Blogs
In the News: Dec. 17, 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
A new documentary on Fatima [multilingual with Portuguese subtitles] was recently completed, Fatima, El Ultimo Misterio by Goya Productions. The company expects to release this film in theaters in Spring 2017. Click here for more information or here to view the official two-minute trailer [which includes brief appearances by Dr. Gloria Dodd and Dr. Robert Fastiggi].
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
New Marian Book Now on Sale
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Brother John M. Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below with the following comments: "This brief article was published in Messenger of Mary Immaculate, November-December, 2016, page 5."
The Holy Name of Mary by Brother John Samaha, S.M.
Mary was a common name among the Hebrews because it recalled the memory of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. For this reason some scholars think this name is related to an old Egyptian word meaning beloved. This understanding certainly fits Mary of Nazareth. She was so beloved by God that she was always in the right relationship with Him. Out of love God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. Love is about the whole person, the entirety of her being, one whose very name is beautiful.
Every September 12 we honor the Holy Name of Mary in our liturgical calendar. St. Bonaventure prayed, "Your name, Mary, cannot be spoken devoutly without bringing with it some grace." We honor Mary's name because it is a sacrament of the person. To know Mary's name is to know her. To speak her name with reverence is to be familiar with her who was most familiar with God. In some Asian countries she is known by names that mean one who hears our cries.
May we always honor the name of Jesus' mother and our spiritual mother. When in need, call on Mary.
TOPMarian Events
Event: Holy Fools and Wonderworkers: Saints of the Orthodox Faith
Date: November 19, 2016 - February 26, 2017
Place: Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street, Clinton, Massachusetts 01510
Visit the largest collection of Russian icons in North America. Please be aware that this museum has many Marian icons.
Mary in the Catholic Press
The Angelus is the Perfect Prayer for Advent (Zenit) Dec 16, 2016
This Advent hundreds of people have joined together in a commitment to praying the Angelus as special preparation for the coming of Christmas. In many ways, the Angelus is the perfect Advent prayer. Its words focus our minds and hearts on the Incarnation and take us on a journey with Mary from the Annunciation to the Nativity. What better way to celebrate Advent each day than in praying the Angelus?
Yet, the Angelus is a new devotion to so many young Catholics today, including me. Years ago, almost every Catholic knew of and prayed the Angelus. Bells would ring at dawn, noon, and dusk at the nearby church and people would stop everything and begin praying, "The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary ... and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.”
My first encounter with the Angelus came on a pilgrimage to Rome ten years ago just a week before the start of Advent. After a long, overnight flight to Rome, we attended Mass at St. Peter's Basilica then joined a crowd of thousands gathered in the square to listen to the Pope's Angelus address and pray together. When the Holy Father finished his message and began the prayer, I had no idea what to do. I was teaching theology at a Catholic high school at the time, but I am sad to admit that I had never in my life prayed the Angelus...."
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.
Worldwide Celebration of Mary (St. Louis Review) December 5-11, 2016
Participants in a Marian vigil carried a statue of Mary October 8, 2016 in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican. Many countries and cultures have their own names and titles for the Blessed Mother. "Each title has a very specific meaning and a history behind it," said Marianist Father Bert Buby, a Professor with the International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton in Ohio, "so it's very valuable, like a little compendium of who Mary is for different people and different truths about her...."
Click here to read the complete article.