Blogs

In the News: Nov. 21, 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
Reminder about the Call for Papers for the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary--USA
ESBVM-USA July 2017 Conference Call for Papers
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. The ESBVM was formed by Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Orthodox, and Presbyterian Scholars and is open to all Christians.
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: December 1, 2016
Conference Theme: "Mary, Disciple of the Lord: Prayer and Holiness"
Conference Dates: July 12 – 15, 2017 (Wed. evening through Sat. morning).
Conference Location: Misericordia University in Dallas, PA (near Scranton)
Submission Guidelines and Requirements:
The paper proposal should be in DOC or DOCX and must include:
Presentation Title
Presenter's 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, daytime telephone)
Abstract (350-500 words)
Equipment needs.
The overall theme for the conference is "Mary, Disciple of the Lord: Prayer and Holiness." This theme may be approached through a variety of avenues appropriate to your field of study, interests, and particular Christian tradition. The following are some suggestions for different scriptural, systematic, anthropological, liturgical, artistic or historical approaches to help get you started. This is not an exhaustive list, so please feel free to add to it.
Scriptural study of Mary's "pondering" in Luke 2:19 or the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55
Historical or systematic study of writings by the Early Church Fathers on Mary and prayer, holiness, and the interior life
Historical study of Mary as a model of prayer and holiness in a particular tradition, such as Anglicanism
The thoughts of Protestant reformers on Mary as a holy example
Contemporary developments in Protestant thought and practice regarding Mary as an example of holiness for Christians, new Lutheran Marian feast days, or ecumenical Marian celebrations such as those at the shrine in Walsingham, England on the Feast of the Assumption
Commentary on a particular contemporary theologian or author who wrote about Marian prayer and/or Mary as an example of holiness
The theology of particular Marian prayers
Marian references in the liturgy
Mary as teacher of prayer and advancement in the interior life for contemporary society
Mary's holiness as portrayed in the visual, performing, or literary arts
Please submit proposals to the review committee at Maura.hearden@desales.edu.
TOPMary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
New Mariology Journal
Father Donald Calloway, MIC, STL
From the Marian Treasure Chest
October 15, 2016, a colorful and beautiful autumn day at the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupré, Quebec where the third Marian Congress was held and sponsored by the SOCAMA. Some seventy participants, namely Mariologists and Marian devotees, of all ages came together to reflect on the theme: Mary, Sacrament of God's Mercy?
Rev. Father Vincent Siret, dean of the Major Seminary of Toulouse, France painted a comprehensive picture using the three key words: Mary, Sacrament, and Mercy. Taking references from the meanings of symbolic languages: known to unknown and vice versa, visible to invisible and vice versa as a tool in education of faith. Also, the Marian doctrine of St. Pope John Paul II.
Professor Nadeau-Lacour, a professor in Theology and Philosophy made a summary on how Mary is a sacrament: first, the church fathers symbolized her as the Moon, and Jesus as the Sun. Naming the characteristics of discretion, brightness and presence of a Moon and Mary. Secondly, Mary, a constant radiant presence of God among humanity. Throughout her life and in the course of history, Mary has been an instrument and a sign pointing to God's merciful love for humanity. Thirdly, how Mary, herself had experienced the Merciful love and kindness of God. From the Annunciation/Incarnation to Pentecost, the heart of Mary knows that True love entails tenderness and pardon. Hence she is the Mother of Mercy.
The afternoon session gave time and space to the younger participants. They were four young male students, two young women graduate students and a young woman religious who shared their experiences on how Mary has been instrumental and a guide as well as an educator in their faith searching.
Marian hymns began and ended the day. Two IMRI graduates: Mgr. Frank Leo (President of SOCAMA) and Sister Celia Chua, Moderator, together with the organizing committee thanked the participants and promised to see each other again next year in Montreal to celebrate the 375th foundation of the City and its founders and foundresses.
Marian Events
Dayton Film Screening Event (Saint Joseph Church Bulletin) October 30, 2016
A few years ago, the independent film, The Triumph, was screened in the area and was a big success. Now, from the same Director, comes a new feature film called Apparition Hill about an unlikely group of pilgrims who journey to the little-known village of Medjugorje. Three screenings are available at The Neon: Monday, November 21, 2016 at 7:30 pm; Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:30 pm; and Monday, December 12, 2016 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 each and available online only at http://www.4Mary.org/movies.html. All proceeds benefit the 4Mary Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima in 2017. For more information contact info@4Mary.org by email.
TOPMary in the Catholic Press
Children Across the World Pray Rosary for Peace (Zenit) October 16, 2016
The global charity Aid to the Church in Need is sponsoring A Million Children Praying the Rosary at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 (wherever you are), with a special intention for peace in Syria.
The charity noted that Padre Pio once said, "When a million children pray the Rosary, the world will change...."
"Please help us, especially during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, to spread the word to children in all the schools, kindergartens, hospitals, children's homes and parishes ... and let us all together pray the holy Rosary--at 9 a.m. on October 18--on every continent, for peace in the world!"
For more information: http://millionkidspraying.org/en/
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.
Peruvian president consecrates nation to Sacred Heart, Immaculate Heart (EWTN News/CNA) October 25, 2016
At the National Prayer Breakfast in Lima, Peru on Friday, the nation's president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, consecrated the country, his family and himself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Taking part in the National Day of Prayer at the Swissôtel in Lima, Kuczynski in his capacity as president offered the prayer of consecration, written by the Mission for the Love of God in the Whole World....
Click here to read the complete article.