By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 10/2/03)

It got off to a rocky start, but after an impromptu praying of the rosary and finding a priest to celebrate Mass Friday night, the Wanderer Forum Foundation’s Conference on "Mary, the Mother of Life," provided three days of seminars, discussion and reflection on the Blessed Mother.

"[This is] a place where people come knowing that society is a mess," said Father Joseph Wilson, associate pastor of St. Luke Parish in Whitestone, N.Y., in his homily on Friday night. "The grace of Jesus is here. The gospel works."

Almost 150 people gathered at the Holiday Inn Washington-Dulles International Airport on Friday night. One expected guest who did not make it in time for his welcome was Dr. Charles E. Rice, chairman of the Wanderer Forum Foundation. Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, president of Christendom College in Front Royal, delivered the first speech, "Our Lady Through the Ages." O’Donnell, a noted theologian and historian, was introduced by Cindy Paslawski as being perhaps the "best example in Catholic colleges of passion for the Catholic faith."

O’Donnell spoke of the importance of Mary in the life of Jesus, and in turn, in the life of all Christians. He also emphasized the importance of making time for the things that are most important in life.

"We live in an age which is constantly complaining about emptiness," O’Donnell said. "So many times it is the people who are busiest that complain the most."

O’Donnell emphasized "being something" over "doing something." He said it is through every day actions that Catholics are called to "bear Christ and bring him to the world."

O’Donnell spoke about work being performed by groups such as Project Rachel, and Mary as help for troubled mothers. Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, "looked upon the face of God as no one else could" at the crucifixion of Jesus, O’Donnell said. "How close she must really be to those who’ve lost their children. What a consolation that is."

O’Donnell brought with him a group of students from Christendom who provided musical accompaniment at the Masses celebrated on Friday and Saturday, and who hosted a reception before the dinner on Friday night.

Following dinner, the keynote address was given by Bishop Thomas G. Doran of Rockford, Ill.

"The Blessed Mother is important for understanding the message, mission and person of Jesus Christ," the bishop said.

Using the words of Pope John Paul II, Bishop Doran said, "If Jesus is life, Mary is the mother of life. If Jesus is hope, Mary is the mother of hope. If Jesus is peace, Mary is the mother of the Prince of Peace."

Just as the pope recently reemphasized the importance of devotion to the Eucharist in his latest encyclical, "Ecclesia de Eucharistia," Bishop Doran also recommended stronger devotions to the Eucharist and to Mary, the first tabernacle.

"Not only in her physical body was the Lord present, but more profoundly in her Immaculate soul," the bishop said. "Our Lord comes to us in the Eucharist just as he came to Mary. It is the glory of Catholicism that we have the opportunity, if we want it, to do as the apostles would not do. If you want to be there, you can be there every morning, every day. So we can comfort Him with our presence and our prayers."

Most importantly, Bishop Doran said, "We must learn from Mary and like her be committed to be conformed to the likeness of Christ. If we stay close to her, she will be our unfailing guide."

Bishop Doran received a standing ovation following his address.

Also speaking at the weekend conference were Joseph Scheidler, founder and director of Pro-Life Action League; Mary Ann Kuharski, president of ProLife Across America; Jesuit Father Kenneth Baker, editor of Homiletic & Pastoral Review and producer of "Catholic Views" and "Views of the News;" Father John Zuhlsdorf, moderator of Catholic Online Forum; and Patricia Pitkus Bainbridge, board member of Human Life International.