“Holy is his Name: a journey through Mary’s Magnificat,” by John Michael Talbot, is a set of meditations and reflections on Mary’s “Magnificat,” or “yes,” from the Gospel of Luke.
The book is split into ten days, but one can follow that or, as we did at the monastery, read it as time permits. Each day has two parts, morning and evening, which I assume means that you or a group can read the morning portion in the morning and then later the evening portion that evening.
Talbot splits up the Magnificat and reflects on portions of the prayer and at times zeroes in on specific words like one does when using Lectio Divina. The mornings and evenings are sometimes split into two sections which end with questions to ponder on what was just presented. There is no index or bibliographical references.
Talbot was born in Oklahoma City to a Methodist family. He was involved with his siblings in a rock band. He later converted to Catholicism and wrote and performed many Christian songs that eventually made him known in the Christian music world. He founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity centered at the Little Portion Hermitage in Berryville, Arkansas. His order follows the Franciscan spirituality. His order is an experiment where single, and married men and women live in community. Talbot is married to Viola Pratka. Talbot’s order has recognition from the Diocese of Little Rock. Bishop Anthony Taylor has been supportive of this community. Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen of Saint Gregory’s Abbey has been involved with representing Bishop Taylor and the Church at profession ceremonies and John Michael Talbot has had some performances at Saint Gregory’s Abbey.
Talbot has written several books along his many inspirational songs. We monks read this book during the month of May – Mary’s month. The Magnificat is said or sung at the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office at Vespers or Evening Prayer towards the end of the Office every day. Talbot begins with his own version of the text of the Magnificat which is followed by an introduction. The text is also given at the end of the book from the “Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic edition.”
This book would be great to use in preparation for any Marian feast day, like the Assumption (Aug. 15) of the Nativity of Mary (Sept. 8) or other Marian feast days or even for the Marian months of May and October.
If you like John Michael Talbot’s songs and his other books you will like this book because it is reflecting on Scripture and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This book is highly recommended.
Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., Saint Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.