New book from Gayle Somers immerses Catholics in Old Testament Scriptures and stories that point to the Blessed Mother.
A scriptural exploration of the Blessed Mother joins Ascension’s lineup of Great Adventure® Bible study resources with the release of Whispers of Mary: What 12 Old Testament Women Teach Us About Mary. Written by Catholic Bible teacher Gayle Somers, this is a book for Catholics longing to understand more about the Blessed Mother and the ways that God prefigured her through the stories of Old Testament women.
Following The Bible Timeline® Learning System, Whispers of Mary tells the stories of 12 inspiring Old Testament women who each point toward the Mother of Christ—one woman for each time period of salvation history. With hundreds of Scripture quotes, curated reflection questions, and space for journaling, this historical yet personal book shows readers how the attributes of Mary can be seen both in the Bible and in their own lives.
Somers expresses her hope for readers as they explore the Scriptures: “My prayer for this book is that it will deepen us in the faith, hope, and love that we see in these biblical women. As they surely spoke to both Anna and Mary in their lives with God, may they speak to us as we walk with him, too. May their stories leave on our lips the words of our Mother: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord’ (Luke 1:46, NAB).”
Whispers of Mary: What 12 Old Testament Women Teach Us About Mary is the perfect companion for A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, which dives into each book of the Old Testament, and Mary, Teach Me to be Your Daughter, which draws women into a deeper relationship with the Blessed Mother.
Whispers of Mary is available for order at www.AscensionPress.com.
Praise for Whispers of Mary
“Those who’ve re-read a favorite novel or watched yet again a beloved movie know what a delight it can be. Already knowing the ending, we notice the true significance of characters and events we previously thought little of. In these pages, Gayle Somers invites us to read the Old Testament in light of what God accomplished in and through the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a great resource for individuals or study groups who want to approach Scripture with fresh eyes. After all, when it comes to this story, we can never be too familiar with it—for it is the story of our salvation.”
–Fr. Sebastian White, O.P.
Editor-in-Chief of Magnificat Magazine
“Whispers of Mary is an elegant and insightful read. Somers’ writing is utterly engaging and reflects an infectious love of Scripture and of Our Lady. Without a hint of contention or agenda, Somers also invites the reader into a deeper understanding of one of the more important, and unfortunately contentious, issues of our day: what it means to be a woman.”
–Noelle Mering
Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and author of Awake, Not Woke and the Theology of Home books series
“Years ago, I sat riveted to my folding chair in our parish hall as Gayle brought to life the women of the Bible, full of vibrancy and color—making them real and relatable and endearing. I’m overjoyed that her wisdom and deep insight is now in my hands, able to be gleaned and savored again and again. Whispers of Mary will transport readers into the sweeping story of salvation history and allow them to recognize within it not only Our Lady, not only her types in Scripture, but—marvelously!—even themselves.”
–Claire Dwyer,
Author of This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and Co-founder of Write These Words.com.
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