Prof. Dr. Daniel Cerqueira Afonso

Academic Profile

Daniel Cerqueira Afonso, born in 1985 in Vila do Conde, Portugal, is a Doctor in Sacred Theology with a specialization in Mariology from the Marianum Theological Faculty (Rome, 2017), the world’s leading academic institution dedicated to the study of Mary. He has been a corresponding member of the Pontifical International Marian Academy (AMISM) since 2012. He is the founder and president of the Locus Mariologicus Institute, a center for research and higher education in Mariology with headquarters in Rome and operational presence in Brazil. His research focuses on the Marian thought of Hans Urs von Balthasar and Adrienne von Speyr, Marian Patristics, and the Theology of Apparitions.

Education

– Doctorate in Sacred Theology, specialization in Mariology, Marianum Theological Faculty, Rome (2017)
– Dissertation: “Maria at the Cross (Jn 19:25-27): Balthasarian Resonances in the Writings of A. von Speyr (1902-1967)”, Supervisor: Prof. Luca M. Di Girolamo, OSM, 764 pp.
– Diploma in Exorcism, Healing, and Liberation, Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University, Rome

Positions

– President and Founder, Locus Mariologicus Institute, Rome
– Corresponding Member, Pontifical International Marian Academy (AMISM), since 2012
– Professor of Mariology, Intercongregational School, Rome
– Professor of Mariology and Angelology, Locus Mariologicus Institute, Brazil

Published Books

– Kekaritomene. Year of Mary 2022 (ISBN 978-8894625615), Amazon.com.br
– San José. Memory of Fatherhood. Compendium of Josefology (ISBN 978-8894625608), Amazon.com.br

Academic Articles

– “The Co-redemption of Mary in Hans Urs von Balthasar” (2008), Igreja e Missão n.° 209
– “Elements of the Marian Itinerary of Anthony of Lisbon: The Evocative Mariology of Anthony’s Sermons” (2015), Lumen Veritatis
– “Mary as a Fecund Companion of the Paschal Event in the Thought of H. U. von Balthasar” (2017), Theotokos
– “Custodiva tutte queste cose, Adrienne von Speyr” (2018), Marianum

International Symposia Organized

As president of the Locus Mariologicus Institute, he annually organizes the International Mariology Symposium, the main academic event in Portuguese dedicated to Marian scholarship: Postgraduate Program in MariologyInternational Mariology Symposium

5-6 August 2022, Brazil

Opening Lecture: “Mariological Issues Today: What Are the Sources? The Emergence of the Concept ‘Mariology'”

II International Mariology Symposium

July 2023, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (in-person)

III International Mariology Symposium

“Immaculate Conception: 170 Years Since the Dogma, Memory and Hope,” 26-28 July 2024, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

IV International Mariology Symposium

“Reinterpreting the Message of Fátima,” 25-27 July 2025, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

V International Mariology Symposium

“If You Do What I Tell You, the Virgin Mary of Fátima, Master of Our Time,” Fátima, July 2026 (scheduled)

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Lectures Delivered:

• “Mariological Issues Today: What Are the Sources? The Emergence of the Concept ‘Mariology,'” I International Mariology Symposium, 6 August 2022
• “Service of Mariology to Pastoral and Marian Piety,” Locus Mariologicus Institute, Rome, 2022
• “Which Mary for Today’s Theologians?” Locus Mariologicus Institute, Rome, 2022
• “The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation” Locus Mariologicus Institute, Rome
• “A New Heaven and a New Earth” (Rev 21:1), “Mary, the Final Word of Christian Hope,” IV International Mariology Symposium, 25 July 2025

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Areas of Expertise:

• Mariology and Marian Theology
• Theology of Apparitions (Fátima, Lourdes, Guadalupe, Medjugorje)
• Hans Urs von Balthasar and Adrienne von Speyr
• Mary in Patristic and Sacred Scripture
• Marian Dogmas: Immaculate Conception, Assumption, Divine Maternity
• Marian Liturgy and Christian Spirituality
• Marian Escatology
• Angelology and Christian Demonology

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External Academic Profiles:

• ORCID
• Google Scholar
• Wikidata