There's Something About Mary

by *jeremiah* 2 Replies latest social current

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  *jeremiah*

  Is Mary becoming one kind of a bridge to unite religion?

  Personally I see this trend in the news more and more. The Pope is currently in Turkey and here is an excerpt from a recent speech:

  Benedict said in his sermon: "From here in Ephesus, a city blessed by the presence of Mary Most Holy -- who we know is loved and venerated also by Muslims -- let us lift up to the Lord a special prayer for peace between peoples."

  The Koran describes Mary as the virgin mother of Jesus, whom Muslims consider the greatest prophet after Mohammed, and some Muslims -- especially women -- visit shrines to her.

  Here is the entire article if interested: http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=newsOne&storyID=2006-11-29T132936Z_01_L28626797_RTRUKOC_0_US-POPE-TURKEY.xml&WTmodLoc=Home-C2-TopNews-newsOne-4

  Muslisms, Catholics, and some Protestant denominations seem to be venerating her more and more. Many believe in her appearances (apparitions) throughout the world and tens of thousands make pilgrimages to those locations.

  It seems as if the Pope can't seem to make a speech anymore without mentioning her. Some non-Catholic religions are beginning to follow the Catholic example of venerating Mary.

  Here's another recent news article entitled "The Power of Mary": http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006611260589

  Thoughts,...comments?

  Also, I wonder the role of cults in this emerging trend. I recently scanned the WT's article "Should you Pray to the Virgin Mary?" Apparently the WT's stance is in opposition to veneration of Mary at this time. I wonder, though, If Mary continues to appear and maybe performs some huge miracle, will cults like the WTS form "new light" to come to more of a venerable belief in her?
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  purplesofa

  Artist/Band: Rogers Kenny
  Lyrics for Song: Mary Did You Know
  Lyrics for Album: Gift

  Mary, did you know
  that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
  
  Mary, did you know
  that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
  
  Did you know,
  that your baby boy has come to make you new?
  This child that you've delivered,
  will soon deliver you.
  
  Mary, did you know
  that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
  
  Mary, did you know
  your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
  
  Did you know,
  that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
  When you kiss your little baby,
  you've kissed the face of God.
  
  The blind will see
  The deaf will hear
  The dead will live again.
  The lame will leap
  The dumb will speak
  The praises of The Lamb.
  
  Mary, did you know
  that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
  
  Mary, did you know
  that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
  
  Did you know,
  that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
  This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM.
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  *jeremiah*

  More Mary news:

  "Pilgrim statue visits inmates"

  Nearing the end of its three-week tour of Guam, the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima made its way yesterday to visit men and women who could desperately be seeking any of the good fortune that is said to follow the statue.

  http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS01/612040303/1002

  "Rwanda: Thousands Pray At Marian Shrine As Jubilee Year Opens"

  http://allafrica.com/stories/200612010959.html