I wanted to practice Jesus' compassion, extending it to every human being on the planet, especially to the poor, the marginalized, and the ostracized. . . . I found in Mary's story a shining example of the journey to the peace of God. Her story showed me the basic steps on the road to peace, from contemplative nonviolence to active nonviolence to prophetic nonviolence.

— John Dear, Mary of Nazareth, Prophet of Peace