Shopping with the Virgin Mary is an award-winning collection of small vignettes, not only about shopping, (even though shopping experiences are sprinkled throughout) but the author's growing relationship, knowledge, and understanding of Mary. Her relationship with the Virgin started off, embarrassingly, in the most benign and superficial of ways. She asked Mary to go shopping with and from that one simple request, came a slow and joyful journey of finding her in daily life.

Whether she is “approved” by one church, local official, law enforcement group, psychiatrist, medium or Boy Scout troop seems to make no difference to Mary. She just keeps showing up whenever and wherever she is needed – to Catholics, Protestants, Pagans, Agnostics, Atheists, Aunt Harriet or Cousin Ed . . . there she is. Poof! The most important is that the holy is available to us everywhere: in large cathedrals, on majestic mountains, and in our own backyards. They are here, not just for the pious or religiously good either, but for each and every one of us . . . if we but ask.

Kermie Wohlenhaus

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