Rosaries and Statues: Mediating Divine Intervention in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This is a strong paper. It treats a subject (Catholic devotional culture in Papua New Guinea) that is under-researched, and the author enlarges our understanding through their original ethnographic research, which is placed within the context of global Catholicism in the post-Vatican-II era. The author provides enough background information for non-specialists to appreciate the issues under consideration. He/she also shows a good understanding of Catholic theology and practice. As the author notes, Vatican II generally is associated with the decline of Catholic devotions, including to Mary and with the mediation of objects. Papua New Guinea was affected by the council, the author explains, but it did not dampen enthusiasm for Mary, the rosary, holy statues, etc. The author illustrates how such devotional practices are rooted in local cultural practices and political conflicts. The paper adds valuable nuance to the scholarly understanding of the post-conciliar period.
There are some minor grammatical issues, but these will no doubt be addressed in the final edit. I see no need for major revisions. I appreciate having had the opportunity to read this fine paper.
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Thank you for your supportive comments!
Kind regards,
Author
Reviewer 2 Report
The article approaches a deep theological reflection on the pastoral reality and daily devotional life in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. The main topic is private devotion to Mary (especially Statues as well as Rosaries) and it's meaning in social, political and military life of this small island in the South Pacific.
The main value of this article is the connexion of the "aggiornamento", which was announced by Vatican II. The author shows his openness to real challenges in the contemporary Catholic Church by not avoiding the discussion on the role of Virgin Mary in the Christ's Salvation of the world. The theological discussion on this topic was very intensive in XX century.
However, sometimes the style of expression is too emotional and requires more scientific rethinking and solid arguments. This is particularly clearly visible in introduction, where the testimony of Paul doesn't contribute to scholarship, but rather shows the exclusivism and intolerance towards other denomination (SDA) (lines 22-29). The same is with lines 613-617.
Besides that, the are some mechanical errors, as some parentheses don't provide any additional information (lines: 52, 73, 175, 176, 195, 371).
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Thank you for your careful reading of my manuscript. I will review the passages deemed too emotional and provide more information. The parenthesis should include references to my own work, which were omitted.
Kind regards,
Reviewer 3 Report
Papua New Guinea is mostly known among ethnographers and cultural researchers as a territory of various traditional indigenous religious practices. In my opinion it is important that contemporary vernacular religious phenomena in little-known regions get publicity.
It is extensively supported by literature and well structured. I myself found the language comprehensible and easy to follow, but I would recommend checking the article by language editer.
I would just like to add one small point of interest to the article: the author mentions Polish parallels to the intensification of devotion to Mary and representations of Mary in crisis situations. I myself can mention several of parallels from Hungary. In the 16th and 17th centuries a part of Hungary was under Ottoman rule. Certain depictions of Mary, such as the image of the Woman in the Sun (mulier amicta sole), played a decisive role in the struggles against the Ottomans. Soldiers painted this image of Mary on their shields and gave thanks to her in the event of victory.
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Thank you for assessing my manuscript and I will take the editors' comments regarding grammar etc at heart. Thank you also for sharing the parallels with Hungary, which was unknown to me.
Kind regards
