Father Thomas J. Norris, Mary in the Mystery: The Woman in Whom Divinity and Humanity Rhyme

In Father Thomas J. Norris’s newly published book, “Mary in the Mystery: The Woman in Whom Divinity and Humanity Rhyme,” the central focus is the Virgin Mary’s unique role in the Catholic faith.
    
Currently on sabbatical from the Diocese of Ossory, Ireland and residing at the Corpus Christi Cathedral rectory, Father Norris has spent the past year researching, writing and publishing this book.

Father Norris’s short and easy to read book is broken into three sections exploring Mary’s place in the creation of the Church, her communion with the Church and her mission in the Church.

“Mary has a unique role in the Church.  She is the dialogue partner of God.  Mary represents Israel and humanity.  Christianity is a covenant religion, and Mary shows the completeness of humanity in her willingness to say yes to God,” Father Norris said.

This book illustrates that because Mary said yes to the Lord, “God showed He has a beautiful plan for us.  God does not reduce us; God made Himself small as He grew in Mary’s womb.  Mary is the reflected glory of God’s love for humanity,” Father Norris said.

Father Norris wants his audience to understand that although “Mary is a central mystery because she said yes to the Lord; she is not the center of the faith.  Mary highlights the faith through her son.  Christ is the center of the Church.”

“Mary in the Mystery” is a book that explores the outcomes of Mary graciously receiving the ultimate gift from God.

“God does not barge into our lives.  God wants us to come to Him.  Mary freely welcomed the gift of His son.  God and humanity are united in Christ.  The word of God became alive in Christ,” Father Norris said.

Although Father Norris has been busy working on his book, he found the time to conduct retreats and lead days of reflection for the priests, seminarians, deacons and religious of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.  Father Norris has celebrated masses and heard confessions at the Cathedral.

Father Norris, 67, found his way to Corpus Christi due to friendship with Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey. The two priests met and became friends about 26 years ago when they were both part of the ecclesial Focolare Movement. 

Two years ago Father Norris reached retirement age of 65, and his bishop in Ossory granted him a two-year sabbatical to come to the United States.  Bishop Mulvey invited him to Corpus Christi, where he arrived in December 2010.

Born and raised on a farm in County Kilkenny, Father Norris was ordained in 1969 and has spent the majority of his priesthood as professor of Theology at St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny and St. Patrick’s College Maynooth, Ireland.

Father Norris said he has greatly enjoyed being able to participate in the centennial anniversary celebration of the creation of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. 

“I am very conscious of the strong ties between Irish Church and the South Texas Church. It is a special joy to me because so many priests and sisters have come from Ireland to help form the Catholic Church in South Texas,” Father Norris said.

He said he was impressed with the “dedication of the people of the Diocese of Corpus Christi in organizing the 100th celebration.”

“Their dedication to creating such a wonderful event made my impressions of the people of South Texas even stronger.  The Diocese of Corpus Christi is very vibrant and loving.  The celebration had a marvelous atmosphere of joy, unity and love of the Church,” Father Norris said.

Although Father Norris has authored 12 books, he is not ready to rest on his past accomplishments. He is currently working on his next book on the topic of the theology of Christ.

“I am focusing on forgotten perspectives of our Lord.  I am using two New Testament Gospel readings of Mark and Matthew. Mark 15:34 ‘My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me’ and Matthew 18:20 ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be in their midst.’  The Gospel passage of Mark is a reflection of today and how so many people feel abandoned while the Gospel passage of Matthew says something extraordinarily beautiful that anytime, anywhere God is among people united in his name.  This Gospel passage of Matthew was the guiding principle of the early church,” Father Norris said.

Father Norris’s research and writing of this new book will not take place in Corpus Christi.  On August 2012, Father Norris will become a visiting professor at Loyola University in Chicago.

“Mary in the Mystery: The Woman in Whom Divinity and Humanity Rhyme” is available for purchase at the Corpus Christi Cathedral bookstore or on-line at [email protected].