Blogs
In the News: July 18, 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
The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary USA August 2016 Conference on Mary in Scripture
Date: August 4-6, 2016
Location: Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh, NY
Come and join us for three full days of thought-provoking, scholarly presentations and lively dialogue!
This year's presenters include Dr. Mary Frances McKenna, Chair of the Dublin branch of the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as scholars from Oxford, Cambridge, the International Marian Research Institute, St. Tikon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Mount St. Mary College. A special panel of local clergy from Reformation traditions and a performance by the choir of Christ Lutheran Church round out the program.
For more information and to register, email esbvmeditor@hotmail.com.
(Please write "2016 Conference" in the subject line.) Registration deadline is July 15, 2016.
The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary USA (ESBVM USA) exists to advance the study of Mary, the Mother of Christ, in Christian biblical and spiritual perspectives, and in the light of such study, to promote ecumenical interchange and prayer. Its aim is to show that in Mary, Christians of many traditions may find a focus in their search for unity.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Adam DeVille, is associate professor and chairman of the Department of Theology at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, IN. His long list of publications includes Orthodoxy and the Roman Papacy: Ut Unum Sint and the Prospects of East-West Unity. Dr. DeVille's keynote address will shed light on the ecumenically controversial topic, "East-West Agreement on the Ecclesiological and Ecumenical Impact of the Dogmatic Definition of the Immaculate Conception."
N.B. Father Sebastien Abalodo, S.M. and Michael Duricy will travel from the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio to make presentations at this conference.
TOPMary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Mary Must Be Preached
At the 2016 Bible Institute of Presentation Ministries, Father Rob Jack will examine how a sound devotion to Mary is marked by a strong apostolic life. This is exemplified in the Worldwide Association of the Legion of Mary, begun by Mr. Frank Duff, whose cause for canonization is being considered by the Church. This seminar requires one day (Tues, July 26). Note for those unable to attend: Recordings will be available of the seminars--weekend talks on CD and weekday talks in MP3 format. A media catalog can be obtained at the Institute or can be requested by mail.
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below.
Auspice Virgine Deipara by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.
The Marianist Family is generally familiar with the Latin expression Maria duce, meaning under Mary's guidance. (Remember the ablative absolute in Latin, and its use in Julius Caesar's historical record of the Gallic Wars?) This was commonly used by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and those around him.
Auspice Virgine Deipara, under the auspices of the Virgin Mother of God, is another Latin ablative absolute expression used by Chaminade and his disciples.
Consider using these watchwords or slogans appropriately in our written messages. They are helpful reminders of the intense Marian spirit of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and his first followers.
Auspice Virgine Deipara
TOPMarian Events
Mother of Mercy: A Day of Recollection
Date: July 23, 2016
Time:8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Incarnation Church, 7415 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, Ohio 45459
Cost: Free will offering
Hosted by the Legion of Mary with Father Brian Phelps as Spiritual Director
Mass in the Parish Center (school chapel) at 8:30 a.m.
Rosary with Legion of Mary prayers
Liturgy of the Hours
Talks on the Works of Mercy
Adoration
Opportunity for Confession
Bag lunch provided
Registration is appreciated to allow preparation for lunch. Call Gloria Dodd at 937-229-1431 with your name, phone number, and any dietary restrictions.
Mary in the Catholic Press
Hospitality to God from Zenit July 15, 2016
Last Sunday's Gospel ended with the phrase that Jesus had said to the doctor of the law, after having told the parable of the Good Samaritan "Go, and do likewise." The Gospel passage of this Sunday tells of Jesus' visit to the home of Martha and Mary, and ends with the phrase that Jesus says to Martha: "Mary has chosen the better part which shall not be taken away." Many have interpreted these words as a confirmation--by Jesus--that the contemplative life hidden in monasteries is better and of a higher value than the active life of those who work to witness to Christ in the world.
To limit the words of Christ to the contrast between the active life in the world (Martha) and the contemplative life in the monastery (Mary) means diminishing it. The perspective is broader and touches two attitudes that must be part of the life of any disciple, listening and service. The tension is not between listening and service, but between listening and service that distracts from listening. Indeed, prayer is not opposed to occupation, but to concern....
The perfect synthesis between Martha and Mary is found in the Virgin Mary, the first and foremost disciple of Christ. Saint Augustine emphasizing the attitude of faith of Mary, the cause of her divine motherhood, writes: "It is more for Mary to have been the disciple of Christ than the Mother of Christ." (Sermon 25,7: PL 46, 937 ) And St. Maximus Confessor adds: "The Holy Mother became a disciple of her sweet Son, true Mother of Wisdom and daughter of wisdom, because she did not look at Him as a simple man, but served Him with respect as God and welcomed His words as words of God." (AA.VV. [edd.], Marian Texts of the first millennium, Rome 1989, 2, 232)
This example is followed in particular from the Virgins Consecrated in the world, who are called to live their vocation looking always at Christ, from the cradle of Bethlehem to the Cross of Jerusalem, and then looking at the world in which they live through the eyes of Christ. Jesus is "the bridegroom with us." (Mt 9,15) Through His Blood Christ generates the new humanity. The Church is loved by Christ with spousal transport: she lives in his love, in total intimacy with Him. She reciprocates Christ's love with a bride's heart. Her life of "bride of Christ" "is hidden with Christ in God." (Col 3,3) "The new Jerusalem is adorned as a bride ready to go to meet the bridegroom." (Rev 21,2) All the baptized share the marriage of the Church, of which the consecrated virgins are constant witness.
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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.
A Witness to Who We Are (Catholic Standard) May 19, 2016
Other stops included the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Eucharist convent in Northwest D.C.; Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bethesda; the Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat House; Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Potomac and Holy Redeemer Parish, Kensington, where a vigil Mass was celebrated for all the pilgrimage participants.
Woven into the history and traditions of both schools, Kevin Davern, The Avalon School headmaster, describes the pilgrimage as "penitential, joyful, lively and a public witness" that especially honors Mary in May, the month of special devotion to her....