Forty More Days with Mary, Book Review by: Kiane Javier, Batangas
Have you ever looked at someone in silent awe and wondered how she could offer her entire self for a greater plan to happen? This truly captures the heart of the book entitled 40 More Days with Mary by Tito Frank Padilla, reflecting Mary’s humble “yes” and her role in God’s work of salvation. The book’s main theme is faith, humility, and obedience, showing that Mary’s life always points to Jesus. It tells us that Mary is not just the Mother of Christ, but she is also our model and inspiration, and she can be our guide in our journey to be rooted and built up in Him.
The book begins by introducing Mary and unfolds as a day-by-day reflection on her life, highlighting her humility, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. From the very beginning, it emphasizes that the wonderful plan of salvation was made possible through Mary’s “yes”, her total offering of herself, and her love without reservation. It highlights her unique role and characteristics that make her an inspiration and model for us, showing her divine contradictions: how life may challenge us, yet God’s plan works for our good. The book concludes with reflections on Marian devotions, showing how Mary points us to Jesus and guides our spiritual journey.
Mary is uniquely special to God; she is presented as the Ark of the New Covenant and the Mother of the Church, a powerful advocate who leads us closer to Christ. She inspires us to love others, remain steadfast, and look forward to eternal life with hope and joy. Her life demonstrates that faith is built on trust and obedience, even in the midst of suffering, and that holiness requires grace, perseverance, and hope. Mary’s humility is a recurring theme, as she gave birth to the Savior yet remained a servant who always pointed back to God. She shows that following Jesus may involve hardship, but being at His feet is the highest place. Through humility and service, she models the life of true discipleship.
Life’s challenges and God’s call may seem contradictory, yet Mary’s example shows that abiding by God ensures all works for our good, for apart from Him we can do nothing. Her reflections also connect Mary’s mission to ours, reminding us that just as she brings Christ to us and us to Christ, we too are called to bring others to Him.
Mary’s role continues through Marian devotions, as she comforts, intercedes, and strengthens us, guiding us to live faithfully, persevere in our mission, and share Jesus with others. Living a life of holiness means being set apart, keeping God at the center, radiating hope and joy, and following Mary, the Mother of Mission, who walks with us on the narrow path of faith. She teaches us to trust, obey, and love, and inspires us to live a life rooted in Christ and built up in holiness.
Upon reading the book, one unforgettable moment in my life came to mind. It was the time when I was hospitalized. I became very sick, and it reached a point when my parents thought they might lose me. Yet despite the fear and uncertainty, they continued to hold on to hope. My parents and my sister often told me how they would climb a mountain near our home called “Pinagpalang Bundok”, which is considered a grotto of Mama Mary, where they prayed for my healing. By the grace of the Lord, I was healed. That story has always stayed with me. It reminds me that Mama Mary is one of the messengers God sent to my family and to me so that I could always hold on to Him. The stories they shared are very clear in my mind, and because of them, I continue to thank God for the gift of my life.
While reading the book, my admiration for my parents grew even deeper. Just as Mama Mary said “yes” to God and allowed the work of salvation to take place, my family never gave up on me. Because they held on and never let go, I was able to continue living my life and eventually become a member of MFC.
Being a member of MFC has given me so much hope, especially when God called me to serve as a Kids servant. There have been many challenges along the way, but because of His mercy, I continue to show up despite and in spite of the difficulties. By continuing to show up, I learned something wonderful. When we say “yes” to God, we do not only bring Him to other people and bring people closer to Him, but we also allow Jesus to enter our own hearts and transform us.
This only happens when we let Jesus be visible in our actions and daily lives. Through these experiences, I came to understand that being truly rooted in Christ goes deeper than just faith—it shapes how we live. Just as the leaves of a tree reveal that it is alive and healthy, our lives should reflect the presence of Jesus to those around us. The leaves are what people notice first, even if the roots remain hidden underground. In the same way, as shown in the book, Mary is like vibrant, green leaves, her life reflects that she is deeply rooted in God, pointing us always to Him.
40 More Days with Mary shows how Mary’s humble “yes” and unwavering trust in God made the plan of salvation possible and continues to inspire our faith. Her life teaches that true discipleship is expressed through humility, obedience, and perseverance, even amid challenges. Reading the book reminded me of my own experience of serious illness and how my parents’ steadfast faith, like Mary’s, brought hope and revealed God’s presence in my life. As an MFC Youth member, I have learned that saying “yes” to God in service allows Him to work in others and transform our hearts. Being rooted in Christ means reflecting Him in our daily lives, just as Mary did, inspiring us to grow in holiness
