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Ayo gives a clear introduction to this central prayer of Roman Catholic piety (though its use is not limited to Roman Catholics). He touches on issues of Marian theology and devotion, discusses scriptural and apocryphal references to Mary, and considers her place in Christian spirituality. He includes commentary from nine writers (four of them women) from the patristic to the contemporary period. Ayo concludes with his own evaluation of the prayer and its place in contemporary piety. Although scholarly, this book is quite accessible; it will likely appeal to readers for whom this prayer and the Virgin Mary are important. Recommended for all libraries. -Library Journal Ayo's in-depth examination of the famous Marian prayer yields fascinating insights and revelations into the Christian church's understanding of Mary, mother of Jesus. . . . Ayo explores the scriptural and historical understanding of the Ave Maria in such a way that even the most jaded outlook can be refreshed. A second section deals with the viewpoints of particular theologians from Thomas Aquinas to Agnes Cunningham (the addition of women to this group is a welcome one). While the book is aimed at Catholic Christians, for whom the Hail Mary is a fixture from childhood, non-Catholics, particularly those who are confused about the role of Mary in Catholic prayer life, should find some answers to their questions and a new appreciation of the prayer. -Booklist . . . rehabilitate[s] traditional Marian devotion in a manner that sympathetically engages contemporary ecumenical and feminist concerns. . . . Protestants and Catholics, [as well as] feminists . . . will find in this book common ground for the acknowledgment of Mary as the first of the faithful. -First Things

Ayo's in-depth examination of the famous Marian prayer yields fascinating insights and revelations into the Christian church's understanding of Mary, mother of Jesus. . . . Ayo explores the scriptural and historical understanding of the Ave Maria in such a way that even the most jaded outlook can be refreshed. A second section deals with the viewpoints of particular theologians from Thomas Aquinas to Agnes Cunningham (the addition of women to this group is a welcome one). While the book is aimed at Catholic Christians, for whom the Hail Mary is a fixture from childhood, non-Catholics, particularly those who are confused about the role of Mary in Catholic prayer life, should find some answers to their questions and a new appreciation of the prayer. --Booklist

Author Information

Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C., is professor emeritus in the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of a number of books, including Gloria Patri: The History and Theology of the Lesser Doxology (Notre Dame Press, 2007) and The Creed as Symbol (Notre Dame Press, 1988).

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