A Heart Like Mary's is the perfect book for all Catholics wishing to begin or deepen their devotion to Mary. Author and Marian theologian Rev. Edward Looney guides us through thirty-one daily meditations on the unique characteristics of Mary’s heart. This easy-to-read and engaging monthly devotional is full of practical lessons that address the personal challenges we all face as Mary’s fellow pilgrims walking the path of faith.
In the midst of feeling lost in his prayer life and relationship with God, Fr. Looney found himself reflecting on who Mary is and how he could be more like her. He learned that by daily meditating on Mary's attributes and praying for the grace to have a heart like hers he could turn his pessimistic and critical thoughts into optimistic and charitable ones.
A Heart Like Mary's offers readers a simple yet reflective introduction to Marian spirituality by way of a month-long daily devotional. Readers come away with a clear sense of who Mary was, how she cares for and looks after the faithful, and how we can honor her in our daily lives.
Based heavily on scripture, Church teaching, and Looney’s personal experience, A Heart Like Mary's gently teaches us how to imitate Mary’s love for others and devotion to God. Each day's meditation offers simple yet reflective insight into a unique characteristic of Mary’s heart. You’ll discover twenty-one attributes and ten separate desires of her heart, including:
- A Heart That Says Yes
- A Heart That Rejoices
- A Heart Filled with Generous Love
- A Heart Attentive to the Needs of Others
- A Heart of Compassion
- A Heart Desiring to Alleviate Suffering
- A Heart Desiring Us to Pray
- A Heart Desiring Peace
As we're guided through each of these meditations, we'll find inspiration for changing our own behavior and heart's disposition so that we, too, can respond to God, our loved ones, and life's obstacles with the same tenderness that Mary does.
Each day provides a scriptural quote or message from one of Mary's apparitions, followed by a reflection leading us into the depths of Mary’s heart and showing us how to mirror her heart. We also will be invited to call upon Mary’s intercession, asking her to give us a heart like hers. Each meditation concludes with a challenge to incorporate a love for Mary into our prayer life and action toward others.
Fr. Edward Looney is a Marian theologian and Catholic author and speaker who serves as a parish priest in the Diocese of Green Bay. He hosts the podcast How They Love Mary.
Looney is the author of several books, including A Heart Like Mary’s. He has contributed to numerous publications, including Catholic Digest, Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He also has appeared on EWTN TV and radio, Relevant Radio, The Catholic Channel on SiriusXM, Spirit Radio, Mater Dei Radio, and Radio Maria.
Looney earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Conception Seminary College. He also received a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and a master’s degree in divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. In 2011, Looney was the youngest person to present a paper at the annual meeting of the Mariological Society of America. In 2015 he was elected to the administrative council of the organization and, in 2020, became vice president.
