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.

Thanks, and belated happy Thanksgiving.
Peace

Father Dave

Updates

Father Johann Roten, S.M., will discuss the Mirror of Hope at a lecture in Roesch Library on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 7 pm.  A book signing will follow his talk.  The Mirror of Hope book is $15 and will be sold in the Stable Store gift shop through the annual Nativity exhibit which will conclude on January 27, 2013.

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Mary in Books, Films, and Music

Homage to Father Emile Neubert, S.M. (1878-1967)

Brother John Samaha sent us the following information: A project is in motion to prepare the ground for the introduction of the cause for canonization of Father Emile Nicolas Neubert, S.M.  Please pray for this intention and tell others about Father Neubert and his outstanding Marian writings.  For more information see the article below.

A fellow countryman and contemporary, Most Reverend Paul Richaud, Archbishop of Paris, wrote to Father Neubert these thoughts of appreciation when the original French edition of La Mission Apostolique de Marie et la Notre first appeared in 1956.  "It is always a grace for me to read your work.  You excel in clear and simple words which contain a solid and profound teaching.  Our dear Father Chaminade ... has bequeathed to you a real charisma for speaking of the Blessed Virgin.  Drawing close to Mary under your guidance means approaching with ease and in complete security to the very channel of grace....  [This particular book] underscores an aspect of devotion to the Blessed Virgin which has not been sufficiently emphasized and responds in a most suitable way to the concerns of today's Christians....  You show the chosen and irreplaceable role which Mary holds in any apostolic endeavor."

Archbishop Richaud stated further: "'Do whatever he tells you.'  It is only the Mother who can make us attentive and responsive to Jesus' directives....  The apostolate is an art.  Everything depends on the way it is done.  It is only the Mother of Jesus who knows the ways of Jesus....  The apostolate is a sublime form of parenting.  It is only the Mother of souls ... who can obtain for us this grace."

The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) has in stock English translations of books by Father Emile Neubert in their bookstore.

Dipping into the works of Father Neubert and using them to enhance our Marianist apostolic life is a way of offering our homage of respect and affection for this revered apostle of Mary.

Suggested A/V material

The Infancy Narratives, the momentous third and final volume in Pope Benedict's international bestselling Jesus of Nazareth series details the stories of Jesus' infancy and boyhood, and shows how they are relevant today in the modern world.  Click here to see an advertisement in a one-minute video clip.

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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.

On Wednesday, November 28, 2012, Francesca Franchina, and Dr. Douglas Schoeninger, Ph.D., past President of the international Association of Christian Therapists (ACT) and Editor of The Journal of Christian Healing, discuss holiday choices and challenges: 1. The impact of childhood memories: A time for gratitude and for healing; 2. The importance of making good choices: Facing limitations, grieving losses, exercising freedom; Being led by the Holy Spirit, doing what can be done; 3. Choosing how to relate to familial, communal, and societal pressures. One does not have to live up to society's ideals for gift giving; One does not have to measure one's worth by the amount one receives; When more is less and less is more; 4. Engaging Jesus and His birth in one's life. Using Scripture; Psalms, Words of Jesus, etc. for inner healing; and generational healing are part of the inner healing of one's soul. (Romans 8:26–28)

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!

This week's programs:

Dr. Gloria Dodd, Thursday, November 29, 2:30 PM on Mary as Queen

Father Thomas Thompson, S.M., Friday, November 30, 2:30 PM on Bishop Fulton Sheen

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From the Marian Treasure Chest

Devotions Extend and Continue the Liturgy by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

Brother John sent us the following article about the relationship of popular and personal devotions to the sacred liturgy which was published in The Southeast Alaska Catholic, November 2012.

How many popular songs in recent decades have extolled memories?  In addition, how often do we find ourselves and others recalling important incidents and persons of the recent or distant past?

Remembering

When we stop to think about it, we are following the same human pattern when we celebrate some aspect of the official liturgy of the Church or a popular devotion.  This is part of our Christian heritage.

Memories, stories, family customs and practices, and significant persons and events in our lives are a very important part of each of us.  Recalling special persons and events, and continuing time-honored rituals with family and friends nourish the human spirit.  This stimulates us to imitate and to continue what our predecessors have achieved.

Living the Liturgy

Thus it is with Jesus and His faithful followers.  We look to Mary and the saints for models and examples of how to continue in the footsteps of our Redeemer.  Therefore, we call on their help in a variety of ways.

The mystery of God becoming human and our role in this mystery is communicated to the Church not only in its official teaching, but also in its liturgy, piety, art, music, and in the religious experience of its members.

Our devotional heritage provides us with many patterns for approaching God and worshipping Jesus Christ outside of the Church's official worship, the sacred liturgy.  But all focus on our active participation in the mysteries of salvation.  Devotional practices extend and continue the graces of the Eucharist and the sacraments.  They help us live our baptismal vocation. We insert ourselves into the ongoing plan of redemption as we make the way of the Cross, pray the rosary, follow a novena, fast, offer particular prayers, and perform charitable actions.  However, from earliest times, devotions existed in the framework of the liturgy.  For example, devotion to Mary has always existed in the Eucharistic Liturgy and in the Liturgy of the Hours.  Mary's close association in all the mysteries of Jesus is explicitly mentioned in those liturgical prayers.

Devotions Evolved as Related Forms of Prayer

However, as time progressed, new forms of honoring Mary and the saints, our heroes and models in the faith, were developed and practiced without the need of an ordained priest.  The Bible, the liturgy, and the teachings of the Church have been the wellsprings for popular devotions that are celebrated in public or in private.  From those sources, we develop other forms of celebrating God's love for us in company with Mary and the saints.

It is imperative to keep in mind that when we call upon Mary and the saints we are communicating also with Jesus for they lead us to Him.  In honoring the saints and asking for their assistance, we honor Jesus Christ.  Christ is always our focal point.

Devotions are not meant to displace the liturgy but to extend it for special occasions and circumstances.  They complement our liturgical prayer life with other forms of expressing our dedication to God.

If we honor or seek the help of Mary and the saints, it is because they are human mirrors reflecting the goodness of God.  All this is borne out in the creed, code, and cult of our Christian faith.  What is said and believed of Jesus applies also to Mary and the saints in appropriate, lesser degrees.

Alone or in a group, in public or in private, with approved prayers or using a prayer which is spontaneous or has no special authorization, we celebrate the life and love of our Savior in many ways, most of which carry the respect of centuries: the Way of the Cross, Eucharistic adoration, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, praying the mysteries of the Rosary, special hymns and practices which highlight Mary and the saints and their attachment to God, novenas, pilgrimages to shrines, applying particular titles of holiness and protection, and similar practices.  Most of us have some familiarity with such devotions.

The Domestic Church

The time-honored Catholic tradition of small altars, shrines, and prayer niches in the home is a reminder of God's presence in the family setting.  This practice began with the first Christians who prayed privately in their homes before churches were built for publish worship.  And the custom continued and fostered personal prayer even after churches were constructed.

Such a space in a family dwelling provides a place where members can gather to pray and focus on God.  It is a tangible way of honoring God and His saints and attests that they have a cherished spot in the home, that they are always in our midst.

A simple altar-like setting may reflect the family's history, petitions, and special devotions.  It is a place of honor for items that hold a special meaning and value: a crucifix, Bible, images or statues, votive candles, holy water, rosaries, medal, prayer books, palm, photos of loved ones, incense, and other sacramentals.  These items may be rotated as the liturgical season changes.

Historical and Doctrinal Perspective

Important to our appreciation and use of devotions is the understanding that they complement our life and further enrich our personal relationship with Jesus, sometimes directly and sometimes through the saints.

Since the second century, devotion to Mary and the saints originated as a need arose, or when a priest was not available, or when a special occasion was to be marked, or when someone was inspired.

Devotions are based on faith, and need a doctrinal underpinning.  However, ordinary Christians at prayer are not concerned with theological nuance.  Theological inquiry has produced a high Christology which tended to distance Jesus from ordinary people.  He, like the Father, was king and judge.  Jesus Christ was much too distant to approach directly.  Enter Mary and the saints.  It made much better sense to cultivate the attention of His mother and most faithful disciple, and that of the saints.  They seemed much closer to our human condition and were kind-hearted enough to bend God's ear in our favor.  The Marian apparitions, even of the twentieth century, have reinforced this attitude.  Mary and the saints lead to Jesus.  At all approved shrines, for example, Mary directs us to her Son in the Eucharist and in the sacraments.

In terms of devotion to Mary, every age tends to shape her image according to its own needs and desires.  Yet, there are certain constants in her image--healer, intercessor, prophet and social critic, gentlewoman who is mother, comforter, nurturer, counselor, and friend.  Mary is the perfect friend and mother for us.

The Gospel continues in Mary and the saints--and in us.  We, the Church, are the continuation of Jesus Christ in our time, place and circumstances.  Consequently, we need these saints and heroes as our models.  Christian life without the saints is unthinkable.  The saints are for the ages, ours no less than others, because they proclaim by their lives that life is worth living, that a provident God cares for us.  Mary and the saints personify this hope.

Vatican II Restored Balance

However, the accolade that "never enough honor can be given to Mary" (De Maria nunquam satis) must be placed in proper perspective and understood accordingly.  The Second Vatican Council moved in this direction by adapting Catholicism to the modern world, re-emphasizing the Biblical foundations of faith and worship, and directing us to the call of the social gospel.

Vatican II moved to correct abuses and excesses in liturgical worship and in popular devotions.  The Council undertook a theological re-shaping of the image of Mary and the popular impulses of devotion to her and to the saints.  It should be noted that in every age Mary's image tells us as much about ourselves as it does about Mary.

Balance is what we seek. Blessed Pope John XXIII once remarked: "The Madonna is not pleased when she is put above her Son."  We must not over-humanize or over-divinize the cult of Mary and the saints.  Devotion should rest on a sure theological and historical footing without neglecting the needs of our affective piety for images of Mary and the saints, who are healers, intercessors, prophets, and friends.  The saints and Mary do for the faithful what friends do for friends.  Mary does for us what mothers do for children.  What theologians may sometimes overlook, we ordinary Christians will provide.

Remember

Participating in and continuing honored practices of devotion are an important part of our faith-life.  Devotions are touchstones of faith.  They are part of our Christian heritage.  Sound devotions extend and continue liturgical worship.  Remember, and be faithful.

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Current Exhibit

At the Manger 2012

Click here for information, about Peace on Earth, the exhibit of nativity scenes being held in the Roesch Library Gallery and elsewhere through January 27, 2013.  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 in the Marian Library Gallery.

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 Miraculous Medal.

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 Titles and Invocations.

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Catholic Devotional Society in the Anglican Tradition

Title: Society of Mary Meeting

Date: Saturday, December 1, 2012, 9 am

Location: Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, 139 Jackson St, Dayton, OH 45402

Come and learn about the Society of Mary (founded in 1931) on Saturday, December 1st at 9:00 AM at the newly consecrated Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  Father Dorino and Deacon Val will discuss the Society of Mary and how to join.  They will also pray the Joyous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.  Refreshments will be served.

For more information about the Society of Mary, visit somamerica.org.  For more information on the local chapter contact Deacon Val Finnell by phone at 937-716-1059 or by email at val.finnell@gmail.com or visit their site on Facebook.

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Pope Calls Book on Christ's Birth an 'Antechamber' to Vols. I and II
Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives on Sale Today
Source: Zenit (New York) November 15, 2012

Just in time for Advent, the final part of the Pope's book Jesus of Nazareth went on sale today.  This last portion of Benedict XVI-Joseph Ratzinger's work deals with Jesus' conception, birth, and childhood.

Commonly referred to as Volume III of the work, the Pope says in the Foreword that this final book, just 132 pages, is not a third volume, but a kind of small 'antechamber' to the two earlier volumes on the figure and message of Jesus of Nazareth.

The English translation of the German original is published by Image Books, the Catholic-interest imprint of Random House, Inc.

The Infancy Narratives has four chapters and an epilogue, and is, in the Holy Father's words, his attempt, in dialogue with exegetes past and present, to interpret what Matthew and Luke say about Jesus' infancy at the beginning of their Gospels....

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.

Just in time for Christmas, the University of Dayton has published a new book on The Mirror of Hope, a massive sculpture that grew from a simple Nativity scene to a panorama encompassing the sweep of Christianity from the Creation to the City of God.

The Mirror of Hope outlines the meanings and symbolism of the sculpture unveiled in 2000 by the Marian Library, which commissioned it to commemorate 150 years of University history and two millennia of Christianity.  The Mirror of Hope sculpture is on permanent display in the first floor lobby of Roesch Library....

Click here for the complete article.

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Marian Commemoration Days

To celebrate the month of December with Mary:

• Celebrating Advent with Mary (starts December 2)

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 December.

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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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