Since the beginnings of Christianity, veneration for the Virgin Mary, mother of God, has played a fundamental role in the confession of the Christian faith. This fully illustrated new book explores the history of Marian devotion and its significance today. Its perspective is that of Vatican II, and it is addressed to Orthodox. Anglicans and Protestants as well as to Roman Catholics. Companions to this volume are: How to Read the Old Testament, How to Read the New Testament, How to Read Church History Vols 1 & 2, How to Read the World: Creation in Evolution, How to Understand Marriage, How to Understand the Creed, How to Understand the Liturgy, How to Understand Islam, How to Understand God, How to Understand the Sacraments, How to Read the Church Fathers, How to Read the Apocalypse. In preparation: How to Understand the Eucharist, How to Read the Prophets. Jacques Bur was a theological expert at Vatican II; he has taught in many seminaries and universities and now works in Papeete, New Guinea. The cover shows Titian's Assumption (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frani, Venice)