Center for Spirituality to host endowed lecture series on Pope Francis

August 30, 2017 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — Saint Mary’s College Center for Spirituality is proud to announce the speakers for the annual Fall Lecture series titled, “The Francis Effect: His Impact on Church and World.” The lectures, given by distinguished scholars from across the country, are free and open to the public.

POPE FRANCIS AND ALL GOD’S CREATURES: A CHALLENGE FOR THE GLOBAL CHURCH
Daniel P. Horan, OFM, assistant professor of systemic theology, Catholic Theological Union
Tuesday September 12, 7 p.m.
Carroll Auditorium, Madeleva Hall

Daniel P. Horan, OFM, is a Franciscan friar of Holy Name Province (NY), assistant professor of systematic theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and the author of several books including the award-winning The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton: A New Look at the Spiritual Influence on his Life, Thought, and Writing (2014). His talk will look at the Pope’s contributions to ecological ethics in a post-colonial context.  

PROJECTS OF THE HEART: POPE FRANCIS AND MICROECONOMICS
William T. Cavanaugh, professor of Catholic Studies, DePaul University
Monday October 9, 7 p.m. 
Vander Vennet Theatre, Student Center

William T. Cavanaugh is professor of Catholic Studies and the director of the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology at DePaul University in Chicago. Dr. Cavanaugh has authored 6 books, including his most recent, Field Hospital: The Church's Engagement with a Wounded World. Cavanaugh’s lecture will address some of Francis’ writings on economics, charity, and justice.

POPE FRANCIS, DIALOGUE, AND ECUMENISM
Susan K. Wood, SCL, professor of theology, Marquette University
Thursday November 2, 7 p.m. 
Student Center, Vander Vennet Theatre

Susan K. Wood, SCL, is professor of theology at Marquette University where she teaches courses on ecclesiology, ecumenism, and sacramental theology. Very active in ecumenical work, she serves on the U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue, the North American Roman Catholic-Orthodox Theological Consultation, and the International Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue. Dr. Wood will address Pope Francis’ emphasis on dialogue in light of the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

“As Pope Francis approaches his five year anniversary, we thought it was especially pertinent to look at his papacy and contemporary signs of the times,” said Arlene Montevecchio, director of the Center for Spirituality. “Francis has been a dynamic figure for change in the Catholic church and in the world.  His impact will be studied and felt for years to come.”

More information on the Center for Spirituality and lecture series can be found here.

About Saint Mary's College: Celebrating over 175 years of empowering women to make a difference in the world, Saint Mary’s College is recognized as a pioneer and continued force in the education of women. A Catholic, liberal arts institution in Notre Dame, Indiana, the College offers more than 50 undergraduate academic programs and also offers co-educational master’s degrees.