Mary, the First Disciple: A Guide for Transforming Today's Church

This is a book about discipleship. It is a journey through the scriptural memory of Mary, starting with Mary's and the women disciples' presence in the Upper Room and at Pentecost.

Presenting Mary as a model of Christian discipleship based solely on the Annunciation has limited her influence to private spirituality. This image has been used to silence and severely limit the role of women in the church.

Azzarello presents a new reflection whereby a renewed image of Mary's discipleship can speak more clearly to the reality of women and men trying to live their commitment as disciples of Jesus Christ. This renewed image arises when the Annunciation and Visitation are reconnected to Pentecost.