Print Issue: January 16, 2003

Archdiocesan Marian Conference To Be Held Feb. 28-March 1

Mother Nadine Brown Ron Novotny, Ph.D.

DULUTH- The fifth annual archdiocesan Marian conference will be held Friday, Feb. 28 through Saturday, March 1 at St. Benedict Church, 11045 Parsons Road.

Entitled "Mary, Our Mother," and sponsored by the Marian Servants of the Blessed Trinity, the conference will open Friday night at 7 p.m. with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop John F. Donoghue. It will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing with a vigil Mass.

The principal speakers are Mother Nadine Brown, foundress of the Intercessors of the Lamb community in Omaha, Neb., Ron Novotny, Ph.D., and Sandy Tobin, both involved in Marian spirituality in Clearwater, Fla.

The Intercessors of the Lamb community offers retreats, spiritual direction and tapes and publications. Founded in 1980, the purpose of the community is to continue the redemptive mission of Jesus through intercession, contemplation and spiritual warfare. She will give two presentations on the morning of March 1.

Novotny is a Marian theologian, psychologist and director of the School of Spirituality at the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Clearwater, a prayer community that offers retreats, spiritual direction and education in the Catholic faith. The school has a program that certifies clerics, Religious and laity and spiritual directors in association with Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. Novotny is director of the charismatic renewal for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Tobin is director of Pilgrims' Peace Center and Pilgrimage Tours, Inc., which she founded in 1987. She is the author of "Our Lady's Guide to Holiness," editor of "Pilgrims' Peace Letter" and a contributor to Medjugorje Magazine and other Catholic publications.

Registration for the conference is $30, which includes a catered lunch, if received by Feb. 20. Send a check payable to MSBT-Marian Conference to Debbie Grundel, 12280 Leeward Walk Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Include name, address, phone and parish and include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

For a registration form, directions to St. Benedict's and other information, visit the Marian Servants' Web site at www.MarianServants-Atlanta.org, contact them by e-mail at MarianConf2003@juno.com, or call Grundel after 8 p.m. at (770) 667-6495.