Four nationally renowned scholars will present their respective views on faith and human existence as part of St. Mary’s University’s 10th Annual Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture Series. The theme of this series is, “God’s Mysteries and Greatness: Ingredients of Human Dignity.”

The event will commence Friday, July 13 with a talk by the Rev. Bernard J. Lee, S.M., Th.D., Professor of Theology at St. Mary’s University. The lectures will continue throughout the remainder of 2012 and into the spring of 2013 with talks by Dermott J. Mullan, Ph.D., Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware; the Rev. Robert J. Schreiter, C.PP.S., Th.D., Vatican Council II Professor of Theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago; and Glenn “Chip” Hughes, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at St. Mary’s University.

The Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture Series is an annual series featuring men and women who have helped shape the Catholic Intellectual Tradition – a core ideology of St. Mary’s.

The lectures are free and open to the public with refreshments and conversation to follow. All lectures will take place at 7 p.m. in the University Center, Conference Room A with the exception of the Rev. Schreiter’s talk, which will take place at The Whitley Center, located at 285 Oblate Drive.

  • The Rev. Bernard J. Lee presents “Knowing, Loving and Making the World,” Friday, July 13. Lee, the author of 14 books and 10 chapters, has been an active member of the International Academy of Practical Theology since its foundation and has given papers in the United States, England, Wales, South Africa and India. During his lecture, guest presenters will celebrate and reflect on Lee’s theological contributions.
  • Dermott J. Mullan presents “Moses and the Big Bang,” Wednesday, Oct. 10. Mullan’s research interests center on the effects of magnetic fields in the sun and stars. These fields give rise to a variety of energetic phenomena, some of which can have disruptive effects on Earth. His research, sponsored by NASA, has led to more than 200 publications in refereed journals and the textbook, “Physics of the Sun: A First Course.”
  • The Rev. Robert Schreiter presents “The Challenge of Charism in a Global World,” Friday, Feb. 1. Schreiter has spoken and written extensively on the mission of the Church, religious life, the challenges of intercultural living, globalization and reconciliation. He served as consultant on intercultural communication to the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He is also active in international peace building. Among his many books are “Constructing Local Theologies.”
  • Glenn “Chip” Hughes presents “Art, Love and Conversion,” Wednesday, April 3. Hughes is the author or editor of six books of philosophy, and his most recent authored book is “A More Beautiful Question: The Spiritual in Poetry and Art” (University of Missouri Press, 2011). He has also published many philosophical articles and book chapters. His poetry has appeared in national journals since 1976, and in two chapbooks. He is the recipient of a Fulbright research grant and is currently writing a book on human dignity and degradation.

For more information, call 210-431-8094.

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