A Celebration of Mary

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio - 23 August 2007 - Notre Dame College’s Clara Fritzsche Library will host “A Celebration of Mary,” a multi-media event honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary on her feast day, The Birthday of Mary (September 8). The event will feature a book signing by award-winning author Sister Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND. Sister Kathleen will sign copies of her latest book, A Catholic Companion to Mary, and give a brief talk relating her experiences in writing the book. An exhibit of Marian art from the collections of the Notre Dame College Archives, Regina High School and the Notre Dame Educational Center in Chardon, Ohio will also be on display. The paintings, statuary, wall hangings, signed prints and photographs illustrate the variety of ways in which Mary is depicted in art across cultures and through the years. A slide show will also accompany the exhibit.

Notre Dame means “Our Lady “in French. Since its inception in 1922 the College has amassed an impressive collection of art representing Mary, the college’s patroness. Much of the statuary was acquired through a large and generous gift made from the period of 1968 to 1986 by the late Monsignors Angelo J. Trivisonno and Joseph Trivisonno. Biological brothers, they donated an impressive array of Marian art, including items bearing names such as Lalique, Hummel and Lladro. Much of this collection is on permanent view in the College’s Marian Room, located in the College’s Administration Building. Dedicated in 1995, the room contains museum-quality display cases and fiber optic lighting designed expressly for showcasing the major pieces in the collection. The Marian Room will also be open during the hours of the opening reception for those wishing to view the collection.

Sister Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND is a noted religious educator and author of numerous books. She is the author of the award-winning book The Confirmed Catholic’s Companion as well as a series of books on sacramental preparation, several books on religious spirituality for teachers and parents and the popular Catholic School Kids Say the Funniest Things. She is also the editor for the Faith and Life religion curriculum series and the editor of the Sisters of Notre Dame’s newsletter, The Netmaker. A graduate of Notre Dame College, where she majored in English, Sister Kathleen received a Master’s degree Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota and has been writing professionally since 1979. She has freelanced for the Sunday Magazine section of the Plain Dealer and has been a guest speaker at national and diocesan conventions, workshops and retreats. In addition to her various writing and speaking activities, Sister Kathleen also presently holds the position of pastoral associate in charge of catechetical resources. Her latest book, A Catholic Companion to Mary, attempts to bring Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to life as a flesh-and-blood human being, using what research, theological study and the experience of millions of Catholics have revealed about her. It presents what the Catholic Church believes about Mary, plus a wealth of intriguing information about people’s devotion to her.

The exhibit will run from September 8th through October 27th, 2007. The opening reception and book signing will be held on September 8th from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Karen Zoller at (216) 373-5267.