Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer provides a readable overview of the Christian tradition of Jesus' mother, Mary, clarifying the main points by tracing the historical background and tying the tradition to the concerns of modern Christians.
We first meet Mary in Scripture, as chapter one unfolds. From there, the following chapters look at the Church teaching, prayers and devotions, Mary's appearances to the world (apparitions), and the great images of Mary in art. The final chapter introduces the international scope of Marian concerns in the world.
Each chapter begins with an essential background for the material to be covered. The end of each chapter offers reflection questions, suggestions for further reading, and notes that give credit to various resources used.