Throughout history Mary has inspired, perplexed and fascinated people the world over—of every culture and tradition. In this magisterial work, medieval historian Miri Rubin traces Mary’s rise to global prominence from the time of the early Christian empire to the 16th century. Rubin, who has spent years working on the book, sees the figure of Mary as “one of contradiction, a creative state that challenged poets and theologians and composers who tried to express this quality.”
America Staff
Posted inSigns Of the Times
Abortion, Death Penalty Wins Slow in Coming
After the Supreme Court in 1976 allowed states to reinstate the death penalty, 37 states had laws on the books permitting capital punishment.
Posted inSigns Of the Times
Maryland Governor to Sign Bill on Death Penalty Restrictions
The new regulations are considered one of the toughest sets of limitations on capital punishment in the nation.
Posted inFrom Our Archives
Centennial Open House
In honor of America’s centennial, and as a sign of thanks to our generous readers and supporters, all content on the Web site will be free for April and May. We hope you will share our content with friends, family and colleagues as we continue our anniversary celebrations throughout the spring. For more on America’s history, visit our centennial page.
Posted inSigns Of the Times
State Bill Would Temporarily Lift Limits on Abuse Suits
The Catholic conference said the proposal unfairly targets the church and other private institutions.
Posted inSigns Of the Times
News Briefs
Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone (left) was installed as the 13th bishop of the Charleston Diocese March 25.
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Bishops Press Congress to Remember Poor
“The budget choices of Congress have clear moral and human dimensions,” the bishops said.
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Protest of Pope’s Remarks Evokes Bewilderment’
The Belgian parliament voted overwhelmingly to condemn “the unacceptable stance taken by the pope” on condoms and AIDS.
Posted inSigns Of the Times
Vatican Says Arrest is Obstacle to Dialogue
The arrest of a Chinese 74-year-old bishop was “unfortunately not an isolated case,” the Vatican said.
Posted inSigns Of the Times
Hundreds of Migrants Drown Trying to Reach Europe
“These people have no alternative but to entrust themselves to human smugglers who often treat them as meat,” said one human rights worker.