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Mary in the News: Oct. 19, 2017
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
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Marian video on YouTube
A live performance of Michael Cygan's Fatima, the Musical was recorded recently and may be viewed on YouTube. The music is available for purchase on iTunes. Click here for more information about this production.
From the Marian Treasure Chest
The article below was sent by Brother John Samaha.
Our Lady of the Pillar and Chaminade by Brother John Samaha, S.M.
When Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was forced into exile from France, he headed for Zaragoza, Spain, where a number of faithful French had already found refuge. He arrived in Zaragoza on October 11, eve of the patronal feast of the city, Our Lady of the Pillar.
According to an ancient tradition the first Christians of that region had built a hermitage in honor of the Virgin Mary along the banks of the Ebro River. By Chaminade's time the shrine had developed into a great basilica and a place of pilgrimage for believers from all parts of the world. Among the Spanish-speaking peoples she is the patroness of many places and institutions, and many women are named "Pilar."
During his three years at Zaragoza Father Chaminade spent much time in prayer, in ministry to others, and in discussions in which plans were made for an eventual return of the exiles to their own country. While there he was graced with a special insight and inspiration concerning his own future call as missionary and founder. Later he referred frequently to this distinct inspiration from God through Mary, and often referred to her as Our Lady of the Pillar.
Three of our Founder's closest collaborators--Fathers Caillet, Lalanne, and Rothea--recalled that he received a "special inspiration" at Zaragoza about his future. The exact nature of this inspiration was never divulged by Father Chaminade. However, in one of his conferences to the first Marianists he declared, "As I see you now before me, so I saw you in spirit at Zaragoza long before the foundation of the Society of Mary. It was Mary who conceived the plan of the Society. She laid its foundation and she will see to its continued existence."
Since 1888 this feast has been one specially celebrated on October 12 in the Society of Mary, and the image of Our Lady of the Pillar is prominent in communities and works of the Marianists.
Marian Events
Theme: Inauguration of the academic year 2017-2018
Location: Pontifical Faculty of Theology Marianum, Viale Trenta Aprile 6, 00153 Roma, Italia
Date: October 25, 2017
The session will include a presentation on the topic of Synodality. For more details, or to register, contact the Marianum by email at marianum@marianum.it
Mary in the Catholic Press
Pope at Santa Marta: Contemplate the Virgin Mary at the Cross (Zenit website) September 15, 2017
Contemplate the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross.
Pope Francis gave this advice in his homily on September 15, 2017, reported Vatican Radio, as he reflected on Our Lady of Sorrows.
His homily came as he celebrated daily Mass in the Casa Santa Marta for the second time after the summer break.
Click here to read the entire 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.
All the Way to Madagascar (Mirror: Aid to the Church in Need) September/October 2017
Sister Solange of the Daughters of Saint Paul in Madagascar is happy to see her apostolate bearing fruit. The ACN Little Catechism in French and the Rosary booklet in Malagasy, the language of Madagascar, are very much in demand. "The Rosary booklet for children is used in the schools as a teaching book, and the Rosary booklet for the older ones is very popular both for their personal prayer or in their prayer groups," she writes. In fact, she is already starting to run out of these booklets. In return, the Faith is growing. Sister Solange thanks you from the bottom of her heart for your help, which is making a difference. "The shared love of the children of God unites us," she writes. She is so happy for this, and so grateful.