not wait to have more of his fine works. The questions at the end are not only helpful but very thought provoking. His interpretation of the biblical text is great ! Rev Jean Robinson- Casey

This book is so captivating I couldn't put it down. I loved John Burns' personal stories and simply took delight in his creative and colorful use of language throughout the book. Until now, I had never given the life of Mary any thought. The lessons Burns present are quite profound. I love sitting in solitude doing nothing but thinking. I will be reflecting on Mary's journey for quite a while.

I am certain the book is getting this type of feed back already. However, my comments may seem surprising once it is understood I do not take the virgin birth story nor the resurrection of Jesus literally. I consider them both to be legendary stories attached to Jesus decades after his death. I question everything, e.g., do we really know the true identify of any of the authors of the gospels or of the beloved disciple?

Nevertheless, I found the lessons this book offers to be quite relevant. In my mind I simply substituted God for Jesus and understood the Mary/Jesus stories as symbolic. From there everything fell in place. I believe Jesus was a profound spiritual and master teacher who also experienced life's ups and downs. Perhaps the same can be said of John Burns!