enKindle

Topic: “A Tapestry of Marian Titles: How Different Names for Mary Can Ignite Our Devotion.”

Over the centuries Christians have bestowed countless titles of filial devotion upon the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of the Church. There are hundreds of different Marian names that have been given to her which can ignite and renew our devotion.

Mary has come to be known by many names, reflecting her many different qualities. In Fr. Presta’s presentation, he will explore the many titles given to Mary in four areas: Catholic dogma, Marian Intercession, modern day apparitions, and the Litany of Loreto of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These titles are a continual reminder of her maternal role in our lives; they connect us and draw us closer to the Sacred Heart of Her Divine Son.

About the Speaker: Reverend James Presta, STD, ordained in 1986 for the Archdiocese of Chicago, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Theology from Loyola University Chicago. He earned two degrees from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, a Master of Divinity as well as a License in Sacred Theology.  In 2005, he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology with a specialization in Marian Studies from the International Marian Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio, which is affiliated with the Pontifical University Marianum in Rome.

In 2016, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree (Honoris Causa) from the University of St. Mary of the Lake for his twenty years of service in seminary work.

From 1996-2010 he served as Rector/President of St. Joseph College Seminary in Chicago. From 2010 to 2016, Fr. Presta served as Vice Rector for Administration, Director of Admissions and Assistant Professor in the Department of Dogmatic Theology at Mundelein Seminary.

In 2016, Fr. Presta was assigned to St. Emily Parish in Mt. Prospect where he currently serves as Pastor.