October 12, 2025 • 24 mins
A quiet yes can reorder a life. We explore how the imitation of Mary moved from early Church whispers to a lived roadmap for modern believers, weaving history, Scripture, and a practical daily rhythm that fits between coffee and carpool. Along the way, we sit with Thomas à Kempis’s Marian spirituality, unpack the four-part arc of the Imitation of Mary, and reflect on why the Annunciation, Cana, and the Cross define real discipleship: honest questions, steady trust, generous intercession, and fidelity when everything shakes.
We start with the roots—Ambrose, Augustine, and a devotion that grew through monastic practice and lay hunger for something tangible. Then we trace how apparitions, the Rosary, and accessible guides turned admiration into apprenticeship. Thomas’s approach keeps Mary close: not a distant ideal, but a companion who teaches humility in ambition, patience in suffering, and focus when prayer is dry. The four-book structure becomes a path: virtues that ground us, sorrows that join us to Christ, intercession that deepens prayer, and a heavenly horizon that strengthens courage for daily faith.
You’ll also get a simple five-minute routine: choose one short line, talk to Mary honestly, carry a single word into your day, and, when possible, pair it with a decade of the Rosary. It’s small, repeatable, and surprisingly steadying. If you’re curious about authorship, dates, or how this devotion relates to The Imitation of Christ, we address those questions too, keeping the focus on how to live the insights now.
If this conversation helps you take one concrete step toward a more grounded prayer life, share it with a friend who needs hope, subscribe for more thoughtful journeys, and leave a review so others can find it.
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SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Welcome to Journeys of Faith.
Brother Joseph Frey Aldenhovenhere.
Be sure to look at thedescription for special
information of interest to you.
The imitation of Mary invitesyou.
In the quiet moments of our busylives, when the noise of the
world fades and we're left withthe whispers of our hearts, many
of us yearn for a deeperconnection to something greater.
(00:22):
For Catholics, that longingoften draws us to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, our mother, ourguide, and the ultimate model of
faith.
Here at Journeys of Faith, we'vespent over four decades walking
alongside pilgrims, both literaland spiritual, as they seek to
uncover the treasures of ourCatholic tradition, and time and
again we've seen how theimitation of Mary transforms
(00:44):
lives with a quiet, powerfulgrace.
This isn't about lofty theologyor unreachable ideals.
It's about a real, lived faith,one that Mary embodied as she
said yes to God with unwaveringtrust.
Her life wasn't free of struggleor sorrow, yet she carried every
burden with a heart full of loveand surrender.
(01:05):
At Journeys of Faith, we believethat by looking to her example
we can find a path through ourown challenges, drawing closer
to Christ in the process.
Whether you're a lifelongCatholic or someone just
beginning to explore therichness of our tradition,
Mary's story offers a roadmapfor a life of devotion,
humility, and unshakable hope.
(01:26):
Through our ministry, born fromthe personal witness of Bob and
Penny Lord after their ownjourney back to faith, we've
seen how Mary's presenceresonates in the miracles of the
Eucharist, the lives of thesaints, and the sacred places of
pilgrimage.
In this article, we'll explorewhat it means to imitate Mary in
our everyday lives, leaning onthe timeless teachings of the
(01:50):
Church and the transformativepower of her intercession.
So let's take this step togetherwith open hearts and discover
how following in Mary'sfootsteps can lead us to a
deeper, more authenticrelationship with her son.
Historical origins of theimitation of Mary.
Let's step back into the dustycorridors of history to uncover
(02:13):
the roots of the imitation ofMary, a devotion that has
quietly shaped Catholicspirituality for centuries.
Unlike a blockbuster video gamereleased with a clear launch
date, this practice doesn't havea single aha moment or flashy PR
campaign.
Instead, it's more like an indietitle that gains a cult
following through whispers andshared passion born from the
(02:35):
lived faith of everydaybelievers and the profound
influence of Mary, the mother ofGod, as a model for Christian
life.
The concept of imitating Maryfinds its earliest echoes in the
writings of the Church Fathers,those theological heavyweights
of the first few centuries.
Figures like Saint Ambrose andSaint Augustine often pointed to
(02:56):
Mary as the ultimate example ofhumility, obedience, and trust
in God.
Her yes at the Annunciationwasn't just a plot point in
salvation history, it was ablueprint for how to live a life
surrendered to divine will.
By the Middle Ages, this ideastarted to crystallize into more
structured devotion.
(03:17):
Monastic communities, always onthe lookout for ways to deepen
their spiritual grind, began toweave Marian imitation into
their daily rhythms of prayerand work.
They saw in Mary a perfectmirror of virtues, patience and
suffering, purity in heart, andunwavering fidelity.
But it wasn't just thecloistered folks who latched
onto this, the laity, hungry fora faith they could touch and
(03:40):
feel, started to embrace Mary asa relatable figure.
She wasn't a distant goddess,she was a mother, a woman who
knew sorrow and joy, who couldintercede and guide.
Texts like The Imitation ofChrist by Thomas Akimpus,
written in the fifteenthcentury, inspired parallel
devotions, and soon specificwritings and prayers focused on
(04:00):
imitating Mary began to emerge.
These weren't highbrowtheological treatises, they were
accessible, heartfelt guides foranyone wanting to walk in Mary's
footsteps.
This devotion gained tractionthrough the centuries, fueled by
Marian apparitions and thegrowing emphasis on the rosary
as a meditative tool.
(04:21):
Each bead became a chance toreflect on Mary's life, to ask,
how can I live like she did?
From the quiet villages ofmedieval Europe to the bustling
parishes of today, the imitationof Mary has been less about
rigid rules and more about apersonal transformative journey,
one that invites every Catholicto see Mary not just as Queen of
(04:43):
Heaven, but as a companion onthe often messy, beautiful road
of faith.
Thomas Akimpus and his Marianspirituality.
Let's dive into the quietcontemplative world of Thomas
Akimpus, a fifteenth centurymonk whose spiritual writings
have echoed through thecenturies.
(05:04):
Best known for the imitation ofChrist, one of the most widely
read Christian devotional works,Thomas offers us a glimpse into
a deeply personal and profoundlyCatholic way of following Jesus,
often through the lens of Mary,the mother of God.
If you've ever felt the pull tomodel your life on someone who
embodies perfect humility andsurrender, Thomas points us
(05:26):
straight to Mary as the ultimateguide.
Born in Germany around 1380,Thomas lived a life of
simplicity as a member of theBrethren of the Common Life, a
community dedicated to piety andservice.
His writings aren't flashy oracademic, they're raw,
heartfelt, and meant to stir thesoul.
In the imitation of Christ, hedoesn't just talk about
(05:47):
imitating Jesus, he weaves in asubtle but powerful thread of
Marian spirituality.
For Thomas, Mary isn't just afigure to admire from a
distance.
She's the living example of howto say yes to God no matter the
cost.
Her fiat, her total surrender atthe Annunciation, becomes a
blueprint for how we too canopen our hearts to God's will.
(06:10):
What strikes me most aboutThomas's take on Mary is how
accessible he makes her.
He doesn't put her on anunreachable pedestal.
Instead, he invites us to walkbeside her.
In his meditations, you canalmost feel him urging us to
look at Mary's life, her quietstrength at the foot of the
cross, her unwavering trustduring the hidden years in
(06:31):
Nazareth, and ask ourselves, howcan I live like that?
He writes with a sincerity thatcuts through the noise of our
modern distractions, remindingus that imitating Mary means
embracing humility, patience,and a love that doesn't seek its
own glory.
Thomas also ties Mary's role toour daily struggles.
He knew life wasn't easy,monastic life had its own grind
(06:54):
after all, and he saw Mary as acompanion in suffering.
She's not just the queen ofheaven in his eyes.
She's the mother who understandsour pain, who intercedes for us
when we're too broken to pray.
For Thomas turning to Mary inprayer wasn't a formality, it
was a lifeline, a way to findpeace when the world felt heavy.
(07:15):
So as we reflect on theimitation of Mary, let's take a
page from Thomas Akimpus.
Let's consider how Mary'sexample can shape our own
spiritual journey.
How can we in our messy ordinarylives mirror her trust, her
silence, her unshakable faith?
Thomas doesn't just give us atheology lesson, he hands us a
(07:36):
challenge wrapped inencouragement to live a little
more like the woman who carriedChrist into the world.
Overview of the four books andtheir themes.
Let's dive into the heart of theimitation of Mary, a spiritual
gem often overshadowed by itsmore famous cousin, the
imitation of Christ.
(07:56):
This isn't just a single book,but a collection of four
distinct works, each with itsown flavor and focus, all
centered on drawing closer tothe Blessed Mother as a model
for living a Christ-centeredlife.
I've spent some time unpackingthese texts, and what strikes me
is how they're not just dustyold tomes, but living guides,
(08:17):
raw, relatable, and packed withwisdom for anyone trying to
navigate faith in a messy world.
The first book kicks things offwith a deep look at Mary's
virtues, humility, obedience,and purity.
It's like a character study ofthe ultimate disciple showing us
how to say yes to God even whenlife feels like a storm.
(08:39):
Each chapter feels like a quietconversation with a friend,
urging you to reflect on howMary's fiat can echo in your own
daily grind.
Book two shifts, gears focusingon Mary as the mother of
sorrows.
This one hits hard.
It walks you through the pain ofthe passion, not just as
history, but as somethingpersonal.
Mary's heart breaking at thefoot of the cross becomes a
(09:01):
mirror for our own struggles.
It's a reminder that sufferingisn't pointless when united with
Christ.
And honestly, it's the kind ofperspective that can carry you
through tough nights.
The third book is all about Maryas Mediatrix, the one who
intercedes for us.
Think of it as a playbook forprayer, how to lean on her as a
bridge to Jesus.
It's less about theology andmore about relationship, with
(09:25):
meditations that feel likethey're speaking directly to
your doubts and hopes.
I found myself pausing oftenjust to let the words sink in.
Finally, the fourth book wrapsit up with Mary as the Queen of
Heaven.
It's triumphant, almostcinematic, painting a picture of
her glory and her role in theultimate victory of Christ.
This section isn't just a pat onthe back, it's a call to action,
(09:48):
nudging you to live with aneternal perspective, to fight
the good fight with her as yourguide.
What ties these four together istheir simplicity.
They don't demand you to be atheologian or a mystic.
They meet you where you are,whether you're wrestling with
faith or just looking for aspark.
Each book builds on the last,crafting a roadmap to imitate
(10:09):
Mary in a way that feels doable,even human.
Mary is the perfect disciple, ascriptural lens.
Let's dive into the heart ofScripture to uncover why Mary,
the mother of Jesus, stands asthe ultimate model of
discipleship.
If we crack open the gospels, wefind her not just as a passive
(10:30):
figure in the background, but asa woman of profound action and
trust, embodying what it meansto follow God with every fiber
of your being.
Think of her as the first to sayyes to the impossible, setting
the tone for what true faithlooks like.
Start with the annunciation inLuke 126-38.
(10:51):
Here's Mary, a young girl in anowhere town, faced with an
angel dropping the biggestbombshell in history.
She's to bear the Son of God.
Most of us would have balked,questioned, or flat out run.
But Mary, she ponders, she asksher honest question, how can
this be?
And then she surrenders with aline that echoes through the
ages.
(11:11):
Let it be done to me accordingto your word.
That's not just consent, it's amasterclass in trust.
She doesn't have the fullroadmap, but she steps forward
anyway.
Isn't that what discipleship is?
Trusting God when the path isfoggy?
Fast forward to the wedding atCana in John two one to eleven.
Mary's role here isn't just momasking for a favor, she's the
(11:33):
intercessor, the one who noticesthe need before anyone else.
Those jars of wine running dry,a uh potential embarrassment for
the hosts.
She turns to Jesus with quietconfidence, saying, They have no
wine.
And when he seems to push back,she doesn't argue, she simply
(11:54):
tells the servants, do whateverhe tells you.
That's faith in action.
She doesn't need to know the howof the miracle.
She knows the who.
Her trust in her son's powerpoints us to a deeper truth.
A disciple listens, acts, andtrusts in God's timing.
Mary's journey isn't all angelicchoirs and miracles, though.
(12:17):
Look at her standing at the footof the cross in John nineteen
twenty five to twenty seven.
While others flee, she's there,bearing the unimaginable pain of
watching her son suffer and die.
Her presence isn't loud ordramatic, it's steadfast.
She doesn't collapse under theweight of sorrow, but stands as
a pillar of quiet strength,united to Jesus even in his
(12:40):
agony.
And this is discipleship at itsrawest, staying with Christ when
everything falls apart, whenfaith isn't a feeling but a
choice.
Through these moments, Scripturepaints Mary as the blueprint for
following Jesus.
She listens to God's voice, actson it without hesitation,
intercedes for others, andremains faithful even in
suffering.
(13:00):
For any of us wrestling withwhat it means to be a disciple,
Mary's life is a lived outanswer.
She shows us that saying yes toGod isn't a one-time deal.
It's a daily, gritty commitmentto trust, to show up, and to
point others to Christ no matterthe cost.
How to pray with the imitationof Mary daily?
Let's get practical.
(13:21):
You've got a copy of theimitation of Mary in your hands,
or maybe it's sitting on yournightstand waiting for you to
crack it open.
This isn't just a book, it's aspiritual roadmap, a way to walk
with the Blessed Mother everysingle day.
But how do you make it a habit,something that sticks in the
chaos of daily life?
Here's a no nonsense guide topraying with this powerful text,
(13:42):
even if you've only got a fewminutes between coffee and
carpool, first carve out asacred sliver of time.
Doesn't have to be long, fiveminutes will do when you're
starting.
Pick a spot where you won't beinterrupted, maybe a quiet
corner with a candle or a smallstatue of Mary.
Open the book to a shortpassage.
These writings, often attributedto Thomas Akempus, are
(14:05):
bite-sized but packed withdepth, mirroring the style of
the imitation of Christ, butwith Mary as the lens.
Read slowly.
Let a single line sink in, likeimitate Mary in her humility,
and you will find peace.
Chew on it.
What does humility look like inyour life today?
Are you rushing through tasks,ignoring the small chances to
(14:28):
serve?
Next, turn it into aconversation.
Talk to Mary about that line.
Yeah, out loud if you can, orsilently if you're on a crowded
bus, ask her to show you how shelived that virtue, humility,
patience, trust in God, and begher intercession to help you do
the same.
This isn't just rote prayer,it's raw, real dialogue with the
(14:49):
mother of God who's closer toyou than you might think.
Then carry it with you.
Jot down that one line or word,humility, surrender, whatever
hit you on a sticky note or inyour phone.
Glance at it during the day.
Let it be a nudge when you'retempted to snap at a co-worker
or scroll mindlessly instead ofbeing present.
(15:11):
Mary's example isn't meant tostay in those five minutes.
It's supposed to bleed into yourwhole day.
If you've got more time, pairthis with a decade of the
rosary.
Meditate on a mystery whileholding that day's insight from
the imitation of Mary.
Imagine her at the Annunciation,saying yes with total trust as
(15:32):
you wrestle with your ownhesitations.
Let her life illuminate yours.
This isn't about perfection.
Some days you'll you'll forget,others you'll feel nothing.
Keep showing up.
Mary doesn't demand flawlessdevotion, she just wants your
heart messy as it is.
Over time, this daily practicebecomes less a task and more a
lifeline, a quiet way to alignyour soul with hers step by step
(15:55):
toward her son.
How to pray with the imitationof Mary Daily?
Let's get practical.
You've got a copy of theimitation of Mary in your hands,
or maybe it's sitting on yournightstand waiting for you to
crack it open.
This isn't just a book, it's aspiritual roadmap, a way to walk
with the Blessed Mother everysingle day.
(16:16):
But how do you make it a habit,something that sticks in the
chaos of daily life?
Here's a no nonsense guide topraying with this powerful text,
even if you've only got a fewminutes between coffee and
carpool.
First carve out a sacred sliverof time.
Doesn't have to be long, fiveminutes will do when you're
starting.
Pick a spot where you won't beinterrupted, maybe a quiet
(16:37):
corner with a candle or a smallstatue of Mary.
Open the book to a shortpassage.
These writings, often attributedto Thomas Akimpus, are
bite-sized but packed withdepth, mirroring the style of
the imitation of Christ, butwith Mary as the lens.
Read slowly.
Let a single line sink in, likeimitate Mary in her humility,
(17:01):
and you will find peace.
Chew on it.
What does humility look like inyour life today?
Are you rushing through tasks,ignoring the small chances to
serve?
Next turn it into aconversation.
Talk to Mary about that line,yeah out loud if you can, or
silently if you're on a crowdedbus.
Ask her to show you how shelived that virtue, humility,
(17:23):
patience, trust in God, and begher intercession to help you do
the same.
This isn't just rote prayer,it's raw, real dialogue with the
mother of God who's closer toyou than you might think.
Then carry it with you.
Jot down that one line or word,humility, surrender, whatever
hit you on a sticky note or inyour phone.
Glance at it during the day, letit be a nudge when you're
(17:45):
tempted to snap at a coworker orscroll mindlessly instead of
being present.
Mary's example isn't meant tostay in those five minutes, it's
supposed to bleed into yourwhole day.
If you've got more time, pairthis with a decade of the
rosary.
Meditate on a mystery whileholding that day's insight from
(18:06):
the imitation of Mary.
Imagine her at the Annunciation,saying yes with total trust, as
you wrestle with your ownhesitations.
Let her life illuminate yours.
This isn't about perfection.
Some days you'll forget, othersyou'll feel nothing.
Keep showing up.
Mary doesn't demand flawlessdevotion, she just wants your
heart, messy as it is.
(18:26):
Over time, this daily practicebecomes less a task and more a
lifeline, a quiet way to alignyour soul with hers step by step
toward her son.
Join us on a journey of faith.
Hey there, fellow seekers of thedivine at Journeys of Faith.
We're not just about reading orwatching, we're about living the
Catholic faith in a way thattransforms.
(18:48):
Inspired by the profound exampleof Mary, we invite you to step
into a deeper relationship withChrist through her imitation.
Our ministry, rooted in overfour decades of authentic
evangelization, is here to guideyou with resources and
experiences that resonate withyour soul.
Ready to take the next step.
(19:10):
Here's how you can walk with us,explore our books and media,
dive into our 25 books andcountless EWTN programs on
Marian apparitions, Eucharisticmiracles, and the lives of
saints.
Let these stories inspire yourfaith.
Join a pilgrimage, experiencethe sacred first hand with our
guided spiritual journeys toCatholic shrines worldwide, walk
(19:31):
where Mary walked and visit HolyFamily Mission, retreat to our
Arkansas Center for Prayer,Reflection, and Renewal,
surrounded by a community ofbelievers.
Connect online, access ourdigital resources to deepen your
understanding of Catholictradition from anywhere.
Let's journey together.
Visit our website today anddiscover how journeys of faith
(19:52):
can help you imitate Mary's fiatin your own life.
Who wrote the imitation of Maryat the imitation of Mary is
traditionally attributed toThomas Akempis, a German Dutch
canon regular of the late MiddleAges, though some scholars
debate the exact authorship.
(20:14):
Known for his deep spiritualityand monastic life, Thomas
Akempis is most famous forwriting The Imitation of Christ,
one of the most influentialChristian devotional works.
At Journeys of Faith, we embracethe spirit of his writings,
which call us to a personal,heartfelt connection with God
(20:34):
and the Blessed Mother, guidingCatholics to live out their
faith with sincerity anddevotion.
When was the imitation of Marywritten?
While the exact date of theimitation of Mary is not
definitively recorded, it isgenerally believed to have been
written in the early 15thcentury, likely around the same
period as the imitation ofChrist.
(20:56):
This places it in a time ofprofound spiritual renewal
within the church whendevotional texts were sought to
inspire lay people and religiousalike.
Here at Journeys of Faith, wesee this era as a reminder of
the timeless call to deepen ourfaith, a mission we carry
forward through our resourcesand pilgrimages.
(21:18):
What is the main theme of theimitation of Mary?
The central theme of theimitation of Mary is the call to
emulate the virtues and life ofthe Blessed Virgin Mary as a
path to holiness.
It invites readers to reflect onMary's humility, obedience, and
unwavering trust in God,encouraging a personal
transformation through herexample.
(21:39):
At Journeys of Faith, weresonate deeply with this
message as our ministry isrooted in sharing the treasures
of Mary and devotion throughstories of apparitions,
pilgrimages, and personalwitness, helping Catholics grow
closer to Mary, and through herto Christ.
How does the imitation of Maryrelate to the imitation of
(22:00):
Christ?
The imitation of Mary is oftenseen as a companion to the
imitation of Christ, alsoattributed to Thomas Akimpus.
While the imitation of Christfocuses on following Jesus
through self-denial, humility,and interior prayer, the
imitation of Mary shifts thelens to Mary as a model of
(22:21):
discipleship, emphasizing herrole as the first disciple and a
guide to living out Christ'steachings.
For us at Journeys of Faith,these works together form a
powerful roadmap for spiritualgrowth, much like the dual focus
of our ministry on Eucharisticmiracles and Marian apparitions,
uniting the heart of Christ andhis mother in our journey of
(22:43):
faith.
What are the major teachings inthe imitation of Mary?
The imitation of Mary offersprofound lessons on living a
life of virtue through Mary'sexample.
Key teachings include theimportance of humility in
accepting God's will, the powerof prayer and contemplation as
seen in Mary's fiat, and thecall to trust in divine
(23:04):
providence even in moments ofsuffering, as Mary did at the
foot of the cross.
It also emphasizes purity ofheart and total surrender to
God.
At Journeys of Faith, we striveto echo these teachings in our
work, whether through our books,multimedia resources, or guided
pilgrimages to Mary and shrines,inviting all to walk with Mary
(23:26):
toward a deeper union with herSon.
Thanks for listening to SuperSaints Podcast.
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for special links.
Welcome to Journeys of Faith.
Brother Joseph Frey Aldenhovenhere.
Be sure to look at thedescription for special
information of interest to you.
The imitation of Mary invitesyou.
In the quiet moments of our busylives, when the noise of the
world fades and we're left withthe whispers of our hearts, many
of us yearn for a deeperconnection to something greater.
(00:22):
For Catholics, that longingoften draws us to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, our mother, ourguide, and the ultimate model of
faith.
Here at Journeys of Faith, we'vespent over four decades walking
alongside pilgrims, both literaland spiritual, as they seek to
uncover the treasures of ourCatholic tradition, and time and
again we've seen how theimitation of Mary transforms
(00:44):
lives with a quiet, powerfulgrace.
This isn't about lofty theologyor unreachable ideals.
It's about a real, lived faith,one that Mary embodied as she
said yes to God with unwaveringtrust.
Her life wasn't free of struggleor sorrow, yet she carried every
burden with a heart full of loveand surrender.
(01:05):
At Journeys of Faith, we believethat by looking to her example
we can find a path through ourown challenges, drawing closer
to Christ in the process.
Whether you're a lifelongCatholic or someone just
beginning to explore therichness of our tradition,
Mary's story offers a roadmapfor a life of devotion,
humility, and unshakable hope.
(01:26):
Through our ministry, born fromthe personal witness of Bob and
Penny Lord after their ownjourney back to faith, we've
seen how Mary's presenceresonates in the miracles of the
Eucharist, the lives of thesaints, and the sacred places of
pilgrimage.
In this article, we'll explorewhat it means to imitate Mary in
our everyday lives, leaning onthe timeless teachings of the
(01:50):
Church and the transformativepower of her intercession.
So let's take this step togetherwith open hearts and discover
how following in Mary'sfootsteps can lead us to a
deeper, more authenticrelationship with her son.
Historical origins of theimitation of Mary.
Let's step back into the dustycorridors of history to uncover
(02:13):
the roots of the imitation ofMary, a devotion that has
quietly shaped Catholicspirituality for centuries.
Unlike a blockbuster video gamereleased with a clear launch
date, this practice doesn't havea single aha moment or flashy PR
campaign.
Instead, it's more like an indietitle that gains a cult
following through whispers andshared passion born from the
(02:35):
lived faith of everydaybelievers and the profound
influence of Mary, the mother ofGod, as a model for Christian
life.
The concept of imitating Maryfinds its earliest echoes in the
writings of the Church Fathers,those theological heavyweights
of the first few centuries.
Figures like Saint Ambrose andSaint Augustine often pointed to
(02:56):
Mary as the ultimate example ofhumility, obedience, and trust
in God.
Her yes at the Annunciationwasn't just a plot point in
salvation history, it was ablueprint for how to live a life
surrendered to divine will.
By the Middle Ages, this ideastarted to crystallize into more
structured devotion.
(03:17):
Monastic communities, always onthe lookout for ways to deepen
their spiritual grind, began toweave Marian imitation into
their daily rhythms of prayerand work.
They saw in Mary a perfectmirror of virtues, patience and
suffering, purity in heart, andunwavering fidelity.
But it wasn't just thecloistered folks who latched
onto this, the laity, hungry fora faith they could touch and
(03:40):
feel, started to embrace Mary asa relatable figure.
She wasn't a distant goddess,she was a mother, a woman who
knew sorrow and joy, who couldintercede and guide.
Texts like The Imitation ofChrist by Thomas Akimpus,
written in the fifteenthcentury, inspired parallel
devotions, and soon specificwritings and prayers focused on
(04:00):
imitating Mary began to emerge.
These weren't highbrowtheological treatises, they were
accessible, heartfelt guides foranyone wanting to walk in Mary's
footsteps.
This devotion gained tractionthrough the centuries, fueled by
Marian apparitions and thegrowing emphasis on the rosary
as a meditative tool.
(04:21):
Each bead became a chance toreflect on Mary's life, to ask,
how can I live like she did?
From the quiet villages ofmedieval Europe to the bustling
parishes of today, the imitationof Mary has been less about
rigid rules and more about apersonal transformative journey,
one that invites every Catholicto see Mary not just as Queen of
(04:43):
Heaven, but as a companion onthe often messy, beautiful road
of faith.
Thomas Akimpus and his Marianspirituality.
Let's dive into the quietcontemplative world of Thomas
Akimpus, a fifteenth centurymonk whose spiritual writings
have echoed through thecenturies.
(05:04):
Best known for the imitation ofChrist, one of the most widely
read Christian devotional works,Thomas offers us a glimpse into
a deeply personal and profoundlyCatholic way of following Jesus,
often through the lens of Mary,the mother of God.
If you've ever felt the pull tomodel your life on someone who
embodies perfect humility andsurrender, Thomas points us
(05:26):
straight to Mary as the ultimateguide.
Born in Germany around 1380,Thomas lived a life of
simplicity as a member of theBrethren of the Common Life, a
community dedicated to piety andservice.
His writings aren't flashy oracademic, they're raw,
heartfelt, and meant to stir thesoul.
In the imitation of Christ, hedoesn't just talk about
(05:47):
imitating Jesus, he weaves in asubtle but powerful thread of
Marian spirituality.
For Thomas, Mary isn't just afigure to admire from a
distance.
She's the living example of howto say yes to God no matter the
cost.
Her fiat, her total surrender atthe Annunciation, becomes a
blueprint for how we too canopen our hearts to God's will.
(06:10):
What strikes me most aboutThomas's take on Mary is how
accessible he makes her.
He doesn't put her on anunreachable pedestal.
Instead, he invites us to walkbeside her.
In his meditations, you canalmost feel him urging us to
look at Mary's life, her quietstrength at the foot of the
cross, her unwavering trustduring the hidden years in
(06:31):
Nazareth, and ask ourselves, howcan I live like that?
He writes with a sincerity thatcuts through the noise of our
modern distractions, remindingus that imitating Mary means
embracing humility, patience,and a love that doesn't seek its
own glory.
Thomas also ties Mary's role toour daily struggles.
He knew life wasn't easy,monastic life had its own grind
(06:54):
after all, and he saw Mary as acompanion in suffering.
She's not just the queen ofheaven in his eyes.
She's the mother who understandsour pain, who intercedes for us
when we're too broken to pray.
For Thomas turning to Mary inprayer wasn't a formality, it
was a lifeline, a way to findpeace when the world felt heavy.
(07:15):
So as we reflect on theimitation of Mary, let's take a
page from Thomas Akimpus.
Let's consider how Mary'sexample can shape our own
spiritual journey.
How can we in our messy ordinarylives mirror her trust, her
silence, her unshakable faith?
Thomas doesn't just give us atheology lesson, he hands us a
(07:36):
challenge wrapped inencouragement to live a little
more like the woman who carriedChrist into the world.
Overview of the four books andtheir themes.
Let's dive into the heart of theimitation of Mary, a spiritual
gem often overshadowed by itsmore famous cousin, the
imitation of Christ.
(07:56):
This isn't just a single book,but a collection of four
distinct works, each with itsown flavor and focus, all
centered on drawing closer tothe Blessed Mother as a model
for living a Christ-centeredlife.
I've spent some time unpackingthese texts, and what strikes me
is how they're not just dustyold tomes, but living guides,
(08:17):
raw, relatable, and packed withwisdom for anyone trying to
navigate faith in a messy world.
The first book kicks things offwith a deep look at Mary's
virtues, humility, obedience,and purity.
It's like a character study ofthe ultimate disciple showing us
how to say yes to God even whenlife feels like a storm.
(08:39):
Each chapter feels like a quietconversation with a friend,
urging you to reflect on howMary's fiat can echo in your own
daily grind.
Book two shifts, gears focusingon Mary as the mother of
sorrows.
This one hits hard.
It walks you through the pain ofthe passion, not just as
history, but as somethingpersonal.
Mary's heart breaking at thefoot of the cross becomes a
(09:01):
mirror for our own struggles.
It's a reminder that sufferingisn't pointless when united with
Christ.
And honestly, it's the kind ofperspective that can carry you
through tough nights.
The third book is all about Maryas Mediatrix, the one who
intercedes for us.
Think of it as a playbook forprayer, how to lean on her as a
bridge to Jesus.
It's less about theology andmore about relationship, with
(09:25):
meditations that feel likethey're speaking directly to
your doubts and hopes.
I found myself pausing oftenjust to let the words sink in.
Finally, the fourth book wrapsit up with Mary as the Queen of
Heaven.
It's triumphant, almostcinematic, painting a picture of
her glory and her role in theultimate victory of Christ.
This section isn't just a pat onthe back, it's a call to action,
(09:48):
nudging you to live with aneternal perspective, to fight
the good fight with her as yourguide.
What ties these four together istheir simplicity.
They don't demand you to be atheologian or a mystic.
They meet you where you are,whether you're wrestling with
faith or just looking for aspark.
Each book builds on the last,crafting a roadmap to imitate
(10:09):
Mary in a way that feels doable,even human.
Mary is the perfect disciple, ascriptural lens.
Let's dive into the heart ofScripture to uncover why Mary,
the mother of Jesus, stands asthe ultimate model of
discipleship.
If we crack open the gospels, wefind her not just as a passive
(10:30):
figure in the background, but asa woman of profound action and
trust, embodying what it meansto follow God with every fiber
of your being.
Think of her as the first to sayyes to the impossible, setting
the tone for what true faithlooks like.
Start with the annunciation inLuke 126-38.
(10:51):
Here's Mary, a young girl in anowhere town, faced with an
angel dropping the biggestbombshell in history.
She's to bear the Son of God.
Most of us would have balked,questioned, or flat out run.
But Mary, she ponders, she asksher honest question, how can
this be?
And then she surrenders with aline that echoes through the
ages.
(11:11):
Let it be done to me accordingto your word.
That's not just consent, it's amasterclass in trust.
She doesn't have the fullroadmap, but she steps forward
anyway.
Isn't that what discipleship is?
Trusting God when the path isfoggy?
Fast forward to the wedding atCana in John two one to eleven.
Mary's role here isn't just momasking for a favor, she's the
(11:33):
intercessor, the one who noticesthe need before anyone else.
Those jars of wine running dry,a uh potential embarrassment for
the hosts.
She turns to Jesus with quietconfidence, saying, They have no
wine.
And when he seems to push back,she doesn't argue, she simply
(11:54):
tells the servants, do whateverhe tells you.
That's faith in action.
She doesn't need to know the howof the miracle.
She knows the who.
Her trust in her son's powerpoints us to a deeper truth.
A disciple listens, acts, andtrusts in God's timing.
Mary's journey isn't all angelicchoirs and miracles, though.
(12:17):
Look at her standing at the footof the cross in John nineteen
twenty five to twenty seven.
While others flee, she's there,bearing the unimaginable pain of
watching her son suffer and die.
Her presence isn't loud ordramatic, it's steadfast.
She doesn't collapse under theweight of sorrow, but stands as
a pillar of quiet strength,united to Jesus even in his
(12:40):
agony.
And this is discipleship at itsrawest, staying with Christ when
everything falls apart, whenfaith isn't a feeling but a
choice.
Through these moments, Scripturepaints Mary as the blueprint for
following Jesus.
She listens to God's voice, actson it without hesitation,
intercedes for others, andremains faithful even in
suffering.
(13:00):
For any of us wrestling withwhat it means to be a disciple,
Mary's life is a lived outanswer.
She shows us that saying yes toGod isn't a one-time deal.
It's a daily, gritty commitmentto trust, to show up, and to
point others to Christ no matterthe cost.
How to pray with the imitationof Mary daily?
Let's get practical.
(13:21):
You've got a copy of theimitation of Mary in your hands,
or maybe it's sitting on yournightstand waiting for you to
crack it open.
This isn't just a book, it's aspiritual roadmap, a way to walk
with the Blessed Mother everysingle day.
But how do you make it a habit,something that sticks in the
chaos of daily life?
Here's a no nonsense guide topraying with this powerful text,
(13:42):
even if you've only got a fewminutes between coffee and
carpool, first carve out asacred sliver of time.
Doesn't have to be long, fiveminutes will do when you're
starting.
Pick a spot where you won't beinterrupted, maybe a quiet
corner with a candle or a smallstatue of Mary.
Open the book to a shortpassage.
These writings, often attributedto Thomas Akempus, are
(14:05):
bite-sized but packed withdepth, mirroring the style of
the imitation of Christ, butwith Mary as the lens.
Read slowly.
Let a single line sink in, likeimitate Mary in her humility,
and you will find peace.
Chew on it.
What does humility look like inyour life today?
Are you rushing through tasks,ignoring the small chances to
(14:28):
serve?
Next, turn it into aconversation.
Talk to Mary about that line.
Yeah, out loud if you can, orsilently if you're on a crowded
bus, ask her to show you how shelived that virtue, humility,
patience, trust in God, and begher intercession to help you do
the same.
This isn't just rote prayer,it's raw, real dialogue with the
(14:49):
mother of God who's closer toyou than you might think.
Then carry it with you.
Jot down that one line or word,humility, surrender, whatever
hit you on a sticky note or inyour phone.
Glance at it during the day.
Let it be a nudge when you'retempted to snap at a co-worker
or scroll mindlessly instead ofbeing present.
(15:11):
Mary's example isn't meant tostay in those five minutes.
It's supposed to bleed into yourwhole day.
If you've got more time, pairthis with a decade of the
rosary.
Meditate on a mystery whileholding that day's insight from
the imitation of Mary.
Imagine her at the Annunciation,saying yes with total trust as
(15:32):
you wrestle with your ownhesitations.
Let her life illuminate yours.
This isn't about perfection.
Some days you'll you'll forget,others you'll feel nothing.
Keep showing up.
Mary doesn't demand flawlessdevotion, she just wants your
heart messy as it is.
Over time, this daily practicebecomes less a task and more a
lifeline, a quiet way to alignyour soul with hers step by step
(15:55):
toward her son.
How to pray with the imitationof Mary Daily?
Let's get practical.
You've got a copy of theimitation of Mary in your hands,
or maybe it's sitting on yournightstand waiting for you to
crack it open.
This isn't just a book, it's aspiritual roadmap, a way to walk
with the Blessed Mother everysingle day.
(16:16):
But how do you make it a habit,something that sticks in the
chaos of daily life?
Here's a no nonsense guide topraying with this powerful text,
even if you've only got a fewminutes between coffee and
carpool.
First carve out a sacred sliverof time.
Doesn't have to be long, fiveminutes will do when you're
starting.
Pick a spot where you won't beinterrupted, maybe a quiet
(16:37):
corner with a candle or a smallstatue of Mary.
Open the book to a shortpassage.
These writings, often attributedto Thomas Akimpus, are
bite-sized but packed withdepth, mirroring the style of
the imitation of Christ, butwith Mary as the lens.
Read slowly.
Let a single line sink in, likeimitate Mary in her humility,
(17:01):
and you will find peace.
Chew on it.
What does humility look like inyour life today?
Are you rushing through tasks,ignoring the small chances to
serve?
Next turn it into aconversation.
Talk to Mary about that line,yeah out loud if you can, or
silently if you're on a crowdedbus.
Ask her to show you how shelived that virtue, humility,
(17:23):
patience, trust in God, and begher intercession to help you do
the same.
This isn't just rote prayer,it's raw, real dialogue with the
mother of God who's closer toyou than you might think.
Then carry it with you.
Jot down that one line or word,humility, surrender, whatever
hit you on a sticky note or inyour phone.
Glance at it during the day, letit be a nudge when you're
(17:45):
tempted to snap at a coworker orscroll mindlessly instead of
being present.
Mary's example isn't meant tostay in those five minutes, it's
supposed to bleed into yourwhole day.
If you've got more time, pairthis with a decade of the
rosary.
Meditate on a mystery whileholding that day's insight from
(18:06):
the imitation of Mary.
Imagine her at the Annunciation,saying yes with total trust, as
you wrestle with your ownhesitations.
Let her life illuminate yours.
This isn't about perfection.
Some days you'll forget, othersyou'll feel nothing.
Keep showing up.
Mary doesn't demand flawlessdevotion, she just wants your
heart, messy as it is.
(18:26):
Over time, this daily practicebecomes less a task and more a
lifeline, a quiet way to alignyour soul with hers step by step
toward her son.
Join us on a journey of faith.
Hey there, fellow seekers of thedivine at Journeys of Faith.
We're not just about reading orwatching, we're about living the
Catholic faith in a way thattransforms.
(18:48):
Inspired by the profound exampleof Mary, we invite you to step
into a deeper relationship withChrist through her imitation.
Our ministry, rooted in overfour decades of authentic
evangelization, is here to guideyou with resources and
experiences that resonate withyour soul.
Ready to take the next step.
(19:10):
Here's how you can walk with us,explore our books and media,
dive into our 25 books andcountless EWTN programs on
Marian apparitions, Eucharisticmiracles, and the lives of
saints.
Let these stories inspire yourfaith.
Join a pilgrimage, experiencethe sacred first hand with our
guided spiritual journeys toCatholic shrines worldwide, walk
(19:31):
where Mary walked and visit HolyFamily Mission, retreat to our
Arkansas Center for Prayer,Reflection, and Renewal,
surrounded by a community ofbelievers.
Connect online, access ourdigital resources to deepen your
understanding of Catholictradition from anywhere.
Let's journey together.
Visit our website today anddiscover how journeys of faith
(19:52):
can help you imitate Mary's fiatin your own life.
Who wrote the imitation of Maryat the imitation of Mary is
traditionally attributed toThomas Akempis, a German Dutch
canon regular of the late MiddleAges, though some scholars
debate the exact authorship.
(20:14):
Known for his deep spiritualityand monastic life, Thomas
Akempis is most famous forwriting The Imitation of Christ,
one of the most influentialChristian devotional works.
At Journeys of Faith, we embracethe spirit of his writings,
which call us to a personal,heartfelt connection with God
(20:34):
and the Blessed Mother, guidingCatholics to live out their
faith with sincerity anddevotion.
When was the imitation of Marywritten?
While the exact date of theimitation of Mary is not
definitively recorded, it isgenerally believed to have been
written in the early 15thcentury, likely around the same
period as the imitation ofChrist.
(20:56):
This places it in a time ofprofound spiritual renewal
within the church whendevotional texts were sought to
inspire lay people and religiousalike.
Here at Journeys of Faith, wesee this era as a reminder of
the timeless call to deepen ourfaith, a mission we carry
forward through our resourcesand pilgrimages.
(21:18):
What is the main theme of theimitation of Mary?
The central theme of theimitation of Mary is the call to
emulate the virtues and life ofthe Blessed Virgin Mary as a
path to holiness.
It invites readers to reflect onMary's humility, obedience, and
unwavering trust in God,encouraging a personal
transformation through herexample.
(21:39):
At Journeys of Faith, weresonate deeply with this
message as our ministry isrooted in sharing the treasures
of Mary and devotion throughstories of apparitions,
pilgrimages, and personalwitness, helping Catholics grow
closer to Mary, and through herto Christ.
How does the imitation of Maryrelate to the imitation of
(22:00):
Christ?
The imitation of Mary is oftenseen as a companion to the
imitation of Christ, alsoattributed to Thomas Akimpus.
While the imitation of Christfocuses on following Jesus
through self-denial, humility,and interior prayer, the
imitation of Mary shifts thelens to Mary as a model of
(22:21):
discipleship, emphasizing herrole as the first disciple and a
guide to living out Christ'steachings.
For us at Journeys of Faith,these works together form a
powerful roadmap for spiritualgrowth, much like the dual focus
of our ministry on Eucharisticmiracles and Marian apparitions,
uniting the heart of Christ andhis mother in our journey of
(22:43):
faith.
What are the major teachings inthe imitation of Mary?
The imitation of Mary offersprofound lessons on living a
life of virtue through Mary'sexample.
Key teachings include theimportance of humility in
accepting God's will, the powerof prayer and contemplation as
seen in Mary's fiat, and thecall to trust in divine
(23:04):
providence even in moments ofsuffering, as Mary did at the
foot of the cross.
It also emphasizes purity ofheart and total surrender to
God.
At Journeys of Faith, we striveto echo these teachings in our
work, whether through our books,multimedia resources, or guided
pilgrimages to Mary and shrines,inviting all to walk with Mary
(23:26):
toward a deeper union with herSon.
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