November 12, 2018

‘The Glory of Mary’ subject of Nov. 18 book launch, lecture

REGIONAL
Staff report 

 

(IObserve photo/courtesy of Marie Proulx-Meder)

CHICOPEE – A book launch and lecture featuring Marian faith and devotion will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. at the College of Our Lady of the Elms library theater, 291 Springfield St., here.

Local author Marie Proulx-Meder’s recently published book, Many Faces, One Mary: Discovering Homegrown Gardens and Shrines of Our Lady will be available. The guest lecturer, Father Charles DiMascola will speak on “The Glory of Mary.”

Proulx-Meder spent four summers photographing homegrown “Mary Gardens,” outdoor statues of the Virgin Mary, usually in a setting, often incorporating flowers. She published the 186-page book to showcase the multitude of people who have a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother.

It took more than six years to complete the book, which contains 462 color photographs featuring 124 statues. Twenty-one communities in western Massachusetts are represented, along with the Central Massachusetts town of Warren, as well as a few out-of-state locations.

The book has large font for ease of reading and also features a detailed statue overview, noteworthy facts, and inspiring personal reflections. A “Beyond the Garden” section highlights Mary items and artwork from around the world. The appendix includes “Common Titles of Mary” and “Starting a Mary Garden.”

Proulx-Meder’s book was inspired by the picturesque Mary Garden tucked away in a clearing on the eastbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Affectionately known as Our Lady of the Turnpike, the statue, erected by Warren resident Alfred Brodeur, has an inspiring story, as told in the book.

Proulx-Meder holds a master’s degree in piano pedagogy from the Hartt School, University of Hartford, and a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Lowell. She was a contributor to the 2015 book, Building a Better Life: The French-Canadians in Western Massachusetts, published by The Republican newspaper in Springfield.

A lifelong Chicopee resident, Proulx-Meder is active in local camera clubs and her photographs have been exhibited in area shows and galleries. In addition, her articles, poems and images have appeared in regional newspapers and magazines. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild.

Father DiMascola grew up in Wilbraham. After graduating from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, he worked at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and taught art and Polish language at Palmer High School for 15 years, where he was the art director. In 1977, he attended Pope John XXIII National Seminary for Delayed Vocations and was ordained in 1981.

Having served at local parishes, Father DiMascola, now retired, was the longtime pastor at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Turners Falls. He will discuss the wonders, love and miracles of Mary, including Notre Dame du Cap.

The free event will conclude with a book signing and refreshments. Books will be available at a special introductory price of $25 (a $15 discount). Anyone who has purchased a book is welcome to bring it for signing. For information, email marysgardenproject@gmail.com or call the author at 413-592-4946.