Stimulating creativity in the study and teaching of Mariology
Research-oriented. Thematic. Ongoing. Online.
The Marian Forum is a continuing series of online academic gatherings designed to promote the study of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At each two-hour session, scholars present fresh research on a particular theme in the first hour. Then in the second hour, they take comments and questions from the live, worldwide audience.
Audience participation. Because the discussion generated by the comments and questions is an essential element of the forum, participants usually receive preliminary drafts of the papers in advance. After the online discussion and a review process, the papers will be published by the International Marian Research Institute.
Why this format? By gathering together online, people from all over the world can meet for a two-hour span without having to spend the time, energy, and money associated with traveling to conferences. The goal is to supplement larger Marian conferences by bringing scholars together more often—just for a couple of hours—to foster collegiality and simulate creativity in the field.
It’s free! There is no fee required to participate, but registration is required.
Information about the next forum will be posted soon.
Experience past sessions
Mary—Yesterday and Today
April 6, 2018
Fr. Thomas Thompson discussed how Marian theology and spirituality have evolved since the middle of the last century. Then, Fr. Johann Roten posed the question, where do we stand today? Video to come.
Mary in Asia and Africa
October 20, 2017
Sister Celia Chua and Fr. Sébastien Abalodo discussed how Mary is received on these two immense continents and attempted to get an initial grasp of what Mary means to the Catholics of Asia and Africa. Watch the video.
Mary and Ecological Spirituality
April 7, 2017
Dr. Deyanira Flores and Fr. Johann Roten reflected and led discussions on Mary as a spiritual model to help us live responsibly in today's threatened nature and world. Watch the video.
Mary and the Church in the Teachings of Paul VI, John Paul II and Francis
October 14, 2016
Fr. Thomas Thompson, Danielle M. Peters, and Rev. Alexandre Awi Mello discussed and answered questions on Mary and the Church in the Teachings of Paul VI, John Paul II and Francis. Watch the video.
Mary's Place in Today's Church
April 8, 2016
Fr. Thomas Buffer and Dr. Dennis Doyle presented on the subject of Mary's Place in Today's Church. Watch the video.
Teaching of Mariology in Seminaries
October 16, 2015
We joined together, across the globe in real time, to listen and discuss the first two presentations, by Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Fr. Benedict O'Cinnsealaigh, on the subject of Teaching of Mariology in Seminaries. Watch the video.