Mary

HILDA GRAEF believed that an historical narrative of the development of devotion to the Mother of God would be an important way to lessen misunderstanding and separation between Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox Christians. Her investigation led to the publication of this book in 1965 (originally in two volumes, now brought together into one), which must be the most thorough study of its kind. The scriptural roots of Marian devotion, its dogmatic fruition in the patristic era, and its popular and liturgical manifestations in both Eastern and Western Churches up to the present century are presented in a manner clear and scholarly, yet respectful of the Tradition. Graef's emphasis is on Mary as the "summing up of the Old Israel, and the type and figure of the New Israel." This new edition includes a new chapter summing up developments in the West since Vatican II. An endlessly useful history and sourcebook.