Blogs
In the News: Aug. 29, 2016
By Michael Duricy
Read recent items about Mary in both Catholic and secular news. Also see International Marian Research Institute news and updates.
Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute Features
Updates
Call for Papers for the 2017 Theotokos Conference at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Please click here for more details and registration.
TOPMary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
New Film on the Knock Apparitions
One dark evening in 1879 in the village of Knock, in County Mayo, fifteen local people collectively experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary. After two official inquiries, the village was declared a Marian Shrine. Over one-million pilgrims annually visit Knock now, which has a population of just 2,000.
This captivating documentary is from the same team behind the award-winning One Million Dubliners, which despite its rather morbid subject-matter managed to create a humorous and warm film, thanks in no small part to charm and poignant contributions of tour-guide, Shane MacThomais.
In Strange Occurrences in a Small Irish Village (the film takes its title from press coverage of the 1879 apparition), Father Richard Gibbons is the main mover. A wily operator, he has been compared for his drive and endeavor to Monsignor Horan, the late begetter of it all. Blending his work as priest of Knock with his administrative duties at the basilica and shrine, there's also the small matter of fund-raising for a new basilica....
Click here to read the entire article or here to see the official trailer [runs 2 minutes, 15 seconds].
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below.
The Legion of Mary by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.
The Legion of Mary was founded in 1921 by Frank Duff in Dublin, Ireland. It is an international organization that promotes Christian living through devotion to Mary and pastoral service. The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Church with over three-million members in most countries of the world. The Legion of Mary became active in the USA in 1931.
Approved by the last eight popes and endorsed by the Second Vatican Council, the purpose of its members is to become instruments of the Holy Spirit through prayer and apostolic service. Groups are parish-based and follow a structured program of spirituality and evangelization.
More information is available on the Internet at www.legionofmary.org.
TOPMarian Events
Help bring Jesus and Mary to Others! Volunteer tending the free Catholic information booth, sponsored by the Legion of Mary, at the Montgomery County Fair in Dayton, Ohio.
Date: Wednesday, August 31 - Monday, September 5, 2016
Who: Any practicing Catholic can volunteer with an experienced member as long as the guest would give a two-minute oral report about this service at any Legion of Mary meeting at Saint Albert the Great parish [3033 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, Ohio in the Spirit Center behind the playground on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 or Mondays after that starting at 7:30 p.m. or on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.]
Why: It's fun! It's important for our own spiritual growth, as well as the spiritual life and health of others, to share our faith with them.
How: A guest is paired with an experienced member at a booth inside the Coliseum building (for commercial exhibits). The Legion of Mary provides free admission and a parking pass for the upper level nearby. Details provided to those who sign up.
For more information about the Legion of Mary booth, contact Gloria Dodd at 937-229-1431.
Mary in the Catholic Press
Returning From Armenia, Pope Stops at Santa Maria Maggiore from Zenit June 27, 2016
Moments after landing in Rome's Ciampino Airport Sunday slightly after 8:30 p.m. local time, Pope Francis traveled to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to offer thanks for the success of his three-day Apostolic Trip to Armenia, July 24-26, the first nation ever to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
According to a note from the Holy See Press Office, before returning to the Vatican, after landing safely at the airport, the Pope made his usual detour to go to the Marian Basilica....
Click here to read the complete article.
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.
Simone Biles is busy seeking gold, but still manages to make Mass ... and to pray her Rosary, too! (Aleteia website) August 7, 2016
Simone Biles has quickly become the favorite to dominate in this year’s gymnastics competitions in Rio. Her routines are nearly flawless and everyone has been in awe of her amazing skill and collected demeanor, barely flinching under the immense pressure of the judges.
What is it that drives her to be the best?
To answer that question, Us magazine recently asked Biles to empty her gymnastics bag in hopes of finding a secret formula to her success. While most of the contents of her bag were no surprise, the reporter noticed a white rosary that fell out. Biles explained, "My mom, Nellie, got me a rosary at church. I don't use it to pray before a competition. I'll just pray normally to myself, but I have it there in case...."
Click here to read the complete article.