Oh Most Holy Spirit,

flowing forth from God the Father and God the Son,

guard us and guide us in all our ways . . .

DURING DIFFICULT TIMES that challenge the very depths of human faith, and even in good times, our relationship with the Lord may become what the experts call a "dark night of the soul." Though faith assures us He is with us, Jesus Christ is sometimes so silent, so unreachable, that He may as well not be there. When prayer seems to go into an empty box, there are no consolations anywhere. At such times, lonely, naked faith holds our interior life together. In those dark, difficult, desperate moments, severely tested believers need to find the Lord Jesus Christ and have a word with Him. His mother, Mary, is an amazing resource at such times. Mother Mary knows how to lovingly help each of us respond courageously to God's sometimes terrifying grace.

"Jesus Christ is now and always will be Mary's child. So am I. You are too. We can turn to Mary and obtain her help. She teaches us to find God and know Him more intimately. Mary gently (and effectively) guides us closer to God. This book, Christ Through Mary, will help

you find and climb the mountain of peace."

R.J. FARICY, S.J., Professor Emeritus: Gregorian University