Gentle Woman: A Review Of ‘Our Lady’s WardRobe’

“You are not alone, my child, and you must not be sad.  I will be with you always, and my Immaculate Heart will be your comfort and the way which will lead you to God.” – Our Lady of Fatima (1917)

Interest Level

Ages 3-8

Review and Comments

Our Lady’s Wardrobe by Anthony DeStefano is a significant story that introduces children to the Blessed Mother through her apparitions [Our Lady of Nazareth, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of Knock, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of the Angels].  The artwork in this book is marvelous!  Each familiar picture of Mary is beautifully illustrated and elegantly displays her gentleness and love. I found the pictures of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal wonderfully expressive.  Following each illustration of Mary is a brief story about the apparition.  Some pages are also embellished with intricate borders that enhance each story through color and design.

The story of Mary concludes with a beautiful prayer asking for her intercession.  Then, readers will become familiar with three things they can do for Jesus and His mother.  This gives children the opportunity to learn how each devotion brings us closer to Jesus through his mother.  First and foremost, we are reminded that Mary’s mission is to lead us to her Son. “Mary, you are our Mother. Pray for us to your Son. Amen.”

Possible Concerns

Personally, I found the picture of Mary standing in front of her heavenly closet a bit unusual, but there are really no concerns with this book.

Further Discussion

Art

Make a “Miraculous Medal Craft for Catholic Kids”

Make an “Our Lady of Lourdes Diorama [Printable Craft for Catholic Kids!]

Literature

Read Our Lady’s Message to the Three Shepherd Children and to the World.  You can read our review of the book here!

Catholic Resources

CCC 963-972 Mary, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church

The Canticle of Mary [The Visitation}:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.

He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.

He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.

The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” – Luke 1: 46-55

 Read “Three Things to Know Our Lady of Mt. Carmel”

Read “Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego”

Read “Knock Shrine Facts for Kids” [This site includes pictures of the shrine in Ireland.]