Blogs
Mary in the News: March 4, 2019
By Michael Duricy
Read recent items about Mary in both Catholic and secular news. Also, see International Marian Research Institute as well as Marian Library news and updates.
Marian Library and International Marian Research Institute Features
Updates
A Marianist Brother sent us the information immediately below [in French].
Dear friends,
On Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Lent begins.
On the Net, you may find various proposals to live well this preparation time for Easter.
This year you can receive each day in your personal mailbox a brief spiritual consideration of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianists, on the general theme of trust in the Providence of God, and a more-or-less explicit connection with the Gospel of the day.
If you want to participate in this Marianist way of Lent, visit the website for the Marianists of France, go to the bottom of the home page and enter your email address in the space provided in Newsletter, E-mail.
You will always have the possibility to unsubscribe if you wish.
Wishing you in any case a good Lent, I leave you my friendly greetings, and I thank on all your behalf our webmaster!
Robert Witwicki, S.M.
Mary in Media: Books, Films, Music, etc.
New Book on Marian Icons from an IMRI Graduate
Christ's first disciples were Jews and Gentiles and referred to themselves not as "Christians," but as members of "the Way" (John 14:6). In this new book, Discovering the Way of Joy in Icons of the Mother of Christ, Dr. Virginia M. Kimball takes the reader on a journey to discover the way of true joy in Christ as Mary knew and lived it. Her way of joy can lead to our way of joy, too. Dr. Kimball presents twelve icons of the mother of Christ, which originate from centuries of Christian tradition.
Icons, from the time of the ancient church, have been known as "windows to God," providing a remarkable opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth. In these icons we find the nurturing of Christ by His mother. The insights from these icons can have relevance to the lives and issues of mothers and fathers today. All Christians are "mothers and fathers" even if they are not biological parents. They care for others in their family, work place, and church community.
Reflection on these vital aspects of life today hold great importance to our spiritual and day-to-day life, and our way to true joy in Christ.
The Kindle version is available now and the print version will be available after March 5, 2019.
From the Marian Treasure Chest
Brother John Samaha, S.M., sent us the text below.
Wellsprings of Marianist Spirituality and Education by Brother John Samaha, S.M.
Below is the specific context for Riordan, Marianist, Christian education
Basic attitudes; practical suggestions
Be-attitudes
Own the principles
Challenge students
Expect much
High standards
Being is more important than having or doing
Mystique and technique
Content and process
Philosophy of education aided by group dynamics
Romero on education
Square--four sides--spiritual, intellectual, social, physical
Nemo dat quod non habet. [Noone can give what they don’t have.]
Contagion of good
Bonum diffusum est sui. [Goodness spreads itself around.]
Caught more than taught
Actions speak louder than words.
Students remember how we treated them more than what we said.
Repetition is the mother of learning.
Virtue is habit
Nothing is impossible with God
You are not alone
Jesus in Gospel:
Be not afraid
Launch out into the deep
ARHS is distinctive. Be distinctive. What is the mark of a Riordan man?
Exude happiness
Positive thinking
Participation
Player or contributor not a sideline spectator or critic.
Marian Events
Title: Lent 2019
Theme: Presentation from the University of Dayton's Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute (IMRI)
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Piqua Catholic School, 503 W. North Street, Piqua, Ohio 45356
Dr. Gloria Falcao Dodd is the Director of Academic Programs at the International Marian Research Institute, University of Dayton, where she received her doctorate in sacred theology. She teaches and administers the pontifical degree programs for the License of Sacred Theology and the Doctorate of Sacred Theology. She speaks regularly on the Marian Studies and Spirituality series on Radio Maria. Her publications include regular articles in the Missio Immaculatae International magazine and her book, The Virgin Mary,
Mediatrix of All Grace.
This presentation is sponsored by the Adult Faith Formation team and will be held in the campus cafeteria. Registration with continental breakfast will run from 9-9:30 when the talk will begin. Admission is free, though free-will donations are welcome. To register call 937-773-1327 or 937-773-1656. Walk-ins are welcome.
Mary in the Catholic Press
Vatican Announces Pope Will Go to Loreto and Offer Post-Synodal Document to Virgin Mary (Zenit) February 24, 2019
"On March 25, 2019 the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Holy Father Pope Francis will visit Loreto."
This was announced in a statement by Alessandro Gisotti, the Director ad interim of the Holy See Press Office.
"On this occasion," the statement added, "the Pope intends to offer the Virgin Mary the Post-Synodal Exhortation of the Synod of Bishops on the theme: Youth, faith and vocational discernment, held in the Vatican from Oct. 3-28, 2018...."
Mary in the Secular Press
The Marianum informed us of a Mariological event that took place there on February 26, 2019.
E Mia Madre, a book written by Father Alexandre Awi Mello published by the Città Nuova Publishing House was presented to the Marianum Faculty. This book was written as the fruit of Father Alexandre's personal Interview with with Pope Francis about Mary. Father Alexandre had a wonderful opportunity to interview Pope Francis for two hours and then wrote this book about the Mariological thoughts of Pope Francis.
There was also a Marian Concert with four musical instruments. More than one-hundred people participated. The President of the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization, Mons. Rino Fisichella was also present for the event.
On that wonderful occasion, Father Denis Kulandaisamy, OSM, handed over the Doctoral diploma to Father Alexandre in front of the Assembly. He was very happy.
N.B. The STD Dissertation on which the book was based, Maria-Iglesia: Madre del Pueblo Misionero - Papa Francisco y la piedad popular mariana en el contexto teologico-pastoral latino-americano (Mary-Church: Mother of the Missionary People – Pope Francis and popular Marian piety), is available on Ohiolink ETD. We expect it to be posted on ProQuest soon as well.