Behold the Handmaid of the Lord: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Louis de Montfort's True Devotion to Mary

Edward Looney

Oct 2021 · Ave Maria Press

About this ebook

Considered by many to be the greatest book of Marian spirituality in one volume, True Devotion to Mary is St. Louis de Montfort's classic statement on the spiritual way to Jesus Christ though the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Behold the Handmaid of the Lord, Marian theologian Fr. Edward Looney masterfully summarizes the central teachings of St. Louis in a ten-day personal retreat that will bless even those who have completed the full devotion.

During the course of ten days, you’ll explore ten different titles for Mary popularized by St. Louis. Each presents a distinct aspect of her motherhood and protection while illuminating the spiritual path to Jesus through Mary.

You’ll get to know Mary and become devoted to her as:

• The Queen of All Saints
• Our Lady of the Holy Trinity
• The New Eve
• The Mother of the Interior Life
• The Mother of Disciples
• The Star of the Sea
• The Queen of All Hearts
• The Mediatrix of Grace
• The Mold of God
• Our Mother and Our Queen

Each day you will reflect on Mary’s role in your life and the practical implications of that connection before wrapping up with a brief closing prayer tailored to the day’s title. You’ll come away prepared to begin or renew your consecration to Mary and with a refreshed love for the Mother of Jesus.

The book includes an appendix for step-by-step consecration to Mary.

About the author

Fr. Edward Looney is a Marian theologian and Catholic author and speaker who serves as a parish priest in the Diocese of Green Bay. He hosts the podcast How They Love Mary.Looney is the author of several books, including A Heart Like Mary’s. He has contributed to numerous publications, including Catholic Digest, Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He also has appeared on EWTN TV and radio, Relevant Radio, The Catholic Channel on SiriusXM, Spirit Radio, Mater Dei Radio, and Radio Maria.Looney earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Conception Seminary College. He also received a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and a master’s degree in divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. In 2011, Looney was the youngest person to present a paper at the annual meeting of the Mariological Society of America. In 2015 he was elected to the administrative council of the organization and, in 2020, became vice president.

Fr. Leo E. Patalinghug is an international speaker, author, and creator of the Food and Faith Movement.