Paul BaddeMaria of Guadalupe: Shaper of History, Shaper of Hearts

"Maria of Guadalupe" is about a quest by a German Journalist, Paul Badde, to understand the significance of the appearance of the Mother of God to an Aztec Indian in December of 1531 and the miraculous image of Mary Immaculate and it's impact on world history. He tells how little the story is even known in Europe today.It is not just a history of the Mexican apparition but a present day journey that takes us to many countries to meet many interesting people. He introduces us to Don Mario Rojas Sanchez and Don Jose Luis Guerrero who give valuable perspective to the event. We learn of the importance of Mothers to the Aztec Indians that gives reason as to why Mary and not Jesus. We meet Christine in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia who tells the author the story our Lady of Guadalupe. We see the Jewish/Palestine conflict and 9/11 as examples of the Anguish that has hold of the world today. We hear a cry to "Holy Mary, Queen of the Holy Land" to intervene as at Tepeyac Hill for the sake of the Holy Land.On assignment to the Vatican, he travels with Pope John Paul II on his fifth visit to Mexico City to canonize Juan Diego. The readings for the Eucharistic service for Juan Diego put things in perspective.In Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians: "Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God." (NAB)The Gospel was taken from Matthew 11:25: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike."(NAB)The message in "Maria of Guadalupe" is "Am I not, your Mother, here?". It is a message spoken in all the languages on earth, to all people of the earth.I hope you enjoy this experience as much as I have.

Most interesting awesome read

I have purchased this book many times to give away to folks in my Sunday school class. The image of Mary of Guadalupe look closed at first, but they are slightly open. The eyes have been examined to show that there were people in the room who are reflected in her eyes. Juan Diego, Bishop Zumaraga & others. The cloth should of the Wilma should have lasted about 12 to 15 yrs at best; It is over 500 yrs without aging.Many more miracles to be seen & learned in this book.

Badde's Maria is a great companion work for anyone with any sort of interest in Our Lady of Guadalupe. Not only does he delve into the story in ways that I haven't encountered before -- from a European standpoint, for one thing, which is quite a bit different from our North American "everyone knows about Guadalupe" view -- but he also shares his story of meeting Our Lady of Guadalupe.It is, at its core, a story, and that's what kept me turning the pages and carrying it around with me, in the hopes that I would have a chance to tuck a few more minutes of reading time into my day. As a journalist, Badde talks to many different people, and when he relates what they've told him, he does it in a way that makes you feel like you're sitting right there in the room with them.This is not a book of sappy devotion or compelling evidence for why everyone should believe in and venerate Mary as Our Lady of Guadalupe. What Badde does, instead, is weave a series of personal experiences and observations in with facts, history, and interviews. The result is a delightful read and a lovely aid for anyone wanting to better understand and explore this apparition of Mary.One of the best reads of the year for me, and highly recommended.

Absolutely an astonishing historical event. Only half way through but in the first two chapters I became a stronger Catholic!

Book used for information regarding the history & studies of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A somewhat difficult read due to use of terminology that is foreign to most.

I never dreamed that our lady of Guadalupe was so important and how she had so much effect on history. Anyone that reads this book even with a small amount of faith will come out as a believer. I loved it so much I am planning a trip to Mexico to see her for myself. This was truly a miracle and it shows she is there for us right now, I can't wait to go see her. It also was a great read easy to follow truly inspired by Mary. I can give you lots of amazing facts but I don't want to spoil your read. I had it done in 3 days but I read on an airplane trip to Florida.Steve

We have been to the Basilica of Guadalupe a few times as we live 4 hours away. It is so hard find anything in English to learn more about this piece of heaven in Mexico. This is a well written and amazing book. I could not put it down. I am so glad I found it.

Fabulous reading - most convincing

Amaizing book