Mary is undoubtedly one of the central figures of Catholic Christianity. One could even say that anyone who wants to understand the light and shadow of this world religion must also look at the veneration of Mary and the Church's Mariology, which began with an unusual motherhood: According to biblical testimony, she gives birth to the Son of God, whom she previously conceived virginally. Her obedience and moral purity are propagated as the ideal image of faith, often at the expense of other, for example prophetic, traits. In addition, piety, music and art articulate needs that are neglected in official doctrine. Thus controversial discussions are sparked by Mary. What is a role model for some in popular piety or church doctrine is seen by others as a distorted image that is used to promote stereotypical images of women and to prevent women from participating genuinely in (church) life.

The study day at the Department of Catholic Theology will address these ambivalences in approaches to Mary in order to bring students and lecturers at the department into a joint theological discussion. Theology should be experienced as a holistic process that is fed by different disciplines, but in which these disciplines also challenge and inspire each other.

Program

• 14.00 Input
• 14.15 Perspectives from the theological disciplines
• 14.45 Panel discussion
• Break
• 15.25 World café
• Break
• 16.25 Plenary discussion
• 25 JUNE 2025

Followed by the summer party of the Catholic theology student committee.