Mary's time

Although Spain is known for its deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, many of the faithful are still unaware of the true extent of her role in the history of salvation. 

The book by Jorge Fernández Díaz, former Spanish Minister of the Interior, seriously delves into this issue, approaching it from the perspective of the theology of history, that is, attempting to analyze how the plans of providence are intertwined with human endeavors. 

The author offers the reader a spiritual and historical journey that sheds light on the meaning of Marian apparitions throughout the last few centuries.

The work, which is remarkably dense both physically and conceptually, is structured in three main parts. In the first, the author places the beginning of an intense Marian period starting in 1830, with the appearance of the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. Since then, Fernández Díaz points out, there have been more than 80% recognized apparitions, which he does not consider a coincidence: in a world increasingly distant from God due to the process of modern secularization, Mary appears with greater force to console, warn, and guide humanity. This is the key to understanding the entire book: the messages of the Virgin Mary as a loving response to the suffering of contemporary man.

The second part of the book focuses on the Spanish case, analyzing in depth lesser-known but significant apparitions such as Chauchina, Ezquioga, Umbe, Chandavila, Garabandal, Can Cerdà, and El Escorial. 

The third section, which is longer—about 150 pages—is devoted entirely to the message of Fatima, which the author considers central to understanding the 20th century in the light of Marian spirituality.

The volume concludes with two appendices on appearances in Belgium and Amsterdam. 

It is striking, however, that the author does not devote any space to other phenomena of great significance such as Medjugorje or Akita, trusting that the reader is already familiar with them. This omission may come as a surprise, especially in the case of Medjugorje, given the enormous influence it continues to have today on thousands of pilgrims.

In short, this book is a solid and well-documented proposal that helps rediscover the active role of the Virgin Mary in modern history. It is essential reading for those who seek to better understand the mystery of Mary's spiritual motherhood.