"Be brave. Be curious. God is with you."
Love and delight characterize this special book on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Eight appearances of Mary in different countries range from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, to Our Lady of La Vang in Vietnam, to our Lady of Lourdes in France. This book shows that no matter where or how Mary appears, she is always the same mother who delights in all of God's children and who reaches out in love to draw them to her Son.
The Catholic tradition asserts that Mary has appeared to those in need around the world, even long after her time on earth had ended. In these apparitions, not only does Mary accompany the vulnerable, but she appears as part of the local community in her dress, her skin color, the language she speaks. What does this tell children about the nature of God?
Children who read this book will see Mary appear all over the world in different guises, coming in looks and language that is familiar to local cultures and communities. Ultimately, children will come to understand that God, too, is present in their lives and can be encountered through the customs and traditions of their own families, communities, and countries.
In this story, Mary's pilgrimage of faith begins in Nazareth, but it doesn't end there. Readers will see her appear to people all over the world, ultimately coming into their own lives-and sharing God's love.
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