Blogs
In the News: August 11, 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 Third Annual Weekend Conference of the ESBVM USA (The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary, USA) was held from Thursday, August 4 to Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY. The theme of the conference was "Mary in Scripture."
Father Sebastien Abalodo, S.M., Lecturer and Researcher at the Marian Library and the International Marian Research Institute, presented on the topic "Mary, Mother of Our Savior: A Biblical Approach" on August 4. Below, Father Abalodo tells us about his presentation:
"The theme 'Mary Mother of the Savior' seems to fit with any ecumenical Christian dialogue on Mary. The Motherhood of Mary may be a solid starting point of an ecumenical dialogue on Mary. Indeed, if differences arise when it comes to the role of Mary in the Church and in the lives of the faithful, no Christian tradition denies the motherhood of Mary, Mother of our Savior. Therefore, the Motherhood of Mary may be the uniting point of Christians for a number of reasons: All the Christian traditions recognize and accept at least the physical Motherhood of Mary; No Christian tradition rejects the physical maternity of Mary; There are numerous Scriptural foundations for the Motherhood of Mary in the Bible; The early Church Fathers agree on the veneration of Mary as the Mother of our Savior; and The definition of the dogma Theotokos, declaring Mary as the Mother of God, is the least controversial dogma for all the Christian traditions that believe in the divinity of Jesus.
As we can see, there is consensus on many points regarding the Motherhood of Mary. The objective of my presentation was to show that the physical motherhood on which we all agree has some anthropological and spiritual implications going beyond a simple physical motherhood. Thus, exploring the biblical foundations, and some theological reflections, my presentation showed how we can reach a consensus on the major attributes of Mary according to Sacred Scripture and to the early Church understandings, and how fundamental is her physical and spiritual motherhood, as well as her mission in the history of salvation and in the spiritual life of all the Christians, saved by her Son. So, through the analysis of some biblical texts, my presentation was intended to demonstrate that there is no conflict between Mariology and Christology. Any Marian text of the Bible is Christocentric and leads to Christ. For example, the theological message of Galatians 4:4 affirms the Incarnation of the Son of God and is a very Christocentric message. However the Christocentrism of this passage doesn't exclude its Marian aspect. Mary is implicitly present here as the representative of the human race in the mystery of the Incarnation, precisely as the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Savior! The expression 'born from a woman' alludes to human cooperation and participation in the economy of salvation. To be more specific, it alludes to the role of Mary, which is her cooperation to the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God. She is the mother of the Incarnate Son of God, and thus, the Theotokos.
The spiritual mission of Mary in the Christian life is to lead people to her Son Jesus, and make possible doing the will of her Son in each person. Mary is there to tell us: "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2:5)
N.B. Michael Duricy, also of the Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute, gave a presentation at the same conference on Saturday, August 6 on the topic: "Mary in Bible Films."
TOPMary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Colleen Hoelscher, Archivist/Librarian for the Marian Library, provided highlights of our historical materials related to the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima: Our Lady of Fatima Digital Collection.
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below with the following comments: "As the Society of Mary celebrates its bicentennial, it is appropriate to offer special recognition to a Marianist who was around for the centennial."
Mann oh Mann! A Birthday Milestone for Father Larry
Marian Events
Fatima, USA 2016
Date: August 12, 2016
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, 2365 St. John's Rd., Maria Stein, OH 45860
Father Eric Bowman from Transfiguration Parish in West Milton will be the Celebrant of the Mass. Father Bowman has a fervent devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. In 2017, he is organizing a tour to Fatima Portugal for the one-hundredth anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Lucia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto.
Holy Mass begins at 7:30. After dark, a candle-light rosary will take form on the grounds as each prayer is recited. The program will conclude with a candle-light procession around the grounds. Candles and holders will be available. All Priests are invited to celebrate at the Mass. The Sacrament of Confession will be available.
Please bring your rosary, lawn chair, and warm clothing [appropriate dress]. A donation will be accepted for candles, holders, and other expenses.
Handicapped parking will be available. General parking will be available on the grounds. Bus parking will also be available. No food service will be available.
Mary in the Catholic Press
Thousands of Children in Syria Pray for Peace from Zenit July 9, 2016
On June 1, 2016, thousands of Christian children of all denominations gathered in several Syrian cities to celebrate "International Children's Day" as a day of prayer for peace.
In Homs, the occasion marked the first public event held with children since the liberation of the city by the Syrian regime. Christian television network, Tele Lumière, broadcast the proceedings across the entire Middle East. More than 700 children dressed in white gathered together with Catholic and Orthodox bishops in what was for several years once a city under siege--an ancient Christian center where Jesuit Father, Frans van der Lugt, was murdered in April of 2014. Children and prelates made their way through the city in a procession, stopping to pray at the churches of the various Christian denominations....
The destroyed Melkite Greek Catholic cathedral, which is consecrated to "Our Lady, Queen of Peace," was adorned with a monumental poster of the Infant Jesus of Prague. In the Melkite cathedral, the bishops joined the children in a prayer to the Infant Jesus. Bishop Arbach said that the Infant Jesus is "the source of peace for our children and our country because His greeting is 'Peace be with you.'" They also lit candles before a statue of the Infant Jesus....
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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.
Regina Veritatis Intercessory Prayer (Saint Gertrude parish website) January 10, 2016
On the first Saturday of the month the Regina Veritatis Healing Prayer Ministry will offer intercessory prayer for all those in need. It will follow the 11:30 Mass and the Anointing of the Sick and take place in the Church.
This is a ministry for all those who are in need of private prayer due to trauma, brokenness, personal struggles within themselves or in families, physical healing needs and a desire for holiness in their lives as Catholics. It is also for those who desire to open their hearts more fully to God the Father's love. Regina Veritatis also uses the Unbound Method of prayer for healing and freedom. This prayer releases those prayed for, from both past and present inner stumbling blocks to personal holiness. Our ministry is for any member of our parish, as well as, friends or acquaintances outside of the parish who are in need of personal prayer ministry....
Click here to read the complete article.