Book Review: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena



I have never been on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but with Marge Fenelon’s new book, Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena, I feel as if I have actually traveled there. In Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena, Fenelon takes us on her Holy Land trip, as she follows Pope Francis in his historic 2014 pilgrimage to the sacred sites. She reflects on the nine sacred sites, the inspiring words of the Holy Father, and the knots that obstruct the peace there, comparing them to the common knots that prevent each of us from experiencing interior peace in our daily lives. As we travel along on the nine-day pilgrimage, Fenelon shares fervent novena prayers to Our Lady for each of the nine days. She also poses thoughtful questions which encourage us to delve deeper and to untangle the knots. The various knots include: injustice, separation, confusion, hopelessness, grief and loss, discord, betrayal, envy and pride, and affliction.

The Our Lady Undoer of Knots novena is an ancient tradition, which Fenelon has successfully revived to make it more modern and applicable to Catholics today. As I journeyed with her to Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, and the Temple Mount, I felt as if I were truly present at each one of these holy places, which in and of itself, brought peace and joy to my heart. Fenelon's unique insights into understanding the knots and explaining them penetrated my mind and opened it up to a deeper understanding of how these knots affect not only my own life, but the lives of those around me. The novena prayers reflect humility, love, and trust in the intercessory power of our Blessed Mother. This guided meditation is a must read for anyone who desires to experience the joy and peace that comes from surrendering our hearts to the healing that Our Lady Undoer of Knots provides. Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena is a beautiful devotional and a lasting treasure that you will want to read and re-read and share with family members and friends.

~ copyright Jean M. Heimann 2015
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