BOOK REVIEW - Forgiving Mother: A Marian Novena

It constantly amazes me at how God calls us into deeper relationship in the timeliest ways. I took this book with me on a weekend retreat and while there one of the guided meditations was on Bartimaeus, which led directly into the theme of this book: "Do you want to be healed?" This prompted me to pray and ask, "Do I need to be healed?"

As I started reading this book, it became apparent that the focus was on the "mother wound," as in "How have I been affected by my mother's mistreatment," and "What has kept me from seeking healing until now."

My mother and I had a great relationship especially in her later years as she struggled gracefully with her diabetes and all its complications. But as I read this book, I discovered a few distant memories still in need of healing. One of the issues is something that lives on in my daily habits, or should I say lack thereof. I think one of the most powerful statements in this book is: 

"Before you can become who you are meant to be, 
you need to look back at who you were." (p.113)

It reminded me that forgiveness is a lifelong process with layers like an onion that we have to come back to now and then as we grow in faith and love. "St. John cautioned that the devil can use memories to gain influence over our souls."  (p.23)  The author, Marge Steinhage Fenelon provides practical methods and wisdom to assist in the journey towards healing memories.

This book also prompted me to address how I feel about Mary and how my relationship is with her. The author encourages the reader to evaluate what obstacles might exist and to assess what might be needed to remove them in order to deepen one's relationship with Mary. Growing closer to Mary is at the forefront of my spiritual goals for the coming year so this book was providential to me. As I journaled through the questions with each novena I realized that the only obstacle I face in my relationship with Mary is my lack of planning.

Forgiving Mother is a gift in your hands that may surprise you, especially if you are not aware of a need for healing, and will certainly challenge you to muster the courage to face any "mother wounds" you may have. Just it is more difficult to grow closer to our Father in heaven if we have unhealed "father wounds," it is also necessary to face our "mother wounds" if we are to have an authentic relationship with Mary, our mother in heaven.

I absolutely love the way this book is structured with nine chapters where the author witnesses to her relationship with her mother and shares about the process of moving from fear to forgiveness. Meanwhile, the second part of the book presents nine days of meditations, reflections, reader questions, and prayers in a novena format. I moderate a group where we practice "Nine Day Working Novenas" and this would be a perfect format for such self-evaluation and spiritual growth. Because of the Marian novena, I am confident that this is a book that will be used over and over again.

Thank you, Franciscan Media & Marge Steinhage Fenelon

for this priceless gift of healing and peace

which will be treasured forever by many hearts and souls.

I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.