“Could the Mother of Jesus have had a greater role in the mission, Passion, and Resurrection of her son than the evangelists tell us? Could women have been important church leaders in early Christianity?” An early biography of the Virgin Mary by Maximus the Confessor prompts these questions from Sally Cunneen in the cover story for our December 4 issue, “Maximus’s Mary.”

While you’re in the Marian mood, you might also want to revisit “The Mary We Never Knew,” also by Sally Cunneen, from our December 21, 2007 issue. Sadly, Sally passed away at the end of October. We’re grateful for the enlightenment and scholarship she shared with us at Commonweal.
Other highlights of our latest issue now available online:

• Our editorial on the complications of trying war-on-terror detainees: “Terrorists on Trial“
• Film critic Richard Alleva’s review of A Serious Man and An Education
• A recap of our 85th Anniversary Party: the speeches, the cocktails, the bold-faced names (and, in the magazine, photographic proof!)

PLUS: Paul Moses examines the arguments for and against converting Catholic schools to charter schools: “The Public Option.” Columns by Melinda Henneberger (on non-solutions to homelessness) and “Fr. Nonomen” (on the frustrations of parish councils). A response from Richard Gaillardetz to the rumors that the Vatican aims to revive the ad orientem posture for priests. And book recommendations from our Christmas Critics: David Neff, Jo-Ann Veillette-Stonehart, Liam Callanan, Matthew Boudway, and Thomas DePietro.

Of course, the best gift for the readers in your life is a subscription to Commonweal. (Fits most stockings!) You can do your shopping online and support a very worthy cause — what’s not to love?