The Marian Studies Center (MSC)

Rationale

The Founding Fathers of Notre Dame University belong to the Maronite Mariamite Order, and their congregation is fully devoted to the Virgin Mary. The University is the only institution of higher education in Lebanon and the Middle East that carries the name of the Holy Virgin, Our Lady (Notre Dame). The University Administration thought that it was entirely appropriate to establish a center for research and studies specifically related to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, and entitled it the Marian Studies Center. This Center concentrates on specialized research related to this subject. This specialization becomes more significant when we realize that such a center, has no competitors in Lebanon or the Middle East.

This is one way of strengthening the links between Eastern Churches centered on their belief in the Virgin Mary. It is also a significant path to be followed by the Christian-Moslem dialogue based on a common denominator represented in the positive and inspiring image of our Mother Mary.

It is above all one way of proving that belief is not a simple and superficial kind of feeling; rather, it is based on a deep understanding of the presence of the Holy Mother in our lives.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Marian Studies Center (MSC) is to become the unique research center for theological, historical, and cultural studies on the person and the meaning of the Virgin Mary in Lebanon and the Middle East.

Mission Statement

The MSC endorses the study of the scientific and religious aspects of the Holy Mother using contemporary information and personal experiences throughout Lebanon and the Middle East. It aims to be the dialogue center on the subject between Eastern Churches, and between Christianity and Islam.

Objectives

 The MSC aims at:

  • conducting research related to issues of faith.
  • becoming concerned with specific religious studies related to the Virgin Mary as a person, as a Saint, and as a religious figure and symbol of pure faith.
  • creating a data base on the subject with an on-going possibility of significant growth.
  • establishing a specialized library on the subject.
  • getting involved in research related to the Virgin Mary as a historic, theological, and cultural symbol.
  • combining science and belief, reason and revelation, in order to keep discovering the truth about the Holy Mother.
  • dealing with theology through a scientific approach, and dealing with scientific analysis through a spiritual, as well as rational, criticism.
  • Conducting research on the subject through the internet facilities and other means of information technology.
  • supporting science with religion, and enhancing religion with science.
  • making the subject of the Virgin Mary a scientific subject in order to complement the religious subject.
  • publishing the outcome of such research in the form of books, magazines, and specialized encyclopedias.

Brief History

The Marian Studies Center (MSC) started unofficially with the preparations and writings of the first Volume of the Encyclopedia The Virgin Mary in Lebanon, published in 2001. Later in November 2003 the Academy was officially established under the Office of the Vice President for Sponsored Research and Development, and the work was launched in more than one direction serving the objectives set for the Center.

The Encyclopedia: The Virgin Mary in Lebanon
This is a religious and historical illustrated compendium on present and former churches and shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Lebanon. It is published in a number of volumes in the format of one volume per district (caza or cada). It is published in Arabic with summaries translated into English.

The Virgin Mary is the centerpiece of this work. However the Encyclopedia is a general, rigorous and indicative survey of the status quo of every village, town and city in Lebanon. This survey starts with the name of the place and includes the short history, architecture, social life, nature of the land, and important figures of the village or city. The text is enriched with a series of colored portraits and photographs that represent the cultural and social background of each of these places.

The work is supported with references, oral and written sources, field studies, maps and tables. The volumes already published, written by the late Anwar Saber, are:

  • Volume 1: District of Akkar
  • Volume 2: Districts of Tripoli, Menieh-Dounnieh, Zgharta-Zawyeh.
  • Volume 3: District of Jibbet Bsharry and the Qadisha Valley.
  • Volume 4: District of Al-Koura.
  • Volume 5: District of Al-Batroun (Ijdabra – Hilta)
  • Volume 6: District of Al-Batroun (Dooq – Neeha)

Activities

  1. Participation in the Christian Media Exhibition from November 29 to December 7 2003. The Academy participated in the religious publications of the University and the publications of the Pastoral Office at the University, in addition to the religious publications of the School of Music, the Monastery of Notre Dame of Louaize, religious publications of different Marian fathers, etc.
  2. Establishing contacts with the Center of Our Lady of Lebanon, and Centers of Marian Studies in Europe and USA.
  3. New agreements were signed with authors of additional volumes of the encyclopedia The Virgin Mary in Lebanon with the following details:
    District of Jbeil ( Byblos): Mr. Christian Khoury
    District of Keserwan: Mr. Naji Ghbeira
    District of North Metn: Mr. Michael Ghanem
    District of South Metn: Fr. Jean Rami
    District of Shouf: Mr. Faris Eid
    Municipality of Beirut Mr. Jean Sadakah
The Academy contacts
The MSC is in continuous contact with religious institutions in Lebanon. The following are examples:
  • Bkerki Archives
  • The Maronite Mariamite Order
  • The Maronite Lebanese Order
  • The Maronite Anthonine Order
  • The Maronite Eparchies
  • The Orthodox Eparchies
  • The Orthodox Monasteries and Convents
  • The Holy Spirit University, Kaslik
  • The School of Theology, Balamand University
  • The Carmelite Monasteries in Lebanon
  • The Capuchin Monasteries in Lebanon
  • The Convents of the Anthonine Maronite Sisters
  • The Convents of the Sisters of Charity
  • The Convents of the Sisters of the Cross
  • The Catholic Order of St. Saveur
Location
The Center is housed in the second floor of the first building of the Senior Campus in Zouk Mosbeh. Presently it occupies the offices of the Coordinator and the Secretary along with the library of the Academy.

The mailing address of the MSC is:


The Marian Studies Center
Notre Dame University
P. O. Box: 72, Zouk Michael
Zouk Mosbeh, Kesrawan
Lebanon

You may contact the Center at:

Tel: 09-218950 Ext: 2349
Fax: 09-224803
E-mail: msc@ndu.edu.lb