I have just about finished book two of your trilogy and want to thank you for writing these books. I am a cradle \u2013 Vatican II Catholic who received very poor catechesis. So poor in fact that when my husband converted I \u201cdiscovered\u201d the real presence! I spent years going through the motions of Catholicism \u2013 Mass on most Sundays, some Holy Days of obligation, and once a year attending group reconciliation. After all, I wasn\u2019t a real sinner so I didn\u2019t need to go in the box. When I finally realized I actually did sin, again when my husband converted, I had to convince the priest that, yes he did have to perform the \u201creal\u201d rite by saying the prayer of absolution.<\/p>\n
My search for a fuller relationship with God through the Church led me to seek a degree in theology and since the only game in town is a Jesuit institution that provides a Religious Studies degree with a minor in Catholic Studies, that is what I sought and received. It would have been a great way to lose my faith if I had not already rediscovered it before attending. As it was, I became the resident Catholic conservative. But \u2013 because Mary was thrown aside \u2013 after Vatican II, and by the curriculum at the University, I learned what many Catholics learned about her \u2013 that she was really a pagan manifestation or a medieval prayer tool that we had moved past in this enlightened age. Mary was discussed in one class \u2013 during women\u2019s study week \u2013 we needed to recognize her for her earthiness and so we could discover Jesus\u2019 true humanity. In order to do that, we needed to set aside his divinity. Not forget his divinity, mind you, just not focus so much on it. My Catholic Literature class taught me that everything then became a sacrament \u2013 I kid you not \u2013 if I make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with love for my grandson \u2013 that becomes a sacrament.<\/p>\n
I now work at the University. At the end of the spring semester I was tired. Tired of being one the resident \u201ctraditional Catholics,\u201d the \u201crabid pro-lifer,\u201d and the mother for the students who needed a Catholic response. Now that I am taking a much needed summer break \u2013 I am receiving the spiritual lift I need with your books \u2013 and thanks be to God, discovering my mother. <\/p>\n
Thank you Mark.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Thanks for your kind words about MMOTS. I\u2019m glad it was of help. Thanks for your fidelity in the desert of Catholic theological academe that is so common on so many campuses. God speed the day when all Catholic universities again hold and teach the Catholic faith. Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!<\/p>\n