Pontifical Academy of Mary

The Academy was established in July 1946 by the Order of Friars Minor with the specific task of organising scientific debates and conferences and caring for the publication of the Bibliotheca Mariana.

[citation needed] On December 8, 1959, Pope John XXIII, with the motu proprio Maiora in dies gave the Academy the title of “Pontifical”.

The 23rd International Congress was held on September 4–9, 2012, and emphasized developments and new perspectives in contemporary Roman Catholic mariology (since Vatican Council II, after which it declined, and then was revived starting with the pontificate of Pope Paul VI).

[3] The work of PAMI has a twofold purpose: to promote and favor the scientific studies of the Virgin Mary, be they speculative or historical-critical, and to organize periodic Marian Conventions and Conferences.

This task of coordination was highlighted by the pontifical document of Pope John XXIII: “It is our desire that this our Academy continue, as it has up till now, to work for the friendly union of forces and intent of all other Marian Academies and Societies existing in the world so as to contribute to the praise and honor of the Virgin Mary.”[citation needed] The PAMI also coordinates the teachers of mariology for which it organizes periodic meetings.