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Under Mary’s Mantle: Our Lady’s Love for Canada
by Fr. Émile-Marie Brière, Madonna House Publications,
222 pgs., $16.95
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These days, people are looking for solid ground on which to stand. The revised and expanded version of Fr. Émile-Marie Brière’s book Under Mary’s Mantle reminds us that Canada was built on a firm foundation rooted in a Mother’s love.
The book provides an historical perspective and reassurance that Our Lady’s love for Canada was powerful in the lives of the pioneers, the people of the First Nations, and the saints who founded our country. Moreover, her power has not left us.
During these troubled times, tremendous comfort can be found in the pages of Fr. Brière’s book. If you read the book in years past, you should know that many changes have been made to this revised and expanded version.
In the twenty years since the book was originally published, many of the people Fr. Brière first identified as holy men and women have since been officially recognized by the Church as saints, blesseds, or servants of God.
In addition to changes to the various titles of these people, new sections have been added. These new parts include people who are not yet officially recognized as saints, but who one day may well be. These include Br. Ernest Gauthier, OMI and Rose Prince of British Columbia.
The addition of Rose Prince of the Carrier (Dakelh) nation helps to fulfil Fr. Briére’s original vision for this book. It had been his fervent hope that this work would positively impact Canada’s First Nations. He wanted more than anything that their dignity and rights as children of God be recognized and respected. It is clear from this work that this has been done continuously by the saints and holy people.
Moreover, the incorrupt body of Rose Prince, and that of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, which was miraculously healed of smallpox scars after her death, are both powerful evidence of God’s continuous work in the First Nations of Canada, and of His unquenchable desire for these people to be treated according to the fullness of the dignity He gave them.
Why not read this book? And if you know of anyone in need of reassurance that Canada is still under the protection of Mary in these trying times, please recommend it to them.
