CALL FOR PAPERS
The MARIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA [MSA]
invites proposals for its
May 19-22, 2026 Conference
to be held at
Conception Abbey, Conception, MO
Papal Teachings on Mary since Pius IX
The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025 brought renewed attention to Leo XIII (r. 1878–1903), a pope who made significant contributions to Mariology, especially in his Rosary encyclicals. The 2026 conference of the Mariological Society of America will focus on the Marian teachings of Leo XIII and other popes from the “Marian Era” of the nineteenth century to the present. Proposals dealing with one pope or several on Marian doctrines, titles, feasts, and devotions will be welcome.
Possible topics might include:
1. Bl. Pius IX (r. 1846–1878) and the Immaculate Conception.
2. The contributions of Leo XIII (r. 1878–1903) to Marian doctrine and devotion.
3. The Marian teachings of St. Pius X (r. 1903–1914).
4. The Marian contributions of Benedict XV (r. 1914–1922).
5. The Marian insights of Pius XI (r. 1922–1939)
6. Ven. Pius XII (r. 1939–1958) on Mary’s Assumption and/or Queenship.
7. The Marian piety of St. John XXIII (r. 1958–1963).
8. The Marian writings of St. Paul VI (r. 1963–1978).
9. The Marian magisterium of St. John Paul II (r. 1978–2005).
10. The Marian teachings of Benedict XVI (r. 2005–2013).
11. The Marian teachings and devotions of Pope Francis (r. 2013–2025).
12. The Marian orientations of Pope Leo XIV (2025 – ).
13. Papal support for Marian feasts and devotions since 1878.
Please send abstracts by October 31, 2025 to Sr. Danielle Peters (dpeters8@nd.edu) and Dr. Robert Fastiggi (fastiggi.robert@shms.edu). The abstract should be about 350-500 words. The abstract should include sources and an explanation of how the proposal relates to the theme of the conference. Note: Speakers are expected to attend the conference in person.
