[Thanks to Queen Magazine for providing excerpts of this article.]
The 25th Annual Conference, New England Region, Mariological Society of America, held at Providence College in Rhode Island, October 18, 19 and 20, 2002.
This year at the annual New England Region Meeting of the Mariological Society of America (MSA), there was special reason to rejoice. This annual conference, which has become the largest and strongest chapter meeting of the national Mariological Society, celebrated its 25th year with three days of lectures, prayerful art events, and a concluding Solemn Liturgy.
Under the leadership of Rev. Matthew Morry, O.P., the New England chapter has been meeting consistently at Providence College in Rhode Island. Through the years, Marian theologians have been invited to share scholarship in theology concerning the mother of the Lord. A few of the outstanding presentations that were made during these years included:
A presentation on "Art and Marian Spirituality" was offered on Saturday afternoon by Rev. Johann Roten, director of IMRI and researcher of the theology of Marian art at the Marian Library at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. In his talk, Fr. Roten plunged into a full and thought provoking display of images of the Virgin Mary. After this deeply provocative presentation, the day's events ended with a magnificent choral program by members of
the Providence College choir group, under the direction of Dr. Michele M. Holt, Providence College Music Director. The three days of celebration of the New England Chapter came to a close with a Solemn Liturgy celebrated by the Most Reverend E. Bertrand Boland,
O.P. In retrospect, it is safe to say that 25 years of study and devotion have been the hallmark of the annual MSA chapter meeting at Providence College, providing a deepening spirituality for those who faithfully attended.
- the Rev. Frederick Michael Jelly, O.P., (of blessed memory) professor of systematic theology at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and author of the well known book entitled
Madonna;
This year's three-day event recognized the contribution of the Dominican Order to Marian devotion and spirituality. It began on Friday with the presentation
of, The Trial of Mary and Joseph, a medieval play, introduced by Rev. Matthew Powell, O.P., Chairman of the Department of Theatre Arts at Providence College.
- Rev. Walter T. Brennan, O.S.M., (also of blessed memory) professor at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and author of
Mary: Servant, Mother, Woman; and
- Rev. Bertrand Buby, S.M., professor of scripture at the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) and author of a trilogy of books about Mary in scripture and early Church writings,
Mary of Galilee.
- Virginia Kimball
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