In 1934, The Way, the great spiritual text written by St. Josemaria Escriva was first published under the title, Consideraciones Espritiuales. Five years later, when the second and longer text was published, it was given the title that has made it famous throughout the world, in Spanish, Camino. Since that time, millions upon millions of people have read the classic spiritual literature written by the founder of Opus Dei. The Way has penetrated the hearts of many over the years because it shows the formidable character of the Church and is also a way for the Christian to bring renewal to his life.

It assists the everyday Christian with the everyday ordinary circumstances one encounters in their own life, in the life of the Church, and in the culture in which he lives. Conceived from his deep spiritual experiences, The Way focuses at aiding the Christian to love God and to live by God. The 999 points which compose The Way were written to help the Christian see the light of God and that the ordinary life in which he lives will bring men of all ages to open their lives to holiness by seeking the Kingdom of God.

When reading these points the author suggests you read them slowly and meditate on them for it’s in the simplest words that God often speaks to us.

For today’s “Mondays with Mary”, we are going to read through some of the counsels focusing on Our Lady in The Way. Out of the 999 points, 24 are directed towards Our Lady. Like many of the saints before him and after him, St. Josemaria Escriva had a great love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sassoferrato – Virgin Mother

Here is a selection of 10 counsels from his chapter on Our Lady –

“The love of our Mother will be the breath that kindles into a living flame that embers of virtue that are hidden under the ashes of your indifference” (492).

“Love our Lady. And she will obtain abundant grace to help you conquer in your daily struggle. And the enemy will gain nothing by those perversities that seem to boil up continually within you, trying to engulf in their fragrant corruption the high ideals, those sublime commands that Christ himself has placed in your heart. ‘Serviam!’ – ‘I will serve.” (493).

“To Jesus we always go, and to him we always return, through Mary” (495).

“Wear on your breast the holy scapular of Carmel. There are many excellent Marian devotions, but few are as deep-rooted among the faithful and so richly blessed by the popes. Besides, how motherly is the sabbatine privilege!” (500).

“Mary, teacher of prayer. See how she asks her Son at Cana. And how she insists, confidently, perseveringly…And how she succeeds. Learn.” (502).

“Love of our Lady is proof of a good spirit, in works and in individuals. Don’t trust the undertaking that lacks this characteristic.” (505).

“Marvel at the courage of Mary – at the foot of the cross, in the greatest of human sorrow (there is no sorrow like hers) filled with fortitude. And ask her for that same fortitude, so that you, too, will know how to remain close to the cross.” (508).

“Mary, teacher of the sacrifice that is hidden and silent. See her, nearly always in the background, cooperating with her Son: she knows and remains silent.” (509).

“Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you’ve turned to our Lady, and with her, how easy!” (513).

“Mother! Call her with a loud voice. She is listening to you; she sees you in danger, perhaps, and she – your holy mother Mary – offers you, along with the grace of her son, the refuge of her arms, the tenderness of her embrace…and you will find yourself with added strength for the new battle.” (516).

To purchase The Way written by St. Josemaria Escriva, please go here. I would also encourage you to listen to the podcast taught by my friend, Ryan Ayala, Campus Minister at St. Mary’s Catholic High School. His podcast is titled, Now I Begin: The Lay Spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva. If you are interested in the life of St. Josemaria, see the link at the very top of this post.

St. Josemaria Escriva…Pray for Us.

Our Lady…Pray for Us.