Skip to main content

Blogs

In the News: Feb. 16, 2016

 

Read recent items about Mary in both Catholic and secular news. Also see International Marian Research Institute news and updates.

ML/IMRI Features

Marian Events

Mary in the Catholic Press

Mary in the Secular Press

Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute Features

Updates

Dr. Annamaria Poma-Swank, who taught many courses on Mary and Art at IMRI, recently 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 new book is available in Italian from Edizioni Polistampa. Click here for details (in Italian). She will attend a presentation on that book at the Holy Cross Basilica in Florence at 5 pm on February 19, 2016. Father Antonio Marcantonio will introduce the speakers, Dr. Cristina Acidini and Dr. Antonia Ida Fontana. See below for the complete notice in Italian.

La S.V. è invitata alla presentazione del libro di Annamaria Poma Swank MARIA DETTA"LA MADDALENA" La donna senza nome Mauro Pagliai Editore

Introduce
Padre Antonio di Marcantonio

Intervengono
Dott.ssa Cristina Acidini
Dott.ssa Antonia Ida Fontana

Sarà presente l’Autrice

Venerdì 19 febbraio 2016, ore 17.00
Basilica di Santa Croce, Sala Maddalena
Piazza Santa Croce 16, Firenze

In una appassionante "fantasia storico-poetica" su Maria Maddalena, l'autrice instaura con quest'ultima un dialogo intimo e partecipe, un discorso affettivo dove si intrecciano letteratura, storia, arte e religione.

TOP
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.

An illustrated edition of The Garden Way of the Cross by Father Thomas Stanley, S.M., is now available from Novalis Publishing Inc. in Canada. These meditations on the Stations of the Cross connect scriptural verses to symbolic flowers and plants. Father Stanley's meditations first appeared in the Prayer and Meditation section of the Mary's Gardens website and can still be seen on the website were they were first published in August 1993 and revised again in July, 1996  and March, 1997. Click here to find more information or order a copy.

These simple  meditations served as the inspiration for the beautifully detailed full-color illustrations by Louise Tessier,  who also wrote the prayers of petition that conclude each Station. Lauretta Santarossa wrote the foreword.

Louise Tessier exhibited art during the Moved by the Spirit show held at The Marian Library Gallery in 2012. This exhibit moved throughout North America from 2011-2015.

Having received permission from Father Stanley, Louise has created an Art Poster Package to be used in conjunction with the book above by churches and schools. Click here for more information or here to order.

N.B. In honor of Father Thomas and his 73 years as a Priest in the Society of Mary (Marianists), a portion of the proceeds from art sales will be donated to a Marian charity.

TOP

From the Marian Treasure Chest

Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the following Marian vignette by email.

Salve Regina--Hail Holy Queen

The oldest recorded apparition of Our Lady may have been at Le Puy, France, in 70 A.D. And it was at that shrine that the Anthem of Le Puy was first sung.  The Bishop of Le Puy, Adhemar de Montheil, prayed there before he left to take his post in the First Crusade. Divinely inspired, Bishop Adhemar rose and chanted for the first time a hymn that became the song intoned by the victorious soldiers of the First Crusade. Today we know that hymn, the Anthem of Le Puy, as the Salve Regina, Hail Holy Queen.

TOP

Marian Events

A Lenten retreat for all men will take place February 19-21, 2016 at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood, Ohio, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Father Elias Mary Mills, OFM, director of the retreat program at Immaculate Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center in Bloomington, Indiana, will present "A Reflection on the Marian Dogmas" as we consider the importance of Mary, Mother of Mercy, to the Church and the world during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. There will be multiple opportunities for confession and spiritual direction, catered meals, and single rooms. Cost for the weekend, which is open to all men, is $155. For more information, call Larry at 513-321-4879 or register online.

TOP

Mary in the Catholic Press

Special Celebration of World Day of the Sick Planned for Nazareth from Zenit (Vatican City) January 28, 2016

This morning in the Holy See Press Office a press conference was held to present the 24th World Day of the Sick, to be celebrated in Nazareth on February 11, the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, on the theme "Entrusting oneself to the merciful Jesus like Mary: 'Do whatever he tells you.'"

...

In relation to the charitable dimension, Father Chendi explained that the visits to various entities working in the Holy Land, both Catholic and non-Catholic, will constitute "a tangible sign of what Pope Francis describes in his message as Mary's tenderness in Cana of Galilee, which translates into a predisposition towards serving those in need and in particular our brothers and sisters in sickness."

Click here to read the complete article.

TOP

Mary in the Secular Press

The director and editors of All About Mary 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 Floral Reflection of Jesus' Life (leaderpost.com/qc) March 5, 2014

It all began in a garden.
While many Bazaart and Wintergreen patrons may recognize Louise Tessier's ceramic art tiles, they may not be familiar with the linoleum print illustrations, which are featured in a book published by Novalis, The Garden way of the Cross.
This small, colorful book of prints and prayers, released in August of 2013, is based on the meditations of Father Thomas A. Stanley (deceased) of Dayton, Ohio, who generously gave her permission to pursue the plublication of this book.
In essence, The Garden Way of the Cross traces Jesus' steps from the Last Supper to the Resurrection and, instead of using the traditional human figures as illustrations, flowers and plans are used in their place. For example, the red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is used to describe when Jesus dies on the cross; the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is used to describe when Jesus' heart is pierced by a lance. Each of the fifteen hand-painted linoleum prints is accompanied by both a scripture passage and a corresponding meditation.
In medieval times, through monks and minstrels, religious events were explained to the faithful by using the common flowers and plants of the region. As the people went about their daily lives, upon seeing certain flowers or plants, they would be able to recall a particular story or legend and then meditate upon it. As a result of this practice, many flowers have been given Marian names (referring to the Virgin Mary) such as Mary's Tears--Lily of the Valley--and Mary's Heart--Bleeding Heart.
The hope in presenting this book is that gardeners and believers of all denominations and ages will be moved by this novel way of reflecting on the Way of the Cross, which is a common practice during the season of Lent, especially on Good Friday. The Garden Way of the Cross stays true to the traditional meaning; however, by incorporating flowers and plants, it provides a focus that is unexpected, yet beautiful, comforting, and universal.
The Garden Way of the Cross is published and available through Novalis, Canada's premier publisher of religions books (www.novalis.ca). Its is also available in Regina at Burns-Hanley Church Supplies or from Louise Tessier at www.gardenrhymes.com or ltessier@saskatel.net.

Previous Post

The Immaculate Conception

Epinal: Popular Art for Mind and Heart
Feb. 8 – March 31

Read More
Next Post

Nothing but a Bubble?

Everything passes. God's glory alone is eternal.
Read More