The Imitation of Mary invites you

In the quiet moments of our busy lives, when the noise of the world fades and we’re left with the whispers of our hearts, many of us yearn for a deeper connection to something greater. For Catholics, that longing often draws us to the Blessed Virgin Mary—our Mother, our guide, and the ultimate model of faith. Here at Journeys of Faith, we’ve spent over four decades walking alongside pilgrims, both literal and spiritual, as they seek to uncover the treasures of our Catholic tradition. And time and again, we’ve seen how the imitation of Mary transforms lives with a quiet, powerful grace.

This isn’t about lofty theology or unreachable ideals. It’s about a real, lived faith—one that Mary embodied as she said “yes” to God with unwavering trust. Her life wasn’t free of struggle or sorrow, yet she carried every burden with a heart full of love and surrender. At Journeys of Faith, we believe that by looking to her example, we can find a path through our own challenges, drawing closer to Christ in the process. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or someone just beginning to explore the richness of our tradition, Mary’s story offers a roadmap for a life of devotion, humility, and unshakable hope.

Through our ministry—born from the personal witness of Bob and Penny Lord after their own journey back to faith—we’ve seen how Mary’s presence resonates in the miracles of the Eucharist, the lives of the saints, and the sacred places of pilgrimage. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to imitate Mary in our everyday lives, leaning on the timeless teachings of the Church and the transformative power of her intercession. So, let’s take this step together, with open hearts, and discover how following in Mary’s footsteps can lead us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with her Son.

Historical Origins of The Imitation of Mary

Let’s step back into the dusty corridors of history to uncover the roots of The Imitation of Mary, a devotion that has quietly shaped Catholic spirituality for centuries. Unlike a blockbuster video game release with a clear launch date, this practice doesn’t have a single “aha” moment or a flashy PR campaign. Instead, it’s more like an indie title that gains a cult following through whispers and shared passion—born from the lived faith of everyday believers and the profound influence of Mary, the Mother of God, as a model for Christian life.

The concept of imitating Mary finds its earliest echoes in the writings of the Church Fathers, those theological heavyweights of the first few centuries. Figures like St. Ambrose and St. Augustine often pointed to Mary as the ultimate example of humility, obedience, and trust in God. Her “yes” at the Annunciation wasn’t just a plot point in salvation history; it was a blueprint for how to live a life surrendered to divine will. By the Middle Ages, this idea started to crystallize into more structured devotion. Monastic communities, always on the lookout for ways to deepen their spiritual grind, began to weave Marian imitation into their daily rhythms of prayer and work. They saw in Mary a perfect mirror of virtues—patience in suffering, purity in heart, and unwavering fidelity.

But it wasn’t just the cloistered folks who latched onto this. The laity, hungry for a faith they could touch and feel, started to embrace Mary as a relatable figure. She wasn’t a distant goddess; she was a mother, a woman who knew sorrow and joy, who could intercede and guide. Texts like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, written in the 15th century, inspired parallel devotions, and soon, specific writings and prayers focused on imitating Mary began to emerge. These weren’t highbrow theological treatises—they were accessible, heartfelt guides for anyone wanting to walk in Mary’s footsteps.

This devotion gained traction through the centuries, fueled by Marian apparitions and the growing emphasis on the Rosary as a meditative tool. Each bead became a chance to reflect on Mary’s life, to ask, “How can I live like she did?” From the quiet villages of medieval Europe to the bustling parishes of today, The Imitation of Mary has been less about rigid rules and more about a personal, transformative journey—one that invites every Catholic to see Mary not just as Queen of Heaven, but as a companion on the often messy, beautiful road of faith.

Thomas à Kempis and His Marian Spirituality

Let’s dive into the quiet, contemplative world of Thomas à Kempis, a 15th-century monk whose spiritual writings have echoed through the centuries. Best known for The Imitation of Christ, one of the most widely read Christian devotional works, Thomas offers us a glimpse into a deeply personal and profoundly Catholic way of following Jesus—often through the lens of Mary, the Mother of God. If you’ve ever felt the pull to model your life on someone who embodies perfect humility and surrender, Thomas points us straight to Mary as the ultimate guide.

Born in Germany around 1380, Thomas lived a life of simplicity as a member of the Brethren of the Common Life, a community dedicated to piety and service. His writings aren’t flashy or academic—they’re raw, heartfelt, and meant to stir the soul. In The Imitation of Christ, he doesn’t just talk about imitating Jesus; he weaves in a subtle but powerful thread of Marian spirituality. For Thomas, Mary isn’t just a figure to admire from a distance. She’s the living example of how to say “yes” to God, no matter the cost. Her fiat—her total surrender at the Annunciation—becomes a blueprint for how we, too, can open our hearts to God’s will.

What strikes me most about Thomas’s take on Mary is how accessible he makes her. He doesn’t put her on an unreachable pedestal; instead, he invites us to walk beside her. In his meditations, you can almost feel him urging us to look at Mary’s life—her quiet strength at the foot of the Cross, her unwavering trust during the hidden years in Nazareth—and ask ourselves, “How can I live like that?” He writes with a sincerity that cuts through the noise of our modern distractions, reminding us that imitating Mary means embracing humility, patience, and a love that doesn’t seek its own glory.

Thomas also ties Mary’s role to our daily struggles. He knew life wasn’t easy—monastic life had its own grind, after all—and he saw Mary as a companion in suffering. She’s not just the Queen of Heaven in his eyes; she’s the mother who understands our pain, who intercedes for us when we’re too broken to pray. For Thomas, turning to Mary in prayer wasn’t a formality. It was a lifeline, a way to find peace when the world felt heavy.

So, as we reflect on The Imitation of Mary, let’s take a page from Thomas à Kempis. Let’s consider how Mary’s example can shape our own spiritual journey. How can we, in our messy, ordinary lives, mirror her trust, her silence, her unshakable faith? Thomas doesn’t just give us a theology lesson—he hands us a challenge, wrapped in encouragement, to live a little more like the woman who carried Christ into the world.

Overview of the Four Books and Their Themes

Let’s dive into the heart of The Imitation of Mary, a spiritual gem often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, The Imitation of Christ. This isn’t just a single book but a collection of four distinct works, each with its own flavor and focus, all centered on drawing closer to the Blessed Mother as a model for living a Christ-centered life. I’ve spent some time unpacking these texts, and what strikes me is how they’re not just dusty old tomes but living guides—raw, relatable, and packed with wisdom for anyone trying to navigate faith in a messy world.

The first book kicks things off with a deep look at Mary’s virtues—humility, obedience, and purity. It’s like a character study of the ultimate disciple, showing us how to say “yes” to God even when life feels like a storm. Each chapter feels like a quiet conversation with a friend, urging you to reflect on how Mary’s “fiat” can echo in your own daily grind.

Book two shifts gears, focusing on Mary as the Mother of Sorrows. This one hits hard. It walks you through the pain of the Passion, not just as history, but as something personal—Mary’s heart breaking at the foot of the Cross becomes a mirror for our own struggles. It’s a reminder that suffering isn’t pointless when united with Christ, and honestly, it’s the kind of perspective that can carry you through tough nights.

The third book is all about Mary as Mediatrix, the one who intercedes for us. Think of it as a playbook for prayer—how to lean on her as a bridge to Jesus. It’s less about theology and more about relationship, with meditations that feel like they’re speaking directly to your doubts and hopes. I found myself pausing often, just to let the words sink in.

Finally, the fourth book wraps it up with Mary as the Queen of Heaven. It’s triumphant, almost cinematic, painting a picture of her glory and her role in the ultimate victory of Christ. This section isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a call to action, nudging you to live with an eternal perspective, to fight the good fight with her as your guide.

What ties these four together is their simplicity. They don’t demand you to be a theologian or a mystic. They meet you where you are, whether you’re wrestling with faith or just looking for a spark. Each book builds on the last, crafting a roadmap to imitate Mary in a way that feels doable, even human.

Mary as the Perfect Disciple: A Scriptural Lens

Let’s dive into the heart of Scripture to uncover why Mary, the Mother of Jesus, stands as the ultimate model of discipleship. If we crack open the Gospels, we find her not just as a passive figure in the background but as a woman of profound action and trust, embodying what it means to follow God with every fiber of your being. Think of her as the first to say “yes” to the impossible, setting the tone for what true faith looks like.

Start with the Annunciation in Luke 1:26-38. Here’s Mary, a young girl in a nowhere town, faced with an angel dropping the biggest bombshell in history: she’s to bear the Son of God. Most of us would’ve balked, questioned, or flat-out run. But Mary? She ponders, she asks her honest question—“How can this be?”—and then she surrenders with a line that echoes through the ages: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” That’s not just consent; it’s a masterclass in trust. She doesn’t have the full roadmap, but she steps forward anyway. Isn’t that what discipleship is? Trusting God when the path is foggy?

Fast forward to the Wedding at Cana in John 2:1-11. Mary’s role here isn’t just “mom asking for a favor.” She’s the intercessor, the one who notices the need before anyone else—those jars of wine running dry, a potential embarrassment for the hosts. She turns to Jesus with quiet confidence, saying, “They have no wine.” And when He seems to push back, she doesn’t argue; she simply tells the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” That’s faith in action. She doesn’t need to know the “how” of the miracle; she knows the “who.” Her trust in her Son’s power points us to a deeper truth: a disciple listens, acts, and trusts in God’s timing.

Mary’s journey isn’t all angelic choirs and miracles, though. Look at her standing at the foot of the Cross in John 19:25-27. While others flee, she’s there, bearing the unimaginable pain of watching her Son suffer and die. Her presence isn’t loud or dramatic; it’s steadfast. She doesn’t collapse under the weight of sorrow but stands as a pillar of quiet strength, united to Jesus even in His agony. This is discipleship at its rawest—staying with Christ when everything falls apart, when faith isn’t a feeling but a choice.

Through these moments, Scripture paints Mary as the blueprint for following Jesus. She listens to God’s voice, acts on it without hesitation, intercedes for others, and remains faithful even in suffering. For any of us wrestling with what it means to be a disciple, Mary’s life is a lived-out answer. She shows us that saying “yes” to God isn’t a one-time deal—it’s a daily, gritty commitment to trust, to show up, and to point others to Christ, no matter the cost.

How to Pray with The Imitation of Mary Daily

Let’s get practical. You’ve got a copy of The Imitation of Mary in your hands—or maybe it’s sitting on your nightstand, waiting for you to crack it open. This isn’t just a book; it’s a spiritual roadmap, a way to walk with the Blessed Mother every single day. But how do you make it a habit, something that sticks in the chaos of daily life? Here’s a no-nonsense guide to praying with this powerful text, even if you’ve only got a few minutes between coffee and carpool.

First, carve out a sacred sliver of time. Doesn’t have to be long—five minutes will do when you’re starting. Pick a spot where you won’t be interrupted, maybe a quiet corner with a candle or a small statue of Mary. Open the book to a short passage. These writings, often attributed to Thomas à Kempis, are bite-sized but packed with depth, mirroring the style of The Imitation of Christ but with Mary as the lens. Read slowly. Let a single line sink in, like “Imitate Mary in her humility, and you will find peace.” Chew on it. What does humility look like in your life today? Are you rushing through tasks, ignoring the small chances to serve?

Next, turn it into a conversation. Talk to Mary about that line. Yeah, out loud if you can, or silently if you’re on a crowded bus. Ask her to show you how she lived that virtue—humility, patience, trust in God—and beg her 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 to you 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 in your phone. Glance at it during the day. Let it be a nudge when you’re tempted to snap at a coworker or scroll mindlessly instead of being present. Mary’s example isn’t meant to stay in those five minutes; it’s supposed to bleed into your whole day.

If you’ve got more time, pair this with a decade of the Rosary. Meditate on a mystery while holding that day’s insight from The Imitation of Mary. Imagine her at the Annunciation, saying yes with total trust, as you wrestle with your own hesitations. Let her life illuminate yours.

This isn’t about perfection. Some days, you’ll forget. Others, you’ll feel nothing. Keep showing up. Mary doesn’t demand flawless devotion; she just wants your heart, messy as it is. Over time, this daily practice becomes less a task and more a lifeline, a quiet way to align your soul with hers, step by step, toward her Son.

How to Pray with The Imitation of Mary Daily

Let’s get practical. You’ve got a copy of The Imitation of Mary in your hands—or maybe it’s sitting on your nightstand, waiting for you to crack it open. This isn’t just a book; it’s a spiritual roadmap, a way to walk with the Blessed Mother every single day. But how do you make it a habit, something that sticks in the chaos of daily life? Here’s a no-nonsense guide to praying with this powerful text, even if you’ve only got a few minutes between coffee and carpool.

First, carve out a sacred sliver of time. Doesn’t have to be long—five minutes will do when you’re starting. Pick a spot where you won’t be interrupted, maybe a quiet corner with a candle or a small statue of Mary. Open the book to a short passage. These writings, often attributed to Thomas à Kempis, are bite-sized but packed with depth, mirroring the style of The Imitation of Christ but with Mary as the lens. Read slowly. Let a single line sink in, like “Imitate Mary in her humility, and you will find peace.” Chew on it. What does humility look like in your life today? Are you rushing through tasks, ignoring the small chances to serve?

Next, turn it into a conversation. Talk to Mary about that line. Yeah, out loud if you can, or silently if you’re on a crowded bus. Ask her to show you how she lived that virtue—humility, patience, trust in God—and beg her 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 to you 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 in your phone. Glance at it during the day. Let it be a nudge when you’re tempted to snap at a coworker or scroll mindlessly instead of being present. Mary’s example isn’t meant to stay in those five minutes; it’s supposed to bleed into your whole day.

If you’ve got more time, pair this with a decade of the Rosary. Meditate on a mystery while holding that day’s insight from The Imitation of Mary. Imagine her at the Annunciation, saying yes with total trust, as you wrestle with your own hesitations. Let her life illuminate yours.

This isn’t about perfection. Some days, you’ll forget. Others, you’ll feel nothing. Keep showing up. Mary doesn’t demand flawless devotion; she just wants your heart, messy as it is. Over time, this daily practice becomes less a task and more a lifeline, a quiet way to align your soul with hers, step by step, toward her Son.

Join Us on a Journey of Faith

Hey there, fellow seekers of the divine! At Journeys of Faith, we’re not just about reading or watching—we’re about living the Catholic faith in a way that transforms. Inspired by the profound example of Mary, we invite you to step into a deeper relationship with Christ through her imitation. Our ministry, rooted in over four decades of authentic evangelization, is here to guide you with resources and experiences that resonate with your soul.

Ready to take the next step? Here’s how you can walk with us:

• Explore Our Books and Media: Dive into our 25 books and countless EWTN programs on Marian apparitions, Eucharistic miracles, and the lives of saints. Let these stories inspire your faith.

• Join a Pilgrimage: Experience the sacred firsthand with our guided spiritual journeys to Catholic shrines worldwide. Walk where Mary walked.

• Visit Holy Family Mission: Retreat to our Arkansas center for prayer, reflection, and renewal, surrounded by a community of believers.

• Connect Online: Access our digital resources to deepen your understanding of Catholic tradition from anywhere.

Let’s journey together. Visit our website today and discover how Journeys of Faith can help you imitate Mary’s fiat in your own life.

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FAQs About The Imitation of Mary

Who wrote The Imitation of Mary?

The Imitation of Mary is traditionally attributed to Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch canon regular of the late Middle Ages, though some scholars debate the exact authorship. Known for his deep spirituality and monastic life, Thomas à Kempis is most famous for writing The Imitation of Christ, one of the most influential Christian devotional works. At Journeys of Faith, we embrace the spirit of his writings, which call us to a personal, heartfelt connection with God and the Blessed Mother, guiding Catholics to live out their faith with sincerity and devotion.

When was The Imitation of Mary written?

While the exact date of The Imitation of Mary is not definitively recorded, it is generally believed to have been written in the early 15th century, likely around the same period as The Imitation of Christ. This places it in a time of profound spiritual renewal within the Church, when devotional texts were sought to inspire laypeople and religious alike. Here at Journeys of Faith, we see this era as a reminder of the timeless call to deepen our faith—a mission we carry forward through our resources and pilgrimages.

What is the main theme of The Imitation of Mary?

The central theme of The Imitation of Mary is the call to emulate the virtues and life of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a path to holiness. It invites readers to reflect on Mary’s humility, obedience, and unwavering trust in God, encouraging a personal transformation through her example. At Journeys of Faith, we resonate deeply with this message, as our ministry is rooted in sharing the treasures of Marian devotion through stories of apparitions, pilgrimages, and personal witness, helping Catholics grow closer to Mary and, through her, to Christ.

How does The Imitation of Mary relate to The Imitation of Christ?

The Imitation of Mary is often seen as a companion to The Imitation of Christ, also attributed to Thomas à Kempis. While The Imitation of Christ focuses on following Jesus through self-denial, humility, and interior prayer, The Imitation of Mary shifts the lens to Mary as a model of discipleship, emphasizing her role as the first disciple and a guide to living out Christ’s teachings. For us at Journeys of Faith, these works together form a powerful roadmap for spiritual growth, much like the dual focus of our ministry on Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, uniting the heart of Christ and His Mother in our journey of faith.

What are the major teachings in The Imitation of Mary?

The Imitation of Mary offers profound lessons on living a life of virtue through Mary’s example. Key teachings include the importance of humility in accepting God’s will, the power of prayer and contemplation as seen in Mary’s Fiat, and the call to trust in divine providence even in moments of suffering, as Mary did at the foot of the Cross. It also emphasizes purity of heart and total surrender to God. At Journeys of Faith, we strive to echo these teachings in our work, whether through our books, multimedia resources, or guided pilgrimages to Marian shrines, inviting all to walk with Mary toward a deeper union with her Son.