Blogs
In the News: Dec. 27, 2016
By Michael Duricy
Read recent items about Mary in both Catholic and secular news. Also see International Marian Research Institute news and updates.
Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute Features
Updates
Deadline for Call For Papers on Fatima!
The Shrine of Fatima and the Faculty of Theology of the Catholic University of Portugal, in charge of the organization of the International Conference of the Centennial of Fatima, Thinking Fatima--Interdisciplinary Readings, which will take place in the Shrine of Fatima from June 21-24, 2017, invite researchers of different disciplines of Theological, Social, and Human Sciences to present papers related to the event of Fatima, throughout the 100 years of its existence.
Papers are accepted in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German. Plenary conferences will be guaranteed in Portuguese, English, and Italian. The proposals must fall within one of the thematic fields, and should be submitted anonymously to the evaluation of at least two members of the Scientific Committee of the Congress, selected by the Organizing Committee, upon presentation of an abstract.
The deadline for Paper proposals (Abstracts) is December 31, 2016.
Click here for further details [in Spanish].
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Limited-time offer on Fatima 100th Anniversary Rosaries!
Perfect for the Fatima 100th anniversary in 2017! Four beautiful NEW special edition rosaries with Fatima-themed medals from New Hope Publications.
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Posada by Brother John Samaha, S.M.
Like its German counterpart Herbergsuchen (Search for an Inn), the Spanish Posada (Inn) is an Advent play dramatizing the Holy Family's disappointing efforts to find shelter in Bethlehem. In this custom the people of Mexico and Hispanics everywhere give the holy couple the warm reception not found in Bethlehem.
After dark on the evenings between December 16 and 24 the faithful, singing hymns of the season and bearing the figures of Mary and Joseph, make a candlelight procession through the streets to the home selected to host the Holy Family for the night. In reparation for the old refusal, the receiving family welcomes the pilgrims with the prayer, "Come into my humble home, and welcome! May the Lord give shelter to my soul when I leave this world."
TOPMarian Events
Event: Holy Fools and Wonderworkers: Saints of the Orthodox Faith
Date: November 19, 2016 - February 26, 2017
Place: Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street, Clinton, Massachusetts 01510
Visit the largest collection of Russian icons in North America. Please be aware that this museum has many Marian icons.
Mary in the Catholic Press
Jesus Christ is Born (Zenit) Dec 23, 2016
His name is Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. He is the savior of the world. He is the Lord of the dead and of the living, the Lord of time and history. He is the Word of God, the eternal son of the Father, who has always existed, and who will always exist.
He is God made man. And He was born in a stable, a cave, probably, where livestock were kept. After He was born, He was lovingly dressed by His mother, and then His exhausted parents laid Him in the best place they could find, a hastily cleaned feeding trough, where animals had been eating just hours before.
To be sure, a barn is an unworthy place for any woman to give birth, for any baby to be born. A trough is an inhospitable and unwelcoming crib. But this is the place where Jesus Christ, God made man was born. His parents were so poor they had no place to stay. They were alone in a strange city, apart from their families, delivering the King of Kings in a drafty, earthy, inhospitable barn...."
Click here to read the complete article.Mary in the Secular Press
The director and editors of All About Mary under the auspices of the International Marian Research Institute do not necessarily endorse or agree with the events and ideas expressed in this feature. Our sole purpose is to report on items about Mary gleaned from a myriad of papers representing the secular press.
U.D. Nativity scenes: An inspirational delight (Dayton Daily News) December 17, 2016
One of Dayton's prized treasures is the collection of Nativity scenes at the University of Dayton's Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute. The world's largest repository of books, artwork, and artifacts devoted to Mary, the mother of Christ, includes more than 3,500 creches created in 110 nations around the globe.
The charming manger scenes share the story of the birth of Jesus. In addition to Mary, Joseph, and the infant, the tableaux often include the wise men, angels, shepherds, sheep, and other animals. Each Christmas season, the University of Dayton welcomes the community to the Roesch Library for the wonderful display.
"The Nativity scene is a way to bring Advent and Christmas into the home," says Sarah Cahalan, the library's new director. "It helps people to prepare for Christmas. In many cases, people's Nativity sets are heirlooms that have been handed down or added to over the years, so in addition to the connection with the Holy Family people can feel a connection with their own family and culture as well...."
Click here to read the complete article which includes a one-minute video clip.