Owen Cummings explores the traditions regarding Mary that have developed since New Testament times. In addition to the patristic themes usually covered, he includes other traditions such as Syriac and Celtic. He includes Islam since their tradition comes from Christian sources such as the Protoevangelium of James, and more is written about Mary in the Qu’ran than there is in the New Testament. After surveying church history, especially in Europe and including the Reformation, he examines Vatican II, the relatively recently defined Marian doctrines, and devotion to Mary. †

Owen Cummings insightfully reflects this awareness through his intuitive, right-brain approach to liturgical theology, as he offers us a kaleidoscope of snapshots viewed through the lenses of a great cloud of witnesses that includes but is not limited to poets, novelists, and preachers.

About the Contributor(s): Owen F. Cummings is the Regents' Professor of Theology and Academic Dean at Mount Angel Seminary, Oregon. He is also a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

"Deacons and the Church is a comprehensive overview of the permanent diaconate that provides a unique combination of theological reflection, historical analysis, and pastoral problems and issues. Written by a permanent deacon, it sets as point of departure the restoration of the diaconate at Vatican II. From there, it follows the history of the diaconate from Jesus onward, pausing to consider to those who serve as stellar examples of deacons for deacons: Lawrence of Rome, Ephrem of Nisibis, Francis of Assisi, and Nicholas Ferrer of Little Gidding. He discusses the deacon and liturgy, reflects on the spirituality of the deacon, the dysfunctional deacon, and the interface between the sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony. With its one-of-a-kind combination of theological, historical, and pastoral emphasis, enhanced by the personal experience of the author, this book is a must-have for deacons and anyone interested in the diaconate.

Spirituality, Intimacy, and Sexuality addresses a long-standing estrangement between spirituality and sexuality. There are books on spirituality and books on sexuality, but these subjects are seldom treated together in a manner that is practical and hopeful. The lack of integration of spirituality and sexuality is a common source of confusion and frustration for many. There are also persons of faith who violate their own core values as a consequence of the lack of a healthy relationship between their spirituality and sexuality. The authors propose that an important part of being an adult graced by God is to be found in the practice of intimacy (deep friendship) between our spirituality and sexuality. They offer several constituent elements of that intimacy and apply them practically in the context of marriage, celibate vocation, and being single. And they demonstrate, clearly and engagingly, that spirituality and sexuality are God-given, good, and meant to coexist and animate our relationship with God, others-and ourselves.