Blogs
In the News: Sept. 6, 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 Radio Maria Newsletter
Click here to read the September 2016 Newsletter from Radio Maria--USA [in PDF, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader]
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below along with the following comments: "We are making more efforts to promote interest in Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and his cause for canonization. Please join us. Some ideas appear below. Thank you."
Celebrating Chaminade by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.
1. Print outstanding pieces by and about Chaminade, and also make them available on CD and DVD and web sites.
2. Gather the best of all the Chaminade images (portraits, drawings, etc.). Make them available in print and also online in reproducible form. Encourage our Marianist and school artists to produce new images and graphics.
3. Develop a press kit with information and photos of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade that will help make him known better and promote his cause for canonization. Make this kit available to all Marianist communities and apostolates.
4. Develop new efforts and renew old efforts to promote Chaminade's cause. Distribute and use the prayer leaflet with the canonization prayer.
5. Include information about Chaminade in the publications and web sites of our schools, parishes, ministries; e.g., newsletters to families, parish bulletins, school newspapers, yearbooks, printed programs, etc.
6. Organize efforts to have articles and information about Blessed William Joseph Chaminade published in various periodicals (newspapers, magazines, newsletters) and posted on web sites.
7. Ask our Marianist/school artists to design one or more logos to use on stationery, printed materials and on web sites.
8. Revive and use the hymns and songs honoring Chaminade. Choose one or two to use regularly at school, parish, and community services and social observances. Encourage our Marianist/school/parish musicians to compose new hymns and songs.
9. Compose prayers in honor of Blessed William Joseph.
10. Produce a select list of readings by and about Blessed William Joseph.
TOPMarian Events
Mary, Mother of Mercy Celebration [With Historic Visit of the International Pilgrim Virgin of Our Lady of Fatima Statue to Milwaukee]
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2016
What: Holy Mass: Archbishop Jerome Listecki Principal Celebrant and Homilist
Details: 5:30 pm Church doors open; 6:45 pm Presentation on the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue; 7:00 pm Holy Mass with Archbishop Jerome Listecki
Sponsored by the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Rosary Evangelization Apostolate
Click here for more information [in PDF, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader].
Mary in the Catholic Press
Summary of Iuvenescit Ecclesia: the CDF's Letter on Hierarchical and Charismatic Relationship Within Church from Zenit June 14, 2016
Today, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a letter Iuvenescit Ecclesia ('The Church Regenerates') on "the relationship between the hierarchical and charismatic gifts for the life and the mission of the Church," during a presentation in the Holy See Press Office. Provided below are the main points of the letter, prepared and provided by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
... Look to the model of Mary
Finally, IE suggests looking to Mary, "Mother of the Church" and model of "complete docility to the action of the Holy Spirit" and of "transparent humility": by her intercession, it is hoped that "the charisms, abundantly bestowed by the Holy Spirit among the faithful, may be received with docility and bear fruit for the life and mission of the Church and for the good of the world."
The full text of the Letter Iuvenescit Ecclesia in English can be consulted at: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20160516_iuvenescit-ecclesia_en.html
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.
Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky says her Catholic faith helps her 'put things in perspective' (Catholic Standard) July 28, 2016
Four years ago, Katie Ledecky burst onto the Olympic stage when she was just fifteen years old, winning a gold medal in the women's 800-meter freestyle. Since then, the swimmer who attended Little Flower School and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda has become the world record holder in the 400, 800, and 1500-meter freestyles, and the American record holder in the 500, 1000, and 1650-yard freestyles. In 2015, she became the first swimmer in history to win the 200, 400, 800, and 1500-meter freestyles in a single world championship. During the Olympic trials, Ledecky qualified to compete in three individual events at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro--the 200, 400, and 800-meter freestyles. In the following e-mail interview with the Catholic Standard, Ledecky discusses how her faith is a source of strength and how the communities at home have supported her along the road to her second Olympics.
How has what you learned in Catholic schools helped you in your swimming career?
"I attended Catholic schools from pre-K through high school. I attended Little Flower School in Bethesda through eighth grade and then Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart for high school. I received an excellent, faith-filled education at both schools. Having the opportunity to attend academically rigorous schools has facilitated my interest in the world and in serving others, and has enriched my life so that it is not solely focused on my swimming and athletics. Nevertheless, going to these schools was important to my swimming--my Catholic schools challenged me, they broadened my perspective and they allowed me to use my mind in ways that take me beyond just thinking about swim practices, swim meets, and sports....”
Do you still say a 'Hail Mary' before each race? How did you decide upon the 'Hail Mary' as your go-to prayer?
"I do say a prayer--or two--before any race. The 'Hail Mary' is a beautiful prayer and I find that it calms me...."
Click here to read the complete article.