Blogs
Mary in the News: Dec. 9, 2020
By Michael Duricy
Marian Library and International Marian Research Institute Features
Updates
Article by IMRI Graduate
A Plague Litany, written by Father James Goodwin, was published on the Simply Catholic website.
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
Online Resources from an IMRI Grad
Join Chris Padgett each Sunday night during Advent for The Gift: An Advent Journey on his Facebook fan page (see link below) at 7:30 p.m. EST. He and his wife, Linda, will be offering a different reflection each week about the beautiful gifts we have to share with others because of THE UNIQUE GIFT Jesus has given us.
The couple will also present a virtual retreat on December 18: A Survival Guide to Marriage in the Pandemic. For details, contact Linda by email at lindapadgett@mac.com.
Chris also plans to offer Loving Jesus Through Mary, a six week virtual retreat from January 4- February 8, 2021. Registration is now open. Email Linda at lindapadgett@mac.com for more information.
Feel free to spread these opportunities to those in your circle.
Marian Events
Title: A New World of Mary
Theme: Joy to the World Zoom conference
Date: December 13, 2020 2 p.m. Eastern Time USA
Location: Online
Legion of Mary Annual General Reunion
"At a time as near as possible to the feast of the Immaculate Conception a reunion of all the members shall be held.... In addition to lighter items, there should be some addresses or papers of Legionary interest.... It will surely be unnecessary to remind legionaries that formality must find no place there." (The Legion of Mary Handbook p. 175)
The annual reunion is an important event in the yearly Legion calendar. Like all annual Legion events, the annual reunion is held at a specific time of the year--near to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, during the season of Advent. It is an opportunity for members to mix and chat in a relaxed informal atmosphere; to pray and sing and laugh; and to be edified and uplifted by a well-presented talk, as all prepare for the celebration of The Nativity of Our Lord.
The fifth Zoom conference in the series, A New World of Mary, will be held on December 13, 2020 at 7 p.m. [Dublin time]. This is the third Sunday of Advent also known as Gaudete Sunday or Joyful Sunday.
Hence the title chosen for the conference is Joy to the World. In the spirit of the annual reunion, this conference will include '... lighter items and some addresses or papers of legionary interest.' It promises to be an interesting mix of poetry, art, music, and chat. The Rosary and Legion prayers will be recited and there will be some quiet time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Guest speakers will include Father. John Harris, O.P. and Father Brendan Walsh. The Holy Family Mission choir will provide the music.
"He [St. Francis] sang to himself and to God songs of joy in his heart."
(Felder: "The Ideals of St. Francis of Assisi," from The Legion of Mary Handbook p.175)
Zoom Meeting ID: 843 8477 2265 / Password: 545618
Keep the date in the diary, and why not extend the invite to family & friends!
Mary in the Catholic Press
Church grants plenary indulgence for year of St. Joseph (Vatican News) December 8, 2020
Pope Francis on Tuesday announced a special year dedicated to St. Joseph starting from December 8, 2020 until December 8, 2021, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church, as well as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady.
The Apostolic Penitentiary also issued a decree granting special indulgences for the duration of the special year to celebrate the anniversary and "to perpetuate the entrustment of the whole Church to the powerful patronage of the Custodian of Jesus." ...
Mary in the Secular Press
'Mary on the Mantel'? Think 'Elf on the Shelf', but Catholic (Catholic News Agency) December 1, 2020
For the past sixteen years, 'Elf on the Shelf' has become a tradition, both hated and loved, for families in the days leading up to Christmas.
Based on a book and accompanying doll, the elf is a scout for Santa Claus, who watches children's behavior during the day and reports back to the North Pole every night. There are rules about how to interact with the elf and a myriad of ideas for the things he can do.
Whether 'Elf on the Shelf' is a "footless creep" or a beloved tradition, the concept sparked the idea for 'Mary on the Mantel', a traveling doll that aims help children enter more deeply into Advent....