Mary, Star of the New Evangelization

"The lifetime writings of Mr. James Likoudis constitute a living witness to the fact that an authentic Catholic can at once be entirely Marian, and also entirely ecumenical… a contemporary theological and catechetical voice for full Mariological truth, not as an obstacle, but rather as a means to authentic ecumenical unity."

“In Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, James Likoudis covers many important themes such as Mary’s knowledge of her Son’s divinity, her role in the work of redemption, and her relation to the Church’s evangelizing mission. The main contribution of this volume, however, is its serious engagement with Eastern Orthodox Mariology on topics such as the Immaculate Conception, Mary’s predestination, and her mediation of grace. This book is especially valuable for its exposition of the Mariology of Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) and its examination of the significance of Our Lady of Fatima for the conversion of Russia.”

“The special contribution of Mary, Star of the New Evangelization is the insight James Likoudis shares in recognizing that the Blessed Virgin Mary is key to evangelization in the post-modern, secular world. With personal experience as a Greek Orthodox convert to Hellenic Greek Catholicism, as well as years of teaching, Likoudis analyzes Patristic, Magisterial, and Eastern liturgical texts to overcome contemporary confusions about Mary. His book illustrates how ‘the Church must breathe with both her lungs’ (Ut Unum Sint, §54) in sharing our Blessed Mother with a world that does not know her as it should.”

“As people are abandoning their Catholic faith for other denominations or no religion at all, Mary, Star of the New Evangelization presents inspiring light for those who desire to deepen their relationship with God and for those looking for greater hope in the future of the Church. Our Blessed Mother Mary appeared to God’s people in various cultures in times of distress, of great need, in war, and in persecution. She appears from heaven to aid us in our zeal for love of God and serving His people in evangelization. Like a lighthouse with its rays radiating in the darkness, Mary is the guiding light that directs and points us to her son Jesus Christ. Mary, Mother of Hope, comes to console us when we turn to her, and she becomes the Cause of our Joy.”

“The many Marian contributions of James Likoudis found within Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, edited by his grandson, Andrew Likoudis, may elicit the question: Another book on Our Lady? Yes, happily another book on Our Lady! How fitting that the ever ancient, ever new truths about the Mother of God be considered time and time again. This volume presents a host of Marian topics—the Ever-Virgin’s role in contemporary evangelization, the Immaculate Conception, the Mariology of Gregory Palamas, Mary’s understanding of the Sacred Divinity of her Son, and Our Lady of Fatima and the Church’s unity—that will both inform and inspire. A special feature of this book is the discussion of how Mary is viewed by Christian believers in the West and in the East. There is much about Our Blessed Lady herein that deserves our careful attention.”