PURPOSE
The Mariological Society of America (MSA) is a Catholic theological association dedicated to studying and making known the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mystery of Christ and in the Church and in the history of salvation. Through its annual meeting and in its publication, Marian Studies, the Society seeks to promote original research in Marian doctrine and devotion.

HISTORY
The Mariological Society of America was founded by Fr. Juniper B. Carol, O.F.M., in October 1949. The charter members gathered for the first meeting in Washington, D.C., in January 1950. Since that time, the MSA has met annually in various cities throughout the United States.
In 1954, the Society was recognized as a corporation "organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes." Listed in the Official Catholic Directory as one of the national organizations of the United States Catholic Conference, it is recognized as a tax-exempt organization.
Since 1979, the office of the executive secretary of the MSA has been located at the Marian Library of the University of Dayton.

ORGANIZATION
The organizational structure is found in the Bylaws of the Mariological Society of America (revised in 2004). The MSA is governed by an Administrative Council, consisting of three Officers (President, Vice-President, Administrative Secretary) and six Council Members, each assigned to one of the three Offices--Program, Promotion, and Planning.
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MEMBERSHIP
Active (professional) membership is open to persons with an academic degree in theology (or its equivalent).
Associate membership is for those who share the aims of the MSA. Communities or institutions may also request associate membership. Persons living or working outside the U.S.A. are welcome to join.

ANNUAL MEETING
The MSA holds an annual three-day meeting. The place of the meeting, themes and speakers are determined by the Administrative Council. Suggestions for future annual meetings are appreciated. Particularly welcome are offers from groups who wish to host an annual meeting

Anyone may attend the sessions of the annual meetings; however, voting (at business meetings) is restricted to active (professional) members.

The annual meeting usually includes a presidential address, 5 or 6 presentations; and a survey of recent Marian publications, focusing primarily on books and articles in English, but including recent writings on Mary in other languages as well.

The proceedings of the annual meeting are published in Marian Studies.  All members receive a copy; subscriptions are also available.