A Year with Mary is an invitation to live through the Christian year in the company of a woman who, through the centuries, has been like a mother, sister and friend to countless followers of Jesus. Mary is loved and honoured not for herself, but because she draws us closer to her Son. This collection of prayers and readings - from the Bible, the classics and the present day - are arranged around the 24 Marian festivals in the Christian calendar. We begin with Advent, the season of Mary par excellence, when we wait and prepare for the coming of Christ. Throughout the year, Mary remains a close and familiar companion: we share her agony at the crucifixion, her joy at the resurrection and in her quiet acceptance and trust we are helped to find meaning in the joys, sorrows and mysteries of our own lives.