Mary, an interfaith conversation for Muslims and Catholics

Mary Is a Bridge for Christians and Muslims

Cosponsored by Precious Blood Renewal Center and the Dialogue Institute of Kansas City

Islam, like Christianity, has a long tradition of reverence for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Sandy Gagnon and Mahnaz Shabbir led a discussion exploring the question: What can we learn from each other’s devotion?

This a recording of the discussion that Sandy Gagnon and Mahnaz Shabbir led at Precious Blood Renewal Center on Nov. 5, 2025.

“O Mary, truly God has chosen thee and purified thee, and has chosen thee above the women of the worlds. O Mary!”

Does it surprise you that the quote above comes not from the New Testament, but from the Qu’ran, the holy book of Islam?

Islam has a long tradition of reverence for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. In fact, Mary is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an, which has an entire chapter named after her (Sura 19, “Maryam”).

Because of this shared devotion, Mary has been called “an interreligious bridge” for Christians and Muslims. What can we learn from each other through this shared devotion?

01:25 = Introduction of the speakers
03:01 = Opening prayer
04:05 = Who is Mary for Catholics?
30:20 = Who is Mariam for Muslims?
56:03 = Questions and answers session

Speakers

Sandy Gagnon served as Director of Adult Initiation at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, Missouri, for 28 years, retiring just this summer. She earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University-New Orleans and a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Missouri. She taught microbiology and chemistry at Penn Valley Community College until her retirement in 2009. Currently she continues her ministry as a spiritual director and facilitator of two small faith communities.

Mahnaz Shabbir is a longtime resident of the Greater Kansas City area who has dedicated her life to building stronger, more inclusive communities. As president and founder of Shabbir Advisors, an integrated strategic management consulting company, she partners with schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and faith groups to promote understanding, equity and diversity. She has delivered hundreds of presentations across the U.S. and abroad, helping people find common ground through dialogue and education. She a vice president for Carondelet Health, a Catholic health care system in Kansas City, for 18 years. There, she co-authored the chapter on Islam in The Essential Guide to Religious Traditions and Spirituality for Health Care Providers. Her essay “I am an American Muslim Woman,” was published in the Kansas City Star in 2002 and has since been reprinted widely.

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