Marian Library / IMRI

Academic Program


Overview Current Courses Contact Info

[Marian Library Medal] One of the principal missions of the Marian Library is to be an international center of research and study in Marian theology and on the role of Mary in Christian life.

The academic program serves a diverse, international student population: laity, religious and clergy, both men and women. While most students seek advanced pontifical academic degrees in theology with specialization in mariology, others simply wish to satisfy a personal interest in Marian studies.

Founded in 1975 at the University of Dayton in affiliation with the Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum in Rome, the academic program offers

  • advanced pontifical degrees with specialization in mariology:
  • the doctorate in sacred theology (S.T.D.),
  • the licentiate in sacred theology (S.T.L.),
  • the master's degree in religious studies with a Marian concentration (in conjunction with the religious studies department at the University)
  • a certificate in Marian studies
  • guided studies.

    The development of the academic program is rooted in Paul VI's 1974 apostolic letter Marialis Cultus, which proposes a comprehensive approach to Marian studies that includes attention to the biblical, liturgical, ecumenical and anthropological dimensions.

    The academic program is organized in a three-year cycle, with courses taught in three sessions: summer, fall and spring. Core courses include topics such as:

  • Mary in scripture
  • Mary in doctrine
  • Mary in the patristic, medieval, modern and contemporary periods
  • Mary in spirituality
  • Mary in liturgy.

    The study of Mary is closely related to courses in Christology, ecclesiology and theological anthropology.

    Various electives address the place of Mary in specific theologians (e.g., Augustine) and current schools of theology (e.g., feminist theology). Introductory courses include theological methodology, research and bibliography.

    A listing of Current Courses offered by the Marian Library / International Marian Research Institute is available. For additional information, please write or call Rev. Johann G. Roten, S.M., Director at the International Marian Research Institute/Marian Library, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469-1390, (937) 229-4214 or (937) 229-4258 (FAX).

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    The Marian Library

    Recognized as the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of printed materials on Mary the Marian Library aims to further study and research and to promote well-founded devotion to Mary. The library comprises a Marian collection -- theological treatises, books on shrines, sermon collections, anthologies of Marian poetry and other works -- and a complementary reference collection in scripture, patristics, systematic and spiritual theology, history, religious art and general bibliography.

    Established in 1943 by the Marianists at the University of Dayton, the Marian Library now holds

  • more than 90,000 books and pamphlets in some 50 languages, ranging from the invention of printing in the 15th century to the present
  • more than 55,000 clippings from newspapers and magazines
  • nearly 20,000 cards depicting Mary in the art of all ages and numerous Marian shrines.

    The Marian Library's collection of non-print media includes

  • attractive collections of statues from around the world, Marian postage stamps, recordings of Marian music and Marian medals
  • more than 4,000 slides on Marian art, especially from the 20th-century, and numerous video and audio cassettes, available for loan, on Marian themes and related topics.

    The Marian Library is

  • a clearinghouse for information on Marian devotion
  • a resource for theological research and support of graduate programs in theology
  • accessible online for most resources
  • an institutional member of the American Theological Library Association
  • the headquarters of the Mariological Society of America.

    To search online for Marian Library resources, click on the Roesch Library of the University of Dayton.

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    The Gallery


    Overview Current Exhibit Artists Previous Exhibits

    Exhibits of contemporary Marian art from around the world attract visitors to the gallery at the Marian Library throughout the year. Numerous artists exploring timeless religious themes have exhibited works in collage, water color, sculpture, wood carving and other media at the gallery. We also encourage the creation of Marian art, sponsor competitions and play a role in documenting the value of religious art in the United States and abroad.

    Our gallery regularly displays exhibitions by contemporary artists on religious themes, related primarily to Mary.

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    Return to The Mary Page

    This page, maintained by The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute, was last Modified November 19, 1997 by J.C. Tierney. Please send any comments to ROTEN@data.lib.udayton.edu.

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