American Patroness: Marian Shrines and the Making of US Catholicism

American Patroness: Marian Shrines and the Making of US Catholicism is a collection of interdisciplinary essays that explores the historical and contemporary roles of Marian shrines in US Catholicism, using historical, ethnographic, and comparative methods to understand how Catholics have used Marian devotion to shape the physical and religious landscape of the United States. The essays demonstrate that shrines are not neutral spaces but reflect and shape the boundaries of Catholic identity and power, and foster and nurture Marian relationships in public and intimate spaces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: Fordham University Press

American Patroness: Marian Shrines and the Making of US Catholicism is a groundbreaking and essential collection of interdisciplinary essays that delves into the profound significance of Marian shrines and offers invaluable insights for scholars seeking to understand and interpret these sacred spaces for decades to come. This comprehensive volume comprises twelve thought-provoking essays that explore the historical and contemporary roles of Marian shrines within the context of US Catholicism. Through a diverse range of historical, ethnographic, and comparative methodologies, the authors in this collection examine how Catholics have harnessed the power of Marian devotion to leave an indelible mark on the physical and spiritual landscape of the United States.

Beginning with the dynamic malleability of Marian shrines as a focal point for studying US Catholicism, each chapter reconsiders the American religious landscape from the perspective of a single shrine to Mary. By asking thought-provoking questions such as "What does this shrine reveal about US Catholicism and about American religion?" the contributors in American Patroness offer fresh and insightful perspectives on the complex tapestry of American religious life.

Furthermore, the essays in this collection shed light on the enduring nature of Marian shrines in the twenty-first century. The contributors examine the reasons behind the persistence of these holy sites and use this examination to re-read contemporary US Catholicism in new and illuminating ways. Shrines, as spaces that reflect and shape the boundaries of Catholic identity and prayer practices, provide a rich context for exploring the contested dynamics of these sacred spaces.

American Patroness demonstrates that Marian shrines continue to be vibrant and dynamic spaces where an American Catholic identity is continuously worked on, power negotiations occur, and Marian relationships are fostered and nurtured. These shrines serve as both public and intimate spaces, where Catholics come together to celebrate their faith, seek solace, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

In conclusion, American Patroness: Marian Shrines and the Making of US Catholicism is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Catholicism in the United States. This collection offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that will deepen our understanding of Marian devotion, the role of shrines in American religious life, and the broader dynamics of Catholicism in the modern world. By delving into the historical, ethnographic, and comparative dimensions of Marian shrines, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of religious studies and beyond.

Weight: 481g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531504885