Paper Titles and Topics

ESBVM – First International Congress

August 11 – 13, 2008

Two Keynote Addresses:

The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr

Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, New York, eminent patristic and scripture scholar, prolific author, president of the Orthodox Theological Society in America, member of the Lutheran-Orthodox dialogue, USA.

 "Speaking of the Virgin: Mary and the Church, an Orthodox View”

What is the patristic view of the relationship of the Virgin Mary to the Church?   What can Orthodox thought and theology on the Virgin Mary, the

Theotókos, offer all Christians regarding what has come to be called the "motherhood of the Church"?  How might this be helpful in approaching the relationship of seemingly divided Christians to one another in the Church? In providing an in-depth analysis of the origin and meaning of the ancient patristic concept of “Virgin mother, virgin church,” Fr. Behr will offer the Congress a Marian way of viewing the Church.

Dr. Mark I. Miravalle

Roman Catholic, renowned International Mariologist, author and lecturer, celebrated advocate for the solemn definition of the fifth Catholic dogma on Our Lady as Coredemptrix, professor of  Theology and Mariology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio, editor of Mother of All Peoples, on-line journal of Mariology.

"Marian Coredemption:  The Dogma's Meaning, Contemporary Significance and Solemn Definition"

What are the classic and postconciliar Catholic perspectives on the doctrine of  Marian Coredemption?  How do they differ? What is meant by Marian  Coredemption from a Catholic perspective?  What is at stake in the solemn definition of this doctrine by the Papal Magisterium and why is its solemn definition important to the universal Church in today's world?  Dr. Miravalle will offer the Congress both a synthesis of the dogma's meaning and a theological explanation of the various sources of  Divine   Revelation that support Marian Coredemption.  He will also provide a straight-forward analysis of the issues involved in the proposed dogmatic definition of Coredemption, including a        discussion of  the major reasons why the dogma is needed as well as a discussion of the objections to the dogma and its solemn definition.

One Featured Presentation:

Dr. Margaret Amy Schatkin

Lutheran, patrologist, associate professor of patristics and historical theology at Boston College, noted patristic scholar and lecturer, presenter in  the recent     Chrysostomika II International Conference in Rome.  Her edition of St. John Chrysostom appeared in Sources Chrétiennes Fathers of the Church series.

 "The Perpetual Virginity of Mary and New Testament Textual Criticism"

This paper will offer an emendation of a key New Testament verse relating to the perpetual virginity of Mary.  The evidence of early manuscripts and versions of the New Testament is shown to add credence to the hypothesis that a corruption may have entered into the manuscript tradition.  Justification of the proposed emendation is presented on the grounds of ancient Greek grammar and paleography.  The exegesis of the Church

Fathers is reviewed in light of the reconsideration of the text of this verse.

Twelve General Presentations:

The Rev. Dr. Nicholas L. Gregoris

Roman Catholic, well-known Newman scholar, author of The Daughter of Eve Unfallen on the Mariology of the Ven. John  Henry   Newman, managing editor  of The Catholic Response and chaplain at the newly established Wyoming Catholic College in Lander, Wyoming.

"The Old Testament Background to John Henry Newman’s Mariology: His Explanation of Key Marian Texts, Titles and Typologies in Both Anglican and Catholic Doctrine and Devotion"

This paper will demonstrate how Cardinal Newman (both as an Anglican and a Catholic) understood the Old Testament roots of Marian doctrine and devotion. This analysis will examine key texts from the Old Testament, like the      Protoevangelium of Genesis 3:15, which reveals Mary as the New Eve. It will consider titles like that of Daughter of Zion, integral to the theme of our Congress, in which Mary is seen as the personification of Israel, obedient to the covenant of Yahweh which is fulfilled in Christ and the Holy Spirit. It will offer reflection on various typologies, like that found in the Canticle of Canticles frequently read by the Fathers of the Church in a Marian vein, where Our Lady is considered as the sinless  Spouse of Christ, Who is the Bridegroom of the Soul as well as the Mystical Spouse and Head of the Church.  Fr. Gregoris will offer a fresh perspective on a biblical Mariology, relying on Old Testament rather than New Testament sources.

The Very Rev. Dr. Peter M. J. Stravinskas

Roman Catholic, renowned Catholic apologist and author, publisher of Newman House Press, editor-in-chief of  The Catholic Response, author of Mary and the Fundamentalist Challenge, actively involved in ecumenical dialog for over thirty years and founder of the Priestly Society of the Ven. John Henry Cardinal Newman.

"The Blessed Virgin according to the Reformers"?

While it is commonly acknowledged that one of the most neuralgic issues in  ecumenical dialogue is the place of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is not as commonly           realized that the original Reformers (e.g., Luther, Calvin and Zwingli) all had a very "high" Mariology, compared to their spiritual descendants.  Fr. Stravinskas will demonstrate how gaining contact with the Mariology espoused by the early Reformers can serve as a valuable point of departure for discussing Marian doctrine and devotion between communities with roots in the Protestant Reformation and those traditions that accord the Blessed Virgin a more prominent position (e.g., Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism).

Dr. Virginia M. Kimball

Eastern Orthodox theologian, adjunct professor at Assumption College, Worcester, Massachusetts, author and lecturer, former president of the  Mariological Society of America and vice-president of the ESBVM-USA and contributor to Mary for Time and Eternity, a new collection of essays on Mary and ecumenism from ESBVM-UK.

"Entrance of the Theotókos into the Temple:  Daughter of Zion Dwells in Heaven’s Presence"

This paper will offer the Congress an exploration of the entrance of the Theotókos into the Temple in reference to the environment of Jewish mystical understanding       in her time.  Examples from the Hodayot and the Temple Scrolls of Qumran, styles of mystical writing that influenced Greek apocryphal writing, will be shown to inform the  meaning of the unique story of a little girl in the Temple who is fed by angels. The mystical perspective of her entry into the Temple can be seen as a

demonstration of the Virgin Mary as the Daughter of Zion.

The Rev. Donald Charles Lacy, D. MIN.

United Methodist, beloved pastor, well-known ecumenist, author and lecturer, long-time Mariologist and member of ESBVM-USA, tireless promoter of the

importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary among Protestants.       

"Making the Blessed Virgin Mary an Imperative in Our Protestant Church"

Our task in America and beyond is to bring our Mother Mary into the mainstream of Protestant worship and study. Our laity and clergy must become aware of her    indispensability to the life of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church of which we are all a part.  Dr. Lacy will discuss both of these imperatives for Protestants from the perspective of his many years of service to the Church both as a Methodist minister and as a noted ecumenist.

The Rev. Dr. Judith Marie Gentle

Anglican Catholic, theologian and Mariologist, author of Jesus Redeeming in    Mary and numerous journal articles and papers on Our Lady, lecturer, current         board member of ESBVM-USA, adjunct professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville in       Steubenville, Ohio.

"'The Lord has created a new thing on the earth: the Woman must encompass the Man' (Jer. 31:32):  The Relationship of Jesus and Mary as an Event of Redemption and Divine Revelation"

In True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Louis-Marie de Montfort tells us that Jesus Christ gave more glory to God in submitting to His Mother than if He        had converted the whole world by working the greatest miracles.  By exploring  the theological significance of the writings of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, this paper will examine the event of God the Son's Incarnation from the flesh of the  Blessed Virgin Mary as both the ontological foundation for Marian Coredemption and the revelation par excellence of the Divine Mystery of the Blessed Trinity, Itself. This paper will likewise offer some theological insights regarding the consequences of the Coredemptive Relationship between Jesus and Mary for the redemption of   the relationships between all      men and women, who, as Genesis 1:26 reveals, were created in the image of this same Triune God.

Dr. Robert Fastiggi

Roman Catholic, theologian, Professor of Systematic Theology, Sacred Heart    Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan, member of the Mariological Society of America and one of the editors for the future updates of the New Catholic Encyclopedia.

"Mary's Immaculate Conception: Historical and Ecumenical Perspectives"

This paper will trace the historical development of the dogma of the Immaculate    Conception within Catholic history. It will highlight the importance of the Latin   understanding of original sin for this doctrinal development, especially with respect to the "formal" and "material" effects of the Fall. The paper will then consider the  Immaculate Conception from an ecumenical perspective, taking note of the         ecclesiological and theological objections to the dogma. The final part of the paper  will consider possible ways in which Mary's Immaculate Conception might     harmonize with certain Eastern Orthodox and Protestant themes (e.g. Mary as "all-holy," Panagia,” and salvation as "sola gratia").  

Dr. Mary Catherine Nolan, O.P.

Roman Catholic, theologian and Mariologist, author, lecturer and retreat director. Currently, she is a board member of the Mariological Society of America and  doing research on the role of Mary in Islam.

"Mary and Islam: A Sign for all the World, A Model for Salvation"

This paper will examine the historical background for the Muslim understanding of Mary the Mother of Jesus as dictated by the Prophet Muhammad and written in    the third "Sura" or chapter of the Holy Qur'an. The story of the Annunciation and the Birth of Jesus as told in the Qur'an will be contrasted with the account in the             Gospel of Luke.  Additionally, three themes from the teachings of American Imams on Mary's role in Islam will be discussed: Mary as model of purity, prayer            and beauty; Mary as sign of salvation; Mary as personification of the eschatological community of      believers. The peaceful presence of Mary in      Christianity and in Islam will also be considered as providing a possible point for dialogue between these two faiths.

 The Rev. Dr. Edward J. Ondrako, OFM Conv.

Roman Catholic, theologian, author, university professor, currently serving  as a guest lecturer on ecumenical and inter-religious issues and ecclesiology at the Franciscan International Study Centre, Canterbury, England, and author of Progressive Illumination: A Journey with John Henry Cardinal Newman 1980 - 2005.

"Virgin Made Church: Reflections on Mary in the Franciscan Tradition"

Using the foundational and original title, Virgo ecclesia facta, from St. Francis of Assisi, this paper will trace key moments in the development of Marian thought within the Franciscan Tradition.  It will offer the Congress

an opportunity to appreciate the many riches coming out of the Franciscan Tradition as an alternative Western theological perspective that both compliments  and complements that of the Thomistic tradition.

Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM

Byzantine Catholic, holds an M.A. in Christian Spirituality, vocation director of the  Uniontown, Pennsylvania Province of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, Program Director of Mount St. Macrina House of  Prayer, retreat and spiritual director.

“The Theotókos’ Intimate Role in Salvation: Images of Mediation in Byzantine Liturgical Prayer.”

The Christian East, in struggling with Christological truths, defined the role of the Theotókos in Salvation History.  Byzantine liturgical prayers celebrate

this theology with joy, praise and confidence.  Drawing upon her rich heritage as both a Byzantine Catholic consecrated religious and a spiritual director, Sister        Barbara Jean's presentation will focus participants on the prayer of the Paraklesis with a grateful vision.

Dr. Maura Hearden

Roman Catholic, recent graduate in Religious Studies from Marquette University, and soon-to-be theology professor at DeSales University, Center Valley,         Pennsylvania.  Her research has combined interests in Mariology, interreligious dialog and ecumenism.

"Our Lady of Spiritual Solidarity: Reflections on the Marian Dimension of Catholic-Methodist Dialogue"

         This paper will explore the relationship between Mariology and the ecclesiological conclusions set forth in the official Catholic-Methodist dialogue statements, specifically those focusing on the Church as a sacramental     communion.”  In addition to presenting an examination of the conclusions of this particular ecumenical dialog, this paper will also demonstrate the as yet un-tapped benefits of   including Mariological reflection within broader ecclesial discussions.

The Rev. Dr. Paul Snowden Russell, III

Anglican, academic dean of St. Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Theological         College in Berkeley, California, noted Syriac scholar, author of numerous articles and books, distinguished member of the North American Syriac Symposium and researcher on St. Ephraem the Syrian. 

“Theotókos the Theologian: A Syrian Appreciation of Mary's ‘Keeping Things and Pondering Them in Her Heart.’”

As the Church struggles to embody Christ its Head on earth, we seek for models of human beings living lives that touch on and anticipate the New Kingdom for         which we hope.  Our Lady has frequently inspired Christians to persevere in seeking holiness and to find holiness and insight in places in which they never      thought to discover it.  The Syrian-speaking Christians of Asia have long drawn  strength from Mary’s example. Their tradition comes as a tonic to the parched      West in need of an invigorating draft.  This paper will help the Congress explore the many riches offered the universal Church by the Syrian view of the Virgin Mary.

The Rev. Jennifer Matison Juliano

Member of the United Church of Christ,  Pastor of First Congregational Church, Walton, New York, board member of ESBVM-USA, presented an Inter-        Generational Day for women and daughters on the Blessed Virgin Mary, entitled  "A Day of Reflection on Mary," at First Congregational Church in Walton.

“Wilderness Transformed”

This paper will provide an exegetical study of how several Old Testament  elements are transformed into a “new creation” in Revelation 12:13-17.  The serpent, the powerful trickster of Genesis 3 is “thrown down to the earth” in Revelation 12:13.  The wilderness, the place in which the wandering Israelites complain about the food and water and the deadly serpents, is seen as a place of     nourishment and protection from the serpent in Revelation 12:14.  The flood sent      by God in Genesis 7 becomes a failed attempt by the serpent to wash away the woman in Revelation 12:15.  The earth, which can only receive Abel’s blood in Genesis 4:11, swallows the serpent’s river in Revelation 12:16, thus saving the  woman.  After offering exegesis on Revelation 12:13-17 in light of these Old Testament passages, Rev. Juliano will offer some thoughts on the role the woman   found in Revelation 12 plays in the transformation of the serpent, wilderness,  flood, and earth into a new creation.

Sr. Nonna Verna Harrison

Eastern Orthodox nun, assistant professor of Church History at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri,  a specialist in patristics and Orthodox            theology, author of many scholarly articles and books, including St. Basil the Great: On the Human Condition and St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Festal Orations.