BLESSED COLUMBA MARMION AND HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IN THE LIFE OF A ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST: AN AID TO DEVELOPING A SPIRITUALITY FOR DIOCESAN PRIESTS IN PAROCHIAL MINISTRY

About the Book

Blessed Columba Marmion was abbot of Maredsous Benedictine Abbey in Belgium from 1909 until 1923. His conferences given to clergy and religious consist of solid and practical spiritual advice that is timelier than ever. This book is a successfully defended doctoral thesis that focuses on Marmion’s understanding of the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of a diocesan priest. The ultimate purpose of such a thesis is to provide an aid to developing a spirituality for clergy in parochial ministry. Included in this book is a concise background of Marmion’s life, an appendix of many quotations taken directly from his conferences that can serve as material for meditation and finally a proposed spiritual process that can assist the reader in developing a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by reflecting upon the life and role of the Blessed Mother. Although the targeted audience is Roman Catholic clergy, any person may benefit from the meditations by adapting the process to his or her own state in life.

About the Author

Rev. David J. Hankus is an ordained Roman Catholic priest in the Joliet, Illinois Diocese. Currently a pastor, he has served over the years on the Presbyteral Council and as Dean. His academic background includes the Bachelor of Arts, Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies degrees. His copyrighted parish renewal program “Living Life Liturgically: Advent and Christmas” was highlighted in Pastoral Liturgy magazine in 2008.