New book from professor emerita features the Virgin Mary

In an exploration of faith, history and storytelling, Judith M. Davis has published Finding the Virgin Mary: Her Evolving Stories from Early Christianity to Modernity (McFarland Publishing, 2024). Davis is professor emerita of French and humanities at Goshen College, and Finding the Virgin Mary is available at Fables Bookstore in downtown Goshen.

“The first Christians were curious about the mother of Jesus, who is mentioned only a few times in the New Testament,” Davis said. Stories about Mary began to appear in the second century and expanded beyond the accepted biblical texts, making Mary a dynamic figure in salvation history.

Davis translated and interpreted these stories, beginning with a second-century “gospel” and ending with the Internet. Her book features:

• Early Christian Narratives — Mary as a chosen child, her presence at the Last Supper, and her vital role in the work of the church after Jesus’ death.
• Medieval Miracles — Tales of Mary’s miraculous interventions on behalf of sinners, offering physical healing as well as snatching souls from the ever-present Devil.
• Global Apparitions — The profound impact of her appearances in Mexico, Europe and Africa.
• Modern Influences — How Mary remains an icon of strength and agency, celebrated in contemporary art, film and music.

Finding the Virgin Mary offers readers a transformative perspective on this woman of faith and her enduring power and relevance through the ages.

Professor Davis taught French, English and women’s studies during her tenure at the college. She also served as director of communications and grant writer. Davis has been writing and teaching about Mary for more than 25 years, sharing historical insights and lively stories in public libraries, churches, Lifelong Learning classes and scholarly conferences in the United States and abroad. Her previous books, A Handbook of the Troubadours (University of California Press, 1995) and Our Lady’s Lawsuits in L’Advocacie Nostre Dame and La Chapelerie de Baiex (Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, 2011), were written with Professor F.R.P. Akehurst, emeritus University of Minnesota.