“In modern devotional literature this book has to be one of the most poetic and profound reflections on Our Lady. It is more than a reflection—it is a love letter to Mary. Fr. Rennier's devotion to the Mother of God glows in these pages, and he effortlessly pulls the reader in with him. In his vision, the unique love of the mother/Mother and her work of compassion and guidance are essential nourishment for our lives and faith. This book makes for both engaging and transformational spiritual reading.” —SALLY READ, poet and author of The Mary Pages
“‘We become like Our Lady by spending time with her,’ writes Michael Rennier, who then proceeds to share with us the fruits of his time spent with Mary, as both Catholic priest and father of six. Motherhood: A Poetics of Our Lady is an utterly unique and exquisitely written appreciation of Mary, the Mother of God, and of all mothers. Lyrical and wise, it is a gift for any Christian who wants to look at Mary with new eyes, and to spend better and more frequent time with her.” —ELIZABETH MAURO, author of Little Sins Mean a Lot
“With characteristic artfulness and grace, Fr. Rennier turns our attention to the extraordinary grace and art of Mary. ‘Motherhood mediates the sacred,’ he writes. This book shows us how and why that is so. Drawing from Scripture, theology, poetry, and the ordinary moments of life, this book invites us to recover a way of knowing that goes beyond abstraction: a knowledge that arises from experience and depends upon attention, participation, and love.” —ABRAM VAN ENGEN, host of the Poetry For All podcast
“With Fr. Rennier as a passionate guide, this is a written invitation to consider the beloved beauty at the core of the Marian mystery, an invitation that points ultimately and beautifully to Jesus.” —PAUL J. PASTOR, poet and author of The Locust Years: Poems
