News Archives

We have received a number of emails from readers commending our institute and its website, The Mary Page.  Thank you all for your encouragement and support.  The following is a typical example.

I will share your website with others, and the information you have sent me.  You are in my prayers!  Bless you.

Megan

Updates

Dr. Virginia M. Kimball, IMRI graduate, former President of the MSA, and current President of the ESBVM-USA, will lead an ecumenical workshop, The Mystery and History of the Christmas Creche at Assumption College on December 15, 2012.  Click here for information.  She will also be giving Christmas presentations at four parishes.

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Mary in Books, Films, and Music

New Book on Mary and Culture

Eleazar Durfee informed us about a new publication from Ashgate Publishing Company in Burlington, Vermont, Aztec Goddesses and Christian Madonnas - Images of the Divine Feminine in Mexico.  He also generously offered to provide our research institute a copy to review.  Below is the summary that Mr. Durfee sent of this text.

Aztec Goddesses and Christian Madonnas-Images of the Divine Feminine in Mexico
by Joseph Kroger, St. Michael's College, and Patrizia Granziera, Universidad de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
ISBN: 978-1-4094-3598-3
Published October 2012

Both Aztec goddesses and the Christian Madonnas who replaced them were associated, and sometimes identified, with nature and the environment: the earth, water, trees and other sources of creativity and vitality.  This book uncovers the myths and images of twenty-two Aztec Goddesses and twenty-eight Christian Madonnas of Mexico.  Their rich and symbolic meaning is revealed by placing them in the context of the religious worldviews in which they appear and by situating them within the devotional life of the faithful for whom they function as powerful mediators of divine grace and terror.

Full details and page extracts are available at www.ashgate.com/isbn/9781409435983.

Click here for more information on Mary in Ecumenism and World Religions.

Suggested A/V material

Father Antonio Larocca and Father Javier Alson, IMRI graduates and co-founders of Semacom, recommend El Gran Milagro [The Greatest Miracle], a quality animated family film with Marian content, especially Our Lady of Guadalupe.  This film, shown at World Youth Day last year, is available on DVD in English with dubbed Spanish from Ignatius Press.  Click here to see the two-minute trailer.

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Radio Maria from The Marian Library

Prayer of Blessed John Paul II for Radio Maria

Mary, guide us in our major decisions and give us strength in times of trial so that we may, with humble courage, follow the hidden ways of Heaven, keeping faith with God and mankind so that we can bring the joyful message of Christ, the Savior, to the hearts and minds of all.

Mary, guiding star of evangelization, be with us.  Be with Radio Maria as guide and be its protector.

Francesca Franchina, MS Ed., a long-time member of the Marianist Family, will be doing a series of Marian broadcasts through the local stations for Radio Maria WHJM (FM 88.7) in Anna, Ohio and WULM (AM 1600) in Springfield, Ohio.  Called "Francesca and Friends: Why Mary?," the program airs every Wednesday from 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST focusing on what is going on in the world about Mary, how to speak with others about Mary, and Mary in Scripture.  CALL IN TOLL-FREE.  PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM (during the live show) 1-866-333-6279.

Francesca and Friends with Francesca Franchina, National OSIA Trustee, is now being broadcast throughout the New York City metropolitan area at 11 pm on Friday nights on WSNR 620 AM, as well as on other local  Radio Maria USA frequencies,  and streaming on radiomaria.us.  This is the replay of the program originating on the preceding Wednesday at noon EST.  Give a listen every Friday at 11 PM; Mondays at 8:30 PM and LIVE on Wednesdays at noon EST.

The broadcast may also be heard on-line at radiomaria.us  The website also provides access to some previous broadcasts.  We'll keep you informed about future programs.  An encore of each show is broadcast Monday night from 8:30-9:30 pm EST one week after the original.

Francesca is no longer doing her Tuesday program, Through the Tummy to the Heart on Radio Maria, but all programs and recipes are still posted in the Archives on the Radio Maria website at radiomaria.us.  She will inaugurate commentary and blog on www.credoapostolate.us in the near future.

Living with Mary Today! Live: Thursdays and Fridays 2:30-3:00 PM EST: From the Pontifical International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) at the University of Dayton Marian Library, internationally-known Mariologists Fathers Bertrand Buby, François Rossier, Johann Roten, and Thomas Thompson of the Society of Mary (Marianists), and other IMRI faculty; Michael Duricy, Jean Frisk, and others will discuss Marian themes such as The Blessed Mother and Ecumenism; Mary and The Family; Mary and Suffering, Marian Teachings and Writings of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI; Mary and Scripture from the Founder of the Marianists, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade; Mary and Vatican II, Marian Apparitions, and others.  The Marian Library at the University of Dayton houses the largest collection of Marian books and artifacts in the world, and IMRI is one of the two sites of post-graduate studies in Mariology for the STL and STD.  Find out more by visiting marypage.org.  The University of Dayton; The Marian Library, and IMRI are collaborators with the International Satellite Radio Maria Network and Radio Maria Ohio.  Click here for the audio archive!

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From the Marian Treasure Chest

Mary in Byzantine Liturgy by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

Brother John sent us the following article about about Mary in Eastern Christian worship which was published in Missio Immaculatae International, September/October 2012.

One aspect of the Byzantine Liturgy that frequently captures the attention of the Christian faithful is the exalted place given the Blessed Virgin Mary in daily worship.  Her image is always at the left side of the iconostasis, depicting her with her Son and never without him.  Her name is always proclaimed after that of her Son.  In addition to the four Marian feasts shared with the Roman Church, the Byzantine faithful celebrate many other Marian festivals and dedicate two weeks of intense preparation for her feast of the Assumption (Dormition).

When Mary's name is mentioned in liturgical prayer, the Byzantine Church gives her entire title: "All holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious lady, the Mother of God (Theotokos) and ever-virgin Mary."  Three expressions stand out in this title: Theotokos, ever-virgin, and all-holy.  The first encomium was applied to her by the Council of Ephesus in 431, and the second by the Second Council of Constantinople in 553.

Theotokos

The exalted place reserved for the Blessed Virgin Mary is based on the revealed fact that she is Theotokos, the Mother of God.  When Nestorius denied her this title and called her only Christotokos, Mother of Christ, all Christendom was disturbed and a general council was convened in Ephesus to address this issue.  The council declared that Jesus Christ is both God and man. St. Cyril of Alexandria, who presided over the council on behalf of Pope Celestine, proclaimed to the crowds awaiting the conclusion that "Mary is Theotokos.  She is the Mother of God."

The city of Ephesus erupted in joy as its residents accompanied the council fathers with torches in procession to their residences chanting in acclamation the council statement: "Mary is the Theotokos, since she conceived in her virginal womb by the power of the Holy Spirit and brought into the world Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is One Being with the Father."

We venerate the Theotokos, Mother of God, because she is the Mother of His son.  Mariology, the theology concerning Mary, is an extension of Christology, the theology concerning Jesus Christ.  Blessed John Paul II reminded us that "Only in the mystery of Christ is her mystery made clear."  In recognizing Mary as Theotokos, the Council of Ephesus emphasized the integrity of the Person of Christ.  In recalling that "the Word was made flesh," we acknowledge with tremendous reverence the one who was chosen by God to be the instrument of so amazing a mystery.  To honor Mary is to honor her Son.

All the privileges of the one who is "full of grace" stem from her quality of being the Theotokos.  If she has been preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception, it is because she is Theotokos.  If she has preserved her virginity before, during, and after the birth of Emmanuel, it is because she is Theotokos.  If she has been transported body and soul to everlasting life after death, it is because she is Theotokos.

During Great Lent Byzantine Christians pray this tribute of St. John of Damascus, "In you , O full of grace, all creation rejoices, the orders of angels, and the human race as well.  In you, sanctified temple, spiritual paradise, glory of virgins, from whom our God, who exists from all eternity, took flesh and became a little child.  He has made your womb more spacious than the heavens.  In you, O full of grace, all creation rejoices; glory to you."

Ever Virgin

The fiat of the creature responded to the fiat of the Creator: "Let it be done to me according to your will."  Pope John Paul II explained in his encyclical, Redemptoris Mater, "In the salvific economy of God's revelation, Abraham's faith constitutes the beginning of the Old Covenant; Mary's faith at the Annunciation inaugurates the New Covenant.  Just as Abraham 'in hope believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations,' so Mary, at the Annunciation, having professed her virginity believed that through the power of the Most High she would become the Mother of God's son in accordance with the angel’s revelation: 'The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God'." (Lk 1:35)

Panaghia, All-Holy

Mary is Panaghia, All-Holy, not only because she is Theotokos, but also because she is the supreme example of cooperation (synergia) between the Divine Plan and the Liberator, Christ.

God has always respected human liberty.  He did not wish to be incarnate without the consent of the Theotokos.  Mary was not passive in the mystery of the Incarnation.  She was invited, not compelled, and she fully participated in consenting to the proposal brought to her by the angel.

The fourteenth century Byzantine lay theologian, St. Nicholas Cabasilas, summarized the mind of the early Church Fathers: "The Incarnation has been not only the work of the Father, of His Son, and of the Holy Spirit, but also the work of the faith of the Virgin.  For without the consent of the Most Pure, without the cooperation of her faith, this design was as unrealizable as without the intervention of the three Divine Persons.  It is only after persuading her that God takes her as his Mother and borrows the flesh that she can give to Him.  Likewise, as He wished to be incarnate, He wished that His Mother beget Him freely and with full consent."

New Eve, Mother of Us All

Mary is an extraordinary woman.  She carries in her womb all humanity, since she is the New Eve, the giver of life.  Her maternal care and protection cover not only the Child Jesus, but also the entire universe and all members of the human race.  Again Blessed John Paul II explained in Redemptoris Mater that "In accordance with the eternal plan of Providence, Mary's Divine Motherhood is to be poured upon the Church, as indicated by statements of Tradition, according to which Mary's 'motherhood' of the Church is the reflection and extension of her motherhood of the Son of God."

At a general audience in Lent 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared, "Mother of God and Mother of the Church, Mary exercises this motherhood forever.  We entrust to her every passing phase of our personal and ecclesial life, not least that of our final transit."

Chosen by God to Help Us

Together with the West, all the Eastern Churches proclaim Mary as Mother, Advocate, and Mediatrix.  She protects us with maternal care and is our never-failing intercessor before the Creator.  In no way does her role diminish that of the only and unique Mediator, Christ.  The Second Vatican Council clearly taught that "The maternal duty of Mary toward the human race in no way obscures or diminishes the unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power.  For all the saving influences of Mary originate, not from some inner necessity, but from the divine pleasure.  They flow from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rest on his mediation, depend entirely on it, and draw all their power from it." (Lumen Gentium)

If Christ is the door, Mary is the first to enter.  She advances the whole of humanity.  She is the pillar of fire to guide the People of God to the heavenly Jerusalem.  Nothing symbolizes and illustrates the true message of the Marian apparitions of the last two centuries better than the Byzantine icon of the Deisis.  In that icon the Blessed Virgin and St. John the Baptist surround Christ, the sovereign judge, and Mary exercises her ministry of intercession and charism of prayer and supplication, calling all mankind to repentance, asking for God’s mercy, praying: "Come, Lord Jesus.  Maranatha.  Amen."

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Upcoming Exhibit

At the Manger 2012

Click here for advanced notice, about the exhibit of nativity scenes to held in the Roesch Library Gallery, which opens with a Grand Open House on Saturday, November 24.  Click here for more details.

From Nov. 19, 2012 through Jan. 31, 2013 the Marian Collection of Father Joseph J. Schuck, Mary - A Labor of Love will also be on display.

We have a permanent crèche exhibit and a dedicated online giving page specifically for those who wish to support The Marian Library crèche collections.  There is also a general page to give to all areas of ML/IMRI and Roesch Library.

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Web Collaborators

Two important Catholic websites have added The Mary Page to their list of Media Partners.  CatholicWeb.com highlights items from The Mary Page in their section on Catholic News.  Catholic.net includes a Mariology section on their navbar with articles from The Mary Page.  Please visit these sites in return.  We expect continued collaboration with them in the future.

Radio Maria originated east of Milan, Italy in 1983, and is now heard in fifty-four countries.  The main USA station is in Alexandria, Louisiana with affiliate stations across the USA [including FM 88.7, WHJM,  in Anna, Ohio (north of Dayton) and AM 1600, WULM, in Springfield/Dayton, Ohio.  All USA Radio Maria stations regularly air live Marian talks from UD's Marian Library every Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 pm EST and on Thursday and Friday from 2:30-3:00 pm EST, as well as local programming originating from many other affiliated Radio Maria stations in the USA.

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International Marian Research Institute Course Schedule

IMRI courses for the Fall 2012 semester concluded on November 9, 2012.

The Pontifical Academic Program leading to STL and STD in theology with a specialization in Marian Studies offers courses in three year-round sessions.  See our course offerings for Spring 2013.

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In keeping with the season, we suggest The Year of Faith with Mary and Benedict XVI About Faith.

Material on international stamps with images of Mary exists on The Mary Page (also available in French). The latest updates were Seychelles, St. Helena, Swaziland, Senegal, and Uganda.

We have revised and expanded our material in Chinese.  This is a work in progress, so expect more content soon.  Feel free to let us know what you think of this section.

We have posted information about our upcoming symposium on Our Faith and Mary. We also updated November Poetry and Marian Thoughts of Benedict XVI.

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Late Raphael

Title: Exposition Raphaël, les dernières années

Date: October 11, 2012 - January 14, 2013, 9 am - 6 pm

Location: Napoleon Hall at the Louvre in Paris, France

This unprecedented exhibition, organized by the Louvre in partnership with the Prado Museum, brings together the works produced by Raphael in Rome during the last years of his short life.  It includes many well-known images of the Madonna.  Click here for details in English or in French.

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Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives Will Be Released This Month
Pope Benedict XVI's Third Volume on the Life of Christ to be Formally Presented to the Press
Source: Zenit (Vatican City) November 15, 2012

Yesterday, the Vatican Publishing House and Rizzoli Publications officially announced the upcoming release of the third volume on the infancy of Christ.

The book, which will be published in English, is entitled Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives. The two publishing houses will formally present the book to the press on November 20, 2012.

Among the speakers attending the presentation of the book are Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture; Maria Clara Bingemer, professor of theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro; and Father Giuseppe Costa, director of the Vatican Publishing House.

Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, will also be present at the press conference and will serve as moderator of the event.

Click here for the complete article.

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The director and editors of The Mary Page 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.

A sixty-year Christmas tradition ended in Santa Monica this year.  But California churches have filed a lawsuit to bring back the Nativity display in a Santa Monica park.

... Santa Monica officials snuffed the city's holiday tradition this year rather than referee the religious rumble, prompting churches that have set up a fourteen-scene Christian diorama for decades to sue over freedom of speech violations. Their attorney will ask a federal judge Monday to resurrect the depiction of Jesus' birth, while the city aims to eject the case....

Click here for the complete article which includes a three-minute video clip.

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Marian Commemoration Days

To celebrate the month of November with Mary:

• Presentation of Mary (November 21)

The Mary Page offers a variety of resources inviting study, reflection and meditation.  We also list important Marian dates for each month of the year.  Please see Marian Commemoration Days for the month of November.

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You are invited to help us pray for our Prayer Corner intentions.  Please take a look!  This site has been updated and enhanced and now allows users to submit prayer requests directly or to volunteer as a prayer partner for these intentions!

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The Mary Page website is updated frequently. Please stop in again and see what's in the news.

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