Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824)

Given that these visions were written by a priest-scribe and not by Blessed CAE's own hand, and given that she or he or both were prone to forgetting details, and given that some details occasionally run at odds with the details in the gospels (rather than simply complementing them), it is wise not to view these visions as if they are absolutely true and accurate revelations. Rather, they should be seen as less than that, yet somewhere more than a creative fictional adaptation.

Of particular show more interest to me was when she said that she saw, (if she remembered correctly - her words), that Lucifer would be released into the world 50 or 60 years before the year 2000. show less

Having grown up Protestant, where Mary is rarely mentioned except around Christmas, but even then almost casually. This book was quite a revelation. I knew nothing of her or Joseph family background. I found the story of Joachim's and Anna an inspiring story of faith. How difficult it was for Joseph, to marry Mary and then by faith to stay with her and Jesus and protect them even it meant giving up every thing he had to follow God's words. It would have been so much easier for him to turn show more his back on Mary. I also like the story of the the Three Kings, who were far from perfect yet traveled toward that cluster of stars, full of believe and hope. I throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you have any interest in the Life of Mary show less

Incredibly revealing and edifying background of Our Lady, her parents and ancestors, St. Joseph, plus other people who figured into the coming of Christ. Many facts described about the Nativity and early life of Our Lord, as well as the final days of the Blessed Mother-all from the visions of this great mystic.

I do not know why it takes me a long time to go through these volumes. But it is a wholly edifying read. Going through it I find myself profoundly and inexplicably touched by the life of our Lord Jesus, his ministry, kindness, benevolence. The right-ness of everything about Him. From Volume Two the lesson that stood out for me was that there is a time for everything... and that timing is wholly God's own. "We cannot scandalise the weak." - how even that is taken into account! In this life we show more must tread carefully, bravely, courageously and with full faith and trust in God. May the Lord bless us and keep us always. Onwards to Volume 3... show less