Blogs
Mary in the News: Dec. 4, 2019
By Michael Duricy
Read recent items about Mary in both Catholic and secular news. Also, see International Marian Research Institute as well as Marian Library news and updates.
Marian Library and International Marian Research Institute Features
Updates
2020 Annual Conference of the ESBVM USA Call for Papers
The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary, USA (ESBVM USA) was formed by Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Orthodox, and Presbyterian Scholars and is open to all Christians. The Society exists to advance the scholarly study of Mary, the Mother of Christ. By drawing on insights and perspectives from all traditions within the Christian household, the Society promotes increasing one's understanding of Christianity, furthering the effectiveness of the Christian mission, fostering academic interchange, and participating in inter-ecclesial prayer.
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: March 1, 2020
Conference Theme: "Mary, Mother of the Lord"
Conference Dates: July 22-25, 2020
Conference Location: Misericordia University, 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612 (just outside Wilkes-Barre)
Submission Guidelines and Requirements:
The paper proposal should be in DOC or DOCX and must include: presentation title, your name, professional affiliation (e.g., university or church name), and status (undergrad, grad. student, Ph.D. candidate, faculty, pastor, etc.), contact information (e-mail address and daytime telephone), abstract (350-500 words), and equipment needs.
The general theme for the 2020 ESBVM USA Conference is "Mary, Mother of the Lord." This theme may be explored using a variety of methods appropriate to your field of study, personal interests, and particular Christian tradition. The following are some suggested topics to use for inspiration:
- Explorations of Mary's motherhood as gleaned from particular Scripture passages (Old Testament typologies and prophecies as well as New Testament texts);
- A study of Mary's motherhood as explored in the work of particular theologians and churchmen including the Early Church Fathers, Medieval Scholars, Protestant Reformers, and contemporary theologians;
- Mary's motherhood as it relates to and illuminates cultural and social justice issues, anthropological issues, sacramental theology, Christian anthropology, and/or soteriology;
- Conclusions drawn from or about ecumenical dialogues on the subject of Mary's motherhood;
- Historical, systematic, scriptural, or ecumenical explorations of Mary's motherhood as revealed by Marian titles such as Theotókos, Maria Lactans, or Mother of the Church and/or aspects of Mary's motherhood enshrined in Marian dogmas;
- Eastern and/or Western artistic depictions of Mary as mother of Christ, Christians, or the Church in the visual, literary and performing arts;
- Liturgical texts, prayers, and feast days in honor of Mary's motherhood; and
- The role that Mary's motherhood has played in Marian apparitions.
Please address your proposal for review to:
Christopher M. Carr, Ph.D.
ESBVM-USA, President
Misericordia University
301 Lake Street
Dallas, PA 18612
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Mother Thrice Admirable Now Available
To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Servant of God Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the Schoenstatt Movement and survivor of the Dachau concentration camp, Danielle Peters and John Larson, MIC, offer an overview of the Mariology of this influential Priest. Drawing together and introducing key texts by Father Kentenich, this book will be indispensable for students, scholars, and children of Our Lady all seeking to understand the Mariology of the twentieth century.
Marian Events
Title: The Immaculate Conception--a free presentation by Stephen Snyder, Theology Teacher
Dates: Monday, December 9, 2019
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Location: Covington Catholic High School, First floor Multipurpose Room (across from the chapel), 1600 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills, KY
The Immaculate Conception is one of the most important, yet misunderstood and underappreciated Dogmas of our Catholic Faith. Come learn about the history, the meaning, the importance, and the amazing depth of this beautiful mystery so you can better celebrate it! This presentation is free for all. RSVP is requested to ssnyder@covcath.org.
Mary in the Catholic Press
Pope Invokes Mary Queen of Poland to Help Polish Autonomous Independent Trade Union Solidarnosc Continue Good Work (Zenit) December 4, 2019
Before his General Audience this morning, Pope Francis received in audience in the Vatican the members of the Board of Directors of the Polish autonomous independent trade union, Solidarnosc, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of its founding. Here is the Vatican-provided translation of the Pope's address to those present:
***
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
I cordially welcome you and thank you for this visit, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the foundation of the independent and autonomous trade union Solidarnosc in Poland. As recent history shows, it has been the protagonist of political and social changes in your country and has also played an inspiring role beyond its borders....
I ask God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for you and for all the members of your union, so that the initiatives you undertake may always be inspired by the Christian rule: "Bear one another's burdens" (Gal 6: 2). In invoking the intercession of the Mother of God, Queen of Poland, I hope for the fruitful continuation of your work of assistance and support. God bless you!
Mary in the Secular Press
U.D. Marian Library's At the Manger Exhibit Offers Diverse Nativity Collections (Flyer News) November 30, 2019
The Marian Library's At the Manger exhibit has been an annual tradition at U.D. Cover photo courtesy of the Marian Library’s website.
The Marian Library plans to carry out an Advent and Christmas tradition this December when they open their At the Manger exhibit on December 2, 2019, lasting until January 12, 2020. The exhibit, titled "A Labor of Love," is made possible largely due to the work of many volunteers and features nativity scenes from various artists and cultures.
Speaking with Jillian Ewalt, the Marian Library's Librarian for Visual Resources, I learned that since 1995, the Marian Library has shown dozens of artworks portraying the birth of Christ from its collection of over 3,000 items. Many of the pieces are either loaned or donated to the Marian Library while others have been commissioned or purchased. The nativity scenes are then placed on wooden frames, tables, and boxes built by generous craftsmen volunteering thousands of hours to build and install displays for the exhibits. Former University of Dayton professor, Harry Mushenheim, has designed many backdrops and sets for the nativity scenes on display....