This is my Body This is my Blood: A much delayed Book Review

Marie Diane Guay sent me her book, "This is my body This is my Blood," nearly a year ago now and I promised that I would read it, and write a book review on it for the Pillars, so here I am….finally!

At first glance of this 300-paged book, I figured, 'oh, I can get this review out in no time! But as I began to read it, I discovered, it was both complete and explanatory. Clear and well put together with history of the Mass, priestly history, and more I fell in love with it!

The table of contents reveal her extensive help and appreciation to several priests along with her parents who raised her in the Catholic Church. The book is divided into 5 parts, Part One: Judaic Heritage, Part Two: Preparing Ourselves and the Temple, Part Three: The liturgy of the Mass and the liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part Four: A tribute to the Holy Mass, and Part: Elements for Catechesis on the Holy Mass.

This is a very attractive paperback in a size that is larger than your normal paperback. The type is perfect and I love the pencil drawing pictures and graphics.

Part one the Judaic Heritage we learn about the history of the Mass in complete form and the history of the priest and holy orders. The origins of the Mass and her experience in Rome in 1997 prove inspiring. Ms Guay talks about the Mass in depth from its earliest beginnings through the modifications throughout Church history. Wonderful!

Part Two takes us through the hymns, decorations, and preparing ourselves for Mass as she quotes Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” From Church behavior, preparing the sanctuary, to the incense, common vessels, servers, to the cantor and choir. As Marie Diane says in this conclusion, ‘It is not only up to the pastor and a few lay ministers to make the Eucharistic celebrations more prayerful and alive. Everyone must get involved starting with preparing ourselves for the Mass and participating actively in the liturgy.”

Part Three: The Liturgy of the Mass. Here Ms. Guay introduces us to the sights, sounds, taste, and smells of our beautiful liturgy. From the Liturgy of the Word, to the Eucharistic Liturgy to the Concluding Rite, each and every step is discussed, relished verbally, and given life in the reader’s presence. Step-by-Step we rediscover the reasons for and descriptions on how each element of the Mass in plain language for all to understand. Even the ‘cradle Catholic’ will enjoy this review of the Mass!

Part Four is the Tribute to the Holy Mass in which Ms Guay discusses the importance of the Mass here on earth, she says, “As the Mass begins, we are invited to turn away from our sins… There we find God the Father faithfully and lovingly awaiting us with open arms and heart, as did the father of the prodigal son.”

The test your knowledge in Part Five is great in her, Elements of Catechesis on the Holy Mass.” This is where we review what we have learned and continue to learn more. Here we also learn about the many prayers of the Catholic Church as well as charts and a glossary of Catholic words and documents.

All in all, Marie Diane has worked diligently and lovingly for our faith vehicle, the Roman Catholic Church to teach and refresh us in the most important activity we do here on earth. I highly recommend this book for DRE’s to use as a gift or even a text for new incoming Catholics around the world. This is a priceless teaching instrument that exudes her love of Jesus and His Bride.
Thank you, Marie Diane from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work and devotion, it shows!