Comments on: The Secret Life of Bees and Images of Mary http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/ Catholic Sisters and Nuns in Today's World Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:24:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: jean http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-46014 jean Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:17:07 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-46014 Father John Dear, SJ has been on my mind lately because he was due to speak in a city I was visiting a few weeks ago. I just ordered his book: "Mary of Nazareth, Prophet of Peace". Looks fabulous. Thought people might be interested in another "image" of Mary. Father John Dear, SJ has been on my mind lately because he was due to speak in a city I was visiting a few weeks ago. I just ordered his book: “Mary of Nazareth, Prophet of Peace”. Looks fabulous. Thought people might be interested in another “image” of Mary.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-29037 Sister Julie Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:40:46 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-29037 Hi DL25, I do remember that part. The sharing of bread is a fairly common ritual, though the accompanying words definitely parallel the Words of Institution. Although there was a lot of Catholic imagery, for me it was distinct enough that it didn't seem to mock or blur the lines. I thought it did well at picking up on the richly symbolic and sacramental feel of the Catholic faith, but you're right, it's not a complete or accurate portrayal of the Catholic faith but I don't think there was ever any intention of doing so. Though using lots of Mary imagery, the author never equates the book Mary (Our Lady of the Chains) with the Catholic Mary. In fact the image of Mary in the book is arguably more of an image of the Divine than an image of the BVM. Hi DL25, I do remember that part. The sharing of bread is a fairly common ritual, though the accompanying words definitely parallel the Words of Institution. Although there was a lot of Catholic imagery, for me it was distinct enough that it didn’t seem to mock or blur the lines. I thought it did well at picking up on the richly symbolic and sacramental feel of the Catholic faith, but you’re right, it’s not a complete or accurate portrayal of the Catholic faith but I don’t think there was ever any intention of doing so. Though using lots of Mary imagery, the author never equates the book Mary (Our Lady of the Chains) with the Catholic Mary. In fact the image of Mary in the book is arguably more of an image of the Divine than an image of the BVM.

]]> By: Discerninglife25 http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-28996 Discerninglife25 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:54:53 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-28996 I have a question. I read this book in my English class, and I go to a Catholic school. Doesn't anyone remember reading the part when they are having their "get-togethers" and they offer eachother the bread? They say something like "This is the Body of Mary." This is almost mocking the Eucharist in a way. Doesn't that go against the Catholic Church in a sense, even if it does mention our Blessed Mother? Though she is portrayed as a good, strong character-- it almost portrays her as a god--which she is not. Not to mention that Christ was never mentioned which is the whole reason why we Catholics give Mary honor. I completely understand why many Catholics enjoy reading and hearing such good things about Mary, but isn't the book portraying Mary as something she is not? I have a question. I read this book in my English class, and I go to a Catholic school. Doesn’t anyone remember reading the part when they are having their “get-togethers” and they offer eachother the bread? They say something like “This is the Body of Mary.” This is almost mocking the Eucharist in a way. Doesn’t that go against the Catholic Church in a sense, even if it does mention our Blessed Mother? Though she is portrayed as a good, strong character– it almost portrays her as a god–which she is not. Not to mention that Christ was never mentioned which is the whole reason why we Catholics give Mary honor.

I completely understand why many Catholics enjoy reading and hearing such good things about Mary, but isn’t the book portraying Mary as something she is not?

]]> By: Linda http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-28947 Linda Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:01:50 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-28947 Maybe my all time favorite book. So when I rescued an old outdoor statue of Mary at a garage sale, badly in need of repainting, I'm thinking of painting her like the photo you have posted. I'm far from an artist but I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the great photo. Maybe my all time favorite book. So when I rescued an old outdoor statue of Mary at a garage sale, badly in need of repainting, I’m thinking of painting her like the photo you have posted. I’m far from an artist but I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the great photo.

]]> By: jean http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-27783 jean Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:44:38 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-27783 Annette - Thank you for your lovely note. Memories of the old black woman in my story often makes me cry, too, when I am struck anew by how faithless and unloving I have been at times in my life. And yet I know, as I imagine myself back in her embrace on that windy day, that she would want me not to grieve, but to hope. (One of the gifts of my profession is that, very often, the "physician" in me **is** healed as I witness, through the lives of the people I serve, paths to strength and dignity and hope. Had you been there, you would have been one of her"baby girls", too.) It is a piece of even greater loveliness to me that your note about her was followed so soon by your thoughts about this movie, "The Secret Life of Bees". I happened to buy a used copy on the day you posted this, and I just watched it tonight. The soundtrack is playing as I write to you. I am moved beyond words by its beauty, and would like to put myself back into the arms of the old woman who comforted me in her loss, so like Our Lady. Jean Annette –

Thank you for your lovely note. Memories of the old black woman in my story often makes me cry, too, when I am struck anew by how faithless and unloving I have been at times in my life. And yet I know, as I imagine myself back in her embrace on that windy day, that she would want me not to grieve, but to hope. (One of the gifts of my profession is that, very often, the “physician” in me **is** healed as I witness, through the lives of the people I serve, paths to strength and dignity and hope. Had you been there, you would have been one of her”baby girls”, too.)

It is a piece of even greater loveliness to me that your note about her was followed so soon by your thoughts about this movie, “The Secret Life of Bees”. I happened to buy a used copy on the day you posted this, and I just watched it tonight. The soundtrack is playing as I write to you. I am moved beyond words by its beauty, and would like to put myself back into the arms of the old woman who comforted me in her loss, so like Our Lady.

Jean

]]> By: Annette http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-27764 Annette Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:47:56 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-27764 I'm really glad I saw this-now I will read the book first. I never knew there were so many dark madonnas-I grew up in a polish parish and we had Our Lady of Czestochowa featured promminently in our chapel. I love your analysis as well. I love the BVM. My love for her has kept me catholic-no other faith is the same where she is concerned. My episcopalian brother-in-law calls her Saint Mary. Sounds strange no? His Luthern wife calls the Pope the bishop of Rome. We are all Christian and believe a lot of the same things but Mary and transubstantiation beliefs make us differnt. Thank you for posting the other book recommendations. I’m really glad I saw this-now I will read the book first. I never knew there were so many dark madonnas-I grew up in a polish parish and we had Our Lady of Czestochowa featured promminently in our chapel. I love your analysis as well. I love the BVM. My love for her has kept me catholic-no other faith is the same where she is concerned. My episcopalian brother-in-law calls her Saint Mary. Sounds strange no? His Luthern wife calls the Pope the bishop of Rome. We are all Christian and believe a lot of the same things but Mary and transubstantiation beliefs make us differnt. Thank you for posting the other book recommendations.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16763 Sister Julie Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:59:49 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16763 Hi Karen, Another fictional book about Mary that I rather like is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142001325?ie=UTF8&tag=anusli-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142001325" rel="nofollow">Our Lady of the Lost and Found: A Novel of Mary, Faith, and Friendship</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=anusli-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142001325" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. For non-fiction, I highly recommend Sister Elizabeth Johnson's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0826418279?ie=UTF8&tag=anusli-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0826418279" rel="nofollow">Truly Our Sister: A Theology of Mary in the Communion of Saints</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=anusli-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0826418279" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. Hi Karen, Another fictional book about Mary that I rather like is Our Lady of the Lost and Found: A Novel of Mary, Faith, and Friendship. For non-fiction, I highly recommend Sister Elizabeth Johnson’s book Truly Our Sister: A Theology of Mary in the Communion of Saints.

]]> By: Karen http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16715 Karen Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:23:52 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16715 I have not seen the movie or read the book - yet - but am definitely going to do so very soon and it sounds like I'm in for a real treat. I have been thinking a lot about Mary lately and going to her in prayer more regularly. I don't know why exactly but just feel the need for a mother's care. So it was great to read about this book/movie since for me it is coming at an opportune time. Thank you for giving such a great description and setting up the story. I can't wait to read/see it. I have not seen the movie or read the book – yet – but am definitely going to do so very soon and it sounds like I’m in for a real treat. I have been thinking a lot about Mary lately and going to her in prayer more regularly. I don’t know why exactly but just feel the need for a mother’s care. So it was great to read about this book/movie since for me it is coming at an opportune time. Thank you for giving such a great description and setting up the story. I can’t wait to read/see it.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16645 Sister Julie Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:07:11 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16645 OMG, I wept through the movie. I wept for the characters, for myself, and for people who in real life go through stuff like that. I'm not a weepy person in general, but this story gets to me, in a good way. OMG, I wept through the movie. I wept for the characters, for myself, and for people who in real life go through stuff like that. I’m not a weepy person in general, but this story gets to me, in a good way.

]]> By: Jackie http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16627 Jackie Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:29:17 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16627 Hi Sister Julie! I loved the book too, and like you hesitated to see the movie, but was so glad I did. Thanks for such an insighful post, it added more layers of understanding and depth to the images of Mary. Like the others who have commented, I missed the significance of May and the name Lily. Now I feel like seeing the movie again armed with this additional information :-) One thing no one has said is if they cried during the movie. I sure did! It was so moving. Hi Sister Julie! I loved the book too, and like you hesitated to see the movie, but was so glad I did. Thanks for such an insighful post, it added more layers of understanding and depth to the images of Mary. Like the others who have commented, I missed the significance of May and the name Lily. Now I feel like seeing the movie again armed with this additional information :-) One thing no one has said is if they cried during the movie. I sure did! It was so moving.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16489 Sister Julie Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:57:22 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16489 I didn't see the image in May until I saw the movie. Incidentally, the month of May is the month of Mary in the Catholic tradition (e.g., May crownings, etc.). Forgot to mention that the soundtrack was very good. The orchestral music was great as were the various songs throughout. iTunes has the orchestral soundtrack but not the collection of tunes. I didn’t see the image in May until I saw the movie. Incidentally, the month of May is the month of Mary in the Catholic tradition (e.g., May crownings, etc.).

Forgot to mention that the soundtrack was very good. The orchestral music was great as were the various songs throughout. iTunes has the orchestral soundtrack but not the collection of tunes.

]]> By: Jen http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16472 Jen Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:52:12 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16472 Hrm...might have to look for this one. I wasn't sure if I'd like it when it came out. Hrm…might have to look for this one. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it when it came out.

]]> By: Ray http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16436 Ray Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:52:28 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16436 I read this book for our religious themes in literature class but never saw the movie...I also missed the connection between May and Our Lady of Sorrows and thank you for such a great point and analysis. The Catholic concept of the Immaculate Heart of Mary would definitely be interesting to explore a lot more, as would her depiction across different cultures (Black Madonna, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Depictions in Asia and Western European culture). Great post. I read this book for our religious themes in literature class but never saw the movie…I also missed the connection between May and Our Lady of Sorrows and thank you for such a great point and analysis.

The Catholic concept of the Immaculate Heart of Mary would definitely be interesting to explore a lot more, as would her depiction across different cultures (Black Madonna, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Depictions in Asia and Western European culture). Great post.

]]> By: Susan Rose, CSJP http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16338 Susan Rose, CSJP Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:39:40 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16338 I LOVE going to movies by myself - although this one I actually saw with one of our Sisters last month when it came out. I too was wary of seeing the movie version, but figured with Queen Latifah & Jennifer Hudson it couldn't be that bad. I thought they did a wonderful job of capturing the feel of the books, although I wonder if someone who hadn't read the book would catch much of the Marian imagery. I LOVE going to movies by myself – although this one I actually saw with one of our Sisters last month when it came out. I too was wary of seeing the movie version, but figured with Queen Latifah & Jennifer Hudson it couldn’t be that bad. I thought they did a wonderful job of capturing the feel of the books, although I wonder if someone who hadn’t read the book would catch much of the Marian imagery.

]]> By: Betsy http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16312 Betsy Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:11:23 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16312 I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this movie. I actually saw it last night with my book club - a group of 8 women who have been meeting monthly for over 8 years! I couldn't have asked for a better group of women to see this with - we range in ages from 36 - 68, married, single and divorced, straight and not straight. Anyway, we read the book several years back and decided to have a field trip last night and WHAT a bonding experience. What would we do without our female friends? I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this movie.

I actually saw it last night with my book club – a group of 8 women who have been meeting monthly for over 8 years! I couldn’t have asked for a better group of women to see this with – we range in ages from 36 – 68, married, single and divorced, straight and not straight. Anyway, we read the book several years back and decided to have a field trip last night and WHAT a bonding experience. What would we do without our female friends?

]]> By: Joan Wester Anderson http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16301 Joan Wester Anderson Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:57:58 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16301 What a wonderful review of Bees. And you filled in a few holes for me too. I had completely missed the meaning of May's weeping, just thinking of her as a sensitive soul. I didn't pick up on the connection between her and Our Lady of Sorrows. One of my favorites scenes was of the group of women enjoying a prayer group meeting with Mary as their center. We white women are so used to thinking of black women as Baptists or at least not "into" the Blessed Mother; this was such a beautiful blend of religious and social customs. I felt so at home with all of them. Mary can always bring us together! What a wonderful review of Bees. And you filled in a few holes for me too. I had completely missed the meaning of May’s weeping, just thinking of her as a sensitive soul. I didn’t pick up on the connection between her and Our Lady of Sorrows.
One of my favorites scenes was of the group of women enjoying a prayer group meeting with Mary as their center. We white women are so used to thinking of black women as Baptists or at least not “into” the Blessed Mother; this was such a beautiful blend of religious and social customs. I felt so at home with all of them.
Mary can always bring us together!

]]> By: Lucia http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16298 Lucia Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:33:00 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16298 I loved the book. LOVED it. When I have any money that is not in the form of pesos or Israeli new sheqels, I will DEFINITELY be seeing it! I loved the book. LOVED it. When I have any money that is not in the form of pesos or Israeli new sheqels, I will DEFINITELY be seeing it!

]]> By: katney http://anunslife.org/2008/11/14/secret-life-of-bees-images-of-mary/#comment-16290 katney Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:21:12 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=792#comment-16290 We're headed to the library this afternoon to gather for our two week camping (yes, camping) and Thanksgiving trip. Sounds like something to check out. We’re headed to the library this afternoon to gather for our two week camping (yes, camping) and Thanksgiving trip. Sounds like something to check out.

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