Book examines Mary's names

By PAT PASTERNAK- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

In 1847, the newly established Diocese of Albany was dedicated to Mary, the mother of God, under the title of the Immaculate Conception.

Today, nearly one-third of the 183 parishes in the Diocese bear the name of Mary or one of the many titles by which she is known. In addition, 12 missions, chapels and stations out of 39 carry her name -- as well as one high school, two private schools, four healthcare institutions and facilities for the elderly, 12 lay organizations, one spiritual center, and nine religious orders.

Mary's names

In "100 Names of Mary, Stories & Prayers," author Anthony F. Chiffolo delves into the reasons Mary bears so many different titles and names. He grew up in Schodack and attended Holy Spirit School in East Greenbush. He is now the managing editor of Fordham University Press in the Bronx.

"I always thought Mary was a fascinating person," Mr. Chiffolo told The Evangelist. "We have read her story in Scripture; and over the years, the Catholic Church has developed a strong theology on Mary and her important place in Church history."

He has developed a deeper appreciation of her as a result of the extensive research he did.

A to Z

The book includes, in alphabetical order, 100 names for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each chapter includes an explanation of where the name came from, a traditional prayer to Mary under that title and a new prayer. Mr. Chiffolo wrote the new ones to add a contemporary flavor to honoring Mary.

"The book deals with Mary's appearances and manifestations," he said, explaining that he was able to glean basic information from scriptural sources and then did extra research to find out about other aspects of her life that are less well known, for example, her parents, Joachim and Anne.

"I wanted the book to be as universal as possible because Mary is popular not only with Catholics but with other Christian denominations as well. She is known and loved throughout the world," he said.

Global interest

The result is information on some obscure titles, such as Mary Reconciler of People and Nations (Our Lady of Betania in Caracas, Venezuela), Our Lady of Akita (Philippines), Our Lady of China, and Our Lady of Csiksomlyo (Transylvania).

"Of course, people around the world have their favorite names for Mary and do become attached to them," the author said.

For example, one person may be attracted to one quality of hers (as Mother of God, Mediatrix or Queen of Sorrows), while another person will be attracted to a different one (Virgin of Tenderness, Star of the Ocean).

("100 Names of Mary, Stories & Prayers" is published by St. Anthony Messenger Press and can be found in local bookstores. Examples of parishes named for Mary in the Albany Diocese include Our Lady of Angels, Albany; Immaculate Conception, Corinth, Johnstown, Haines Falls and Schenectady; Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Frankfort; St. Mary's, Schenectady and Troy; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Schenectady; Notre Dame-Visitation, Schuylerville; Our Lady of the Annunciation, Queensbury; Our Lady of Victory, Troy; Sacred Heart of Mary, Troy; and Our Lady of Hope, Whitehall.)

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