Blogs
Mary in the News: July 21, 2020
By Michael Duricy
Marian Library and International Marian Research Institute Features
Updates
For the Solemnity of Saint Mary Magdalene on July 22, please note that Dr. Annamaria Poma-Swank, who taught many courses on Mary and Art at IMRI, has published a book about the sinful woman mentioned in Luke 7 called Maria detta "la maddalena" la donna senza nome [Mary called "the Magdalene"--the Unnamed Woman]. This book is available in Italian from Edizioni Polistampa.
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Fatima film pre-releases in socially distanced drive-in theaters
The highly anticipated film, Fatima, which follows the true story of the remarkable series of Marian apparitions that occurred in Fatima, Portugal in 1917, is scheduled to open in theaters on August 14, 2020. Ahead of the release date, with theaters still closed due to social distancing restrictions, the film's promoters are thinking outside the box and inside the car.
In order to spread the word on this important Catholic story's silver screen adaptation, the production staff have organized pre-release screenings of Fatima in impromptu drive-in theaters across the country. The first such event was held at Hard Rock Stadium (home of the Miami Dolphins), in Miami, on July 13, 2020 (the 103rd anniversary of the third apparition), where over eighty cars were parked on the field to enjoy the picture, which was displayed on the stadium's enormous screens and sound system....
Marian Events
Title: XXIII Festival de Canto Liturgico Mariano
Theme: Conversatorio Taller de Formacion
Dates: 19 de Julio - 8 Agosto, 2020
Location: online
INVITACION
El XXIII Festival de Canto Litúrgico Mariano, de la Asociación de Fieles Al Servicio de María Corredentora, reina de la Paz, de la Arquidiócesis de Barquisimeto, Venezuela, quiere motivar los Grupos de Canto y Ministerios de Música que participan en las Celebraciones Litúrgicas de la Iglesia.
Este año el tema será de las tres letanías que el papa Francisco decretó; Madre de la Misericordia, Madre de la Esperanza y Consuelo de los Migrantes.
Los grupos deben producir una canción nueva, letra y música original, con el tema mariano propuesto y que sirva para ser cantada en las Misas, sea como Canto de Entrada, Ofertorio, Comunión o Salida.
Es un Festival NO competitivo, "regálale una canción a la Iglesia." Sin embargo serán evaluados los cantos por un equipo de personas preparadas al respecto y según el modelo de evaluación que se les enviará. Cada grupo podrá tener así una opinión cualificada respecto de su canto y podrá luego discutirlo dentro de su grupo.
Las canciones serán de uso libre, para toda la Iglesia. Esta actividad es completamente gratuita.
Se les enviarán los materiales para prepararse, de contenido litúrgico y doctrinal mariano respecto del tema de este año, así como el método de evaluación.
Este año debido a las circunstancias será todo on line; los talleres de preparación para el Festival también y las canciones serán grabadas y colocadas en Internet por cada grupo y enviado el enlace a los organizadores en los días que se les irá indicando, para luego realizar el Festival el día fijado, también on line. Por la misma razón este año será un Festival internacional.
Agradecemos su participación.
La dirección de correo del festival será: festivalmariano2020@gmail.com
Enlace para la inscripción: https://forms.gle/ZPwN6cZvK2SqAsGu7
Whatsapp: 04169528722 - Telf. 0251-2541828
Mary in the Catholic Press
Exclusive Interview with Father Miceal O’Neill, Prior General of the Carmelites (Zenit), July 16, 2020
On July 16, the Solemnity of the Virgin of Carmel is celebrated worldwide with great joy and tradition. We are before a devotion that is both ancient and present in the life of the Communities of Religious and laymen that venerate Her as the "Flower of Carmel," or which popular religiosity calls Her simply "Mama Carmel." It was she who in the mid-thirteenth century gave Saint Simon Stock the brown and white scapular that the Friars, women religious, and faithful wear with so much devotion, having made this scapular their protection and way of perfection.
To prepare for this significant feast, which this year won't have processions or fanfare, Zenit talked with Father Miceal O’Neill, Prior General of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, known as Carmelites.
Already immersed in his duties in Rome, assumed some months ago, the Irish Prior reflects on these times of pandemic, as well as on the Church in Europe, while hoping that the Carmelites will keep alive their response and commitment to Pope Francis' calls and reforms.
* * *
–Q: We are suffering the consequences of a worldwide pandemic, with close to one-million dead. How can we discover God's Will in this tragedy for humanity?
–Father O'Neill: During this time of pandemic, I have thought often of the words of the Gospel that speak of how Mary meditated on all these things in her heart. Following this model, we can also meditate and give meaning to all that is happening, and the meaning always goes in the direction of salvation. For instance, the pandemic has shown us that we can do nothing without God; that what has saved so many lives has been the responsibility, seriousness, and solidarity of many and, if there is no honesty and transparency, much harm is generated. All, including the leaders of nations, by meditating and analyzing <what is happening>, will find the most important meaning of it for each one of them....
Mary in the Secular Press
The Museum of Family Prayer announces First Annual Mary Garden Contest (Press Release), July 14, 2020
Dial up some fun, while maintaining social distance, and create something beautiful and peaceful--A Mary Garden!
The Museum of Family Prayer, dedicated to the work of Venerable Patrick Peyton to help families pray together, announces the First Annual Mary Garden Contest. Enter for your chance to win prizes.
While the Museum is currently closed, they wanted to find a way to bring their mission to families in this time of spiritual need. A Mary Garden is a great way to share faith in a fun and easy way for the entire family, especially as the family continues to watch it grow and takes care of it together.
"I am really happy we are doing this! It's vital that we find peace and live contemplating God's beauty now!," said Father James Phalan, C.S.C., National Director of Family Rosary. "Mary Gardens are a devotion born in medieval times: enclosed gardens with an image of Blessed Virgin in the middle, surrounded by all sorts of flowers and herbs that carry her name. You may not realize that there are literally hundreds of plants named after Our Lady in some way!"
We love all types of gardens, large or small, colorful or monotone, pots or plateaus, any and all that touch your heart will touch ours and our viewers. Inspire us with your beautiful works of art. Share your newly-finished Marian Garden or your long-time Mary Garden and share that beauty with others. The contest is designed to encourage families to build their garden, enjoy it as a special place for the family to pray.
"Our family is one of our greatest gifts from God. Why not pray together in a garden? Sounds uncomfortable? Give it a try,” said Phalan. "You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes comfortable. Or, maybe you pray all the time? Head over to your Mary Garden the next time you need to pray. Whatever your situation, we have prayers to make it special."
The Museum of Family Prayer will award the top ten Mary Gardens based on criteria such as overall look, design, usage of flowers, and love for Our Lady. Second through tenth place will receive a $25 monetary gift card and the book by Margaret Rose Realy, A Garden of Visible Prayer: Creating a Personal Sacred Space One Step at a Time. First place will receive a signed copy of the book and a $50 monetary gift card. Enter the contest between now and August 5, 2020. Winners will be announced on August 15, 2020.
"Getting in touch with beauty and peace, that's what the Mary Gardens are all about," says Father Jim. "Do Something beautiful for God."
Prayer resources, gardening ideas, and directions are all available, free downloads, on the Museum website. More information on the contact can also be found on the website.