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By Michael Duricy

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

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CALL FOR PAPERS

The Shrine of Fatima and the Faculty of Theology of the Catholic University of Portugal, in charge of the organization of the International Conference of the Centennial of Fatima, Thinking Fatima--Interdisciplinary Readings, which will take place in the Shrine of Fatima from June 21-24, 2017, invite researchers of different disciplines of Theological, Social, and Human Sciences to present papers related to the event of Fatima, throughout the 100 years of its existence.

Papers are accepted in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German. Plenary conferences will be guaranteed in Portuguese, English, and Italian. The proposals must fall within one of the thematic fields, and should be submitted anonymously to the evaluation of at least two members of the Scientific Committee of the Congress, selected by the Organizing Committee, upon presentation of an abstract.

 The deadline for Paper proposals (Abstracts) is December 31, 2016.

Click here for further details.

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

Mary Calendar

In honor of the 100th anniversary of Fatima, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception bring you the 2017 Mary Calendar. It features beautiful Marian artwork and inspirational quotes and includes special Marian feast days, Fatima prayers, and "How to Pray the Rosary." Click here for more information or to order copies from the Marian Helpers Catalog.

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From the Marian Treasure Chest

Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below with the following comments: "This is a review of a recent study published by Father Jean-Louis Barré, S.M. The review is the assessment of the late Father Luigi Gambero, S.M., himself a noted patrologist and Mariologist. The translation from French into English was made by Father Joseph Stefanelli, S.M., and edited by Brother John Samaha, S.M."

Appreciating Father Emile Neubert, S.M. by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

Who was Emile Neubert? A French Marianist priest, small of stature, fragile of health, modest and humble. When he was a student of theology preparing for the priesthood, a doctor told his superiors that he might not be able to continue his studies because of his general physical condition. However, he lived a long life and became the most respected and most famous Marian theologian of the Society of Mary founded by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.

Known throughout the world through his writings, Emile Neubert may be considered as one of the agents of the Mariology which is today noted for its rigorous and scientific character. Yet, it is not beyond the comprehension of simple believers. It is now forty years since his death (1967), yet his features and his work remain alive in the memory of his Marianist brothers. For it was he who, by his life and by his activity as a theologian, as writer and as educator, interpreted faithfully the Marian spirituality of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and spread it far beyond the institutions and associations which the latter had founded.

Neubert's name leads us almost instinctively to think of the Mother of the Lord. It can be said that, in his numerous publications, all is expressed in a Marian key. Cardinal Richaud said of him that he possessed a true charism for speaking about the Blessed Virgin. Cardinal Suenens spoke of him "as a pioneer of Marian theology presented at the level of all and inserted into practical living." That is how Emile Neubert was, and that is how we like to remember him when reading his works of Marian doctrine and spirituality. They continue to arouse enthusiasm and consensus.

Now we have the good fortune to have within our hands a publication, scholarly and profound, of his thought. Jean-Louis Barré, SM, in his doctoral dissertation, La Mission de la Vierge Marie d'apres les Ecrits d'Emile Neubert (1878-1967), presents us with a study which takes us through all of Neubert's works and which helps us to recapture the principal and clearest lines of his Marian theology. [The book was printed in Belgium by Trinacria, 334 pages.]

Barré's work, in a way, takes us on the long journey Neubert traveled in order to achieve his full maturity as a theologian and master of the spiritual life. It was already apparent in the autobiography which is given appropriate consideration at the very beginning of the dissertation.

Fundamental also are the clarifications of the theological and cultural context in which Neubert's vocation for the study of Mariology was nurtured. He well understood that engaging in a deep study of the historical sources of Christianity was not superfluous since many of those sources required further research and stricter verification. Neubert began this engagement in historical investigation in his dissertation for his doctorate, Marie dans l'Eglise anténicéenne. Fortunately, Barré, in his second chapter, passes in review the authors and the currents of thought which might have directly or indirectly influenced Neubert's cultural and Marian formation.

Chapter three, on the track of Marie dans le dogme, devoted itself to a properly dogmatic theology concerning the Mother of God, as elaborated by Neubert. It does so with abundant presentation and a rich investigation. Chapter four deals with the slender volume, Mon Idéal: Jésus, Fils de Marie. It is truly a masterpiece of Marian spirituality showing how Neubert offers the believer, in the person of the Mother of God, a precious and enthusiastic guide for walking safely along the path to Christian holiness.

In conclusion, Barré, in chapter five, presents an overview of the reception which, even today, is given to Neubert's writings and of the spiritual fruits which they produce not only among the spiritual descendants of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade but in the entire Church. One proof of this, among others, is that translations into many languages of Neubert's works have been published.

Barré's work bears the best letters of credibility for obtaining a welcome from the Marianist religious, from specialists in Mariology, and from the faithful who reserve a special place for the Blessed Virgin in their journey toward the fullness of the Christian life, who is Jesus, Son of Mary.

Marian Events

Patriotic Rosary

Date: Monday, October 3, 2016, 7 pm

Where: Incarnation Parish Church, 55 Williamsburg Lane, Centerville, OH 45459

This Rosary lifts up all three branches of government and the office of Governors and the county and municipal offices of local government as well as praying for each of the states and all of the people in those states. With our federal, state, and local elections coming up this fall, we need, more than ever, to pray for our country and its elected officials. Please come and lift up our country and its leaders for God's blessing and for conversion of hearts and minds.

For more information contact the Incarnation Parish Office at 937-433-1188.

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Mary in the Catholic Press

Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos Of All Armenians, During Divine Liturgy from Zenit June 26, 2016

Below is the Vatican-provided translation of the message Of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos Of All Armenians, given during the Divine Liturgy this morning in the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Etchmiadzin during the last day of his fourteenth Apostolic Visit abroad in Armenia, July 24-26:

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When He went ashore, He saw a great crowd; and He had compassion for them and cured their sick. (John 13:34)

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Yours Holiness, beloved brother in Christ, Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Armenia,  Beloved spiritual brothers and faithful people,

Over the course of the past few days we have been experiencing an abundance of spiritual joy and joint prayer while glorifying God in Holy Etchmiadzin. Today we have gathered for the celebration of Divine Liturgy, joined in prayer by the Pontiff of Rome, our beloved brother, Pope Francis….

Click here to read the complete article. [The article includes a photo showing a beautiful Marian image as the backdrop.]

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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.

Mercy, A Chance for Life: A Five-week Online Retreat (Press Release) September 2, 2016