St. Ann's exploring 'Mary in the Movies' on March 8

“You made Mary real with your stories about your favorite images of art, photography and film. Suddenly she was no longer a statue or an image in a flat painting. She became a living and breathing woman that I could relate to. Thank you.”

Coastal Point • Submitted

This quote was highlighted on the Web site of Judith Dupré, New York Times bestselling author, teacher and art advocate, about her presentation, “Mary in the Movies – Encountering the Virgin in Faith and Art.”

“Mary in the Movies” will be presented in Bethany Beach at the Parish of St. Ann, to kick off its Lenten Adult Series on March 8. For four weeks in March, a series of artists will each interpret Jesus’ words “Do this in memory of me” through a different medium.

The March 8 presentation will feature clips and commentary on classic and contemporary films that depict the Virgin Mary’s life and her importance as a spiritual symbol, as told through the powerful medium of film, explained Dupré.

Among the films discussed in Dupré’s presentation, several are both thought-provoking and controversial, such as Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ,” Martin Scorcese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ” and Pier Paolo Pasolini’s “The Gospel According to St. Matthew.” Clips featured also include early silent films and new independent features.
Judith Dupre

In her workshops and presentations, Dupré “spreads the Good Word through the arts,” she explained, adding that film “is wonderfully suited to talk about the Virgin Mary — it really captures her as a powerful symbol.”

In addition to her workshops and presentations such as this upcoming one, Dupré has written several books, including “Full of Grace: Encountering Mary in Faith, Art and Life,” and has written several works of illustrated nonfiction that bridge the worlds of art, photography and architecture. Her editorial pieces have appeared in America, The Daily Beast, Huffington Post, USA Today, Wowowow and Faith & Form, among others.

She also has created arts programming for a variety of community, educational and corporate entities, including the American Indian College Fund, American Museum of Natural History, Catholic Relief Services, FIGG Engineering Group, Fort Belknap Indian Community, Edward James Olmos Productions and Yale University, among others.

Dupré is also the winner of a number of fellowships. She holds degrees from Brown University and has studied at the Open Atelier of Design and Architecture in Manhattan. Currently, she is matriculated at Yale Divinity School, where she is exploring the ethical implications of architecture and community building. She lives outside New York City.

Other upcoming presentations in the series include “The Crooked Path to God: A Journey through Painting” (visual art) on March 15, by Jerome Miller; “Music Lifts our Hearts and Minds to God” (music) on March 22, by Bill Alexander; and “Let us Build a House Where Love Can Dwell” (architecture) on March 29, by David Gallagher.

The evening events will be held in Delaney Hall at St. Ann’s, at 691 Garfield Parkway in Bethany Beach, from 7 to 9 p.m. Seating will be provided, as will refreshments, company and conversation. Registration is not required, but those planning to attend can call (302) 539-5443 for more information or if childcare is needed.