Dr. Benson published "Matthew of Aquasparta's Sermons on Theology," in Franciscans and Preaching, edited by Timothy J. Johnson and published by Brill in 2012. This volume is the first concerted study of Franciscans and preaching in English, and Dr. Benson's essay is the first on these sermons of Aquasparta, a Franciscan theologian, Minister General and eventually Cardinal who died around 1302.
Fr. Begg recently published an article entitled, "Josephus' and Pseudo-Philo's Rewritings of the Book of Joshua," in The Book of Joshua (ed. E. Noort; BETL 250; Leuver/Paris/Walpole, MA, 2012) 555-588.
On Wednesday Dec 12th Msgr. Rossetti spoke to the representatives of the Priest Councils in New York State on the implications of the John Jay Study for priestly screening, formation and ongoing formation. Using his research and the findings of the JJ Study, he stressed the need for stronger screening of candidates for the priesthood, especially in the area of psychosexual maturity, plus the need for healthy human formation of seminarians and priests. Later that week, on Dec 14th, he gave a lecture to the Carthusian monks at the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration in Vermont. He has been delivering two talks per year to this eremetic community on human formation and Carthusian spirituality. This talk was entitled: "Dealing with Emotions in a Monastic Cell."
Dr. Lantigua, a moral theology professor recently published an article entitled, "The 'New' Evangelization in the Americas: On the Catholic Origins of Human Rights," in the Fall 2012 volume of Church Life: A Journal for the New Evangelization
On December 14, Dr. Lantigua was interviewed by the Washington Post regarding the Newtown, Connecticut Tragedy. Dr. Lantigua responded by stating that "silence is the right response in such a moment."
Msgr Paul McPartlan was in Rome for this year's plenary meeting of the International Theological Commission (ITC) from 3-7 December 2012. The meeting continued work on the themes of Christian monotheism and Catholic social doctrine, respectively, and also on the theme of the sensus fidei/sensus fidelium. The most recent document of the ITC, entitled Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria, was published earlier this year. Pope Benedict XVI referred to all of these projects in his about at an audience given to the ITC on Friday, 7 December. Click here to read his address
Final Examination of Fr. Paz Alexander Martinez for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Charles B. Jones served as the discussant on the panel, "Buddhist Canons in Context: Compilation, Devotion, and Transformation" at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in Chicago on November 20, 2012.
Archbishop Savio delivered a lecture entitled, "The Word Made in China From a Missionary Perspective of Blessed Gabriele M. Allegra (1907-1976)," in Caldwell Auditorium, Monday, Nov. 12.
Professor Hallonsten delivered a lecture entitled, "The Unknown Ratzinger: Bonaventure, Revelation and the Opening of Vatican II" in the Vincent Walter room, Curley Hall, November 13.
On Sunday Nov. 11th Msgr. Kevin Irwin participated in the day long meeting of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship held at the Inner Harbor Marriott Hotel in Baltimore, Md. In his capacity as a consultor to the Committee he has been asked to assist the bishops on the Committee to draft a statement commemorating the upcoming fiftieth anniversary of the promulgation of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Liturgy Constitution of the Second Vatican Council.
From Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 8 -10, CUA co-hosted an invitation only scholars conference of Catholic theologians on climate change. On Friday Nov. 9th Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin delivered a paper entitled "God's Icon: Creation, Sacramentality and the Liturgy."
Final Examination of Rev. Seth Nater Arwo-Doqu for the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Final Examination of Susan White Baumert for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
On November 11th, Dr. Tapie presented a paper entitled, "Thomas Aquinas's Method of Inquiry as a Resource for Overcoming Obstacles to Jewish-Christian Dialogue," at the Washington D.C. Spinoza Society.
Final Examination of Jason Weaver for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dr. Pecknold Lectures on Religious Liberty at the University of Notre DameOn November 6th, Dr. Chad Pecknold gave the concluding address at an international conference "The Seeds of the Church: Telling the Story of Today's Christian Martyrs," sponsored by the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. His lecture, "The End of Martyrdom: Religious Liberty in Liberal Orders," concluded three days of proceedings intended to raise consciousness inside and outside the Church about the widespread persecution of Christians around the world.
On October 4th, Dr. Minnich presided at the sessions on the Americas at the Convegno Internazionale 'Il Concilio Ecumenico Vaticano II alla luce degli archivi dei Padri conciliari' (Città del Vaticano, 3-5 ottobre 2012)
On September 27th, Dr. Minnich presented a paper, "Egidio Antonini da Viterbo and the Reform of Religious Orders at the Fifth Lateran Council (1512-17)," at the Convegno internazionale di studi sulla figura di Egidio da Viterbo, agostiniano, umanista, religioso intellettuale e riformatore, uomo di governo e cardinale at l'Istituto Storico Italiano per il Medioevo, Rome.
Msgr Paul McPartlan and Fr John Galvin participated in a meeting of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation at St Paul's College, Washington DC, on 25-27 October 2012.
On October 26th, Dr. Robert Miller was one of the invited speakers at the conference, "Dei Verbum at 50: Toward a Clarification of the Inspiration of Scripture" sponsored by the University of Dayton's Center for Scriptural Exegesis, Philosophy, and Doctrine. Dr. Miller presented a paper, "On the Inspiration of Myth."
On October 26th, Dr Pecknold lectured on Augustine's use of the word "saeculum" in the City of God at Villanova University's 37th annual "Patristic, Medieval and Renaissance Conference."
On 23 October, Msgr Paul McPartlan gave a presentation of the latest document from the International Theological Commission to the faculty of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at CUA, and led a discussion of the text afterwards. Msgr McPartlan was president of the sub-commission of the ITC that produced the document, entitled, Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria. Already available in eight languages on the Vatican website, the document will be published in November 2012 by the Catholic University of America Press.
On October 22nd, Dr. Christopher Ruddy gave two talks in Hunt Valley, Maryland to the annual priests' convocation of the Harrisburg Diocese: "Vatican II: An Overview and Assessment" and "Vatican II and the Year of Faith."
October
Msgr Stephen J. Rossetti presents on clergy happiness at Fairfield University and for the Diocese of Greensburg.
Msgr. Rossetti presented the findings of his latest research on priestly happiness at Fairfield University to faculty, students and local clergy on October 9 and again to the priests of the Diocese of Greensburg, PA on October 16. His research findings discovered that, despite their heavy workloads, priests report an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with their lives and ministries. Contributing to their satisfaction are strong connections with the laity and other priests, and a strong spiritual life.
Dr. Chad Pecknold Named Associate Editor
Dr. Pecknold has recently been named Associate Editor of the English edition of the International Theological Journal, Nova et Vetera. The journal is a peer-reviewed quarterly and provides an international forum for theological and philosophical studies from a Thomistic perspective ( www.nvjournal.net ).
Final Examination of Jamie Aislinn Banister for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125
Dr. Robert Miller Speaks at Interreligious Consultation
Dr. Miller co-led a joint Scripture study session on "Covenant" for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - National Council of Synagogues Interreligious Consultation, held in Baltimore, October 15-16. Dr. Miller presented "Covenant in Catholic Perspective," alongside Rabbi David Sandmel, who presented the Jewish perspective.
Final Examination of Andrew Kim for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125
Dr. Joshua Benson Speaks at Franciscan Transitus Service
Dr. Benson gave an address for the annual Transitus service at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, October 3 at 7:00 pm. The Transitus service commemorated the night Saint Francis of Assisi died, whose feast is October 4.
Dr. Christopher Ruddy Serves as Guest on NPR's "The Diane Rehm Show"
Dr. Susan Wessel Published in Oxford Handbook of Late Antiquity
Dr. Wessel has published, "Theological Argumentation: The Case of Forgery," in ed. S. F. Johnson, The Oxford Handbook of Late Antiquity (Oxford University Press: New York and Oxford, 2012), 916-34.
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti Gives "Allegations and Audits" Webinar for USCCB
In conjunction with the USCCB's Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, Msgr. Rossetti designed and led a combination live presentation and webinar for the USCCB child protection office on Monday Oct 1st. The event was the first in an annual workshop to provide training to Catholic dioceses around the United States in child protection. The workshop was attended by bishops and diocesan personnel in over 100 locations around the U.S. who are responsible for implementing the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Child and Young People . Some of the other speakers included Al Notzon the chairman of the National Review Board, Bishops Cupich and Conlon, and Teresa Kettelkamp.
Cardinal William Levada, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Kicks Off Vatican II Symposium
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal William Levada provided the first keynote address at the Vatican II Symposium, Reform and Renewal: Vatican II After Fifty Years, September 26 at the university's Edward J. Pryzbyla Center. Click here to access Cardinal Levada's keynote address.
Fr. Mark Morozowich presided at the annual Dean's Vespers on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. Students in the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music directed by Dr. Leo Nestor provided excellent musical accompaniment. Vespers were followed by a reception in the Shrine's auditorium.
Msgr. Michael Clay Keynotes for Annual Conference in Archdiocese of Agaña, Guam
Msgr. Clay was the keynote speaker for a conference held in the Archdiocese of Agaña on September 14-15 to begin the Year of Faith. Approximately 1000 clergy and laity gathered to hear him address the topic of evangelization. He also offered workshops on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and preaching.
Dr. Robert Miller Delivers Lecture at West Chester University
Dr. Miller presented, "Minimalism and Maximalism in Biblical Archaeology" at West Chester University of Pennsylvania on Monday, September 10, 2012, outlining the origins of the minimalist movement in biblical scholarship and reconsidering the question of the historicity of the United Monarchy of David and Solomon from an archaeological perspective.
August
Msgr. Kevin Irwin Receives National Award
At their annual convention in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania the National Association for Pastoral Musicians gave their highest award to Msgr. Kevin Irwin, former Dean of STRS. Entitled the "Jubilate Deo" award, it is given annually to a person for " tireless advocacy of liturgical renewal, rigorous scholarship in service of the church and dedicated leadership in pastoral ministry." The award was presented at the convention breakfast on July 26 th at which several other awards were given including the giving of five scholarships to CUA graduate students in music. CUA trustee Cardinal Daniel Di Nardo delivered the invocation at the breakfast and participated in the giving of this award to Msgr. Irwin.
Fr. Raymond Studzinski Conducts Study Days for Monastic Community of St. Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana
Raymond Studzinski, OSB, STRS associate professor, conducted study days on Intergenerational Living for the monastic community of St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana on September 7th and 8th. He spoke on "The Practice of Intergenerational Hospitality."
Group of TRS Students Participate in Theology Symposium in Maynooth, Ireland
During the week of June 6-9, 2012, a group of six students from TRS travelled to St. Patrick's College in Maynooth, Ireland to participate in the Theology Symposium of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. The Symposium was dedicated to the ecclesiology of communion after Vatican II. All six students delivered papers at the Emerging Scholars sessions of the Symposium:
-Matthew Halbach "Incarnational Catechesis and the Work of the New Evangelization"-Sr. Chau Nguyen, OP "Mariological Dimensions of an Ecclesiology of Communion: Reading Lumen Gentium Anew"-Fr. Thabang Nkadimeng, OMI "The Sacramental Ecclesiology of Communion with Insights from Antonio Acerbi's Due Ecclesiologie" -Ed Trendowski "The Bishop as Servant to Communion: Vatican II Revisited"-Anastacia Wooden "The Eucharistic Ecclesiology of Nicholas Afanasiev and Catholic Ecclesiology: History of Interaction and Future Perspectives"
All presentations were enthusiastically received. The presentations demonstrated the breadth and depth of ecclesiological thought at TRS. The delivered papers will be published in the proceedings of the Symposium. They are also available at http://www.iec2012.ie/index.jsp?p=108&n=4866&a=2421 .
Msgr. Michael Clay Leads Diocese of Tuscon Conference on Parish Evangelization
Msgr. Clay led a two-day conference on parish evangelization for the Diocese of Tucson August 24-25. During the conference, participants learned about various dimensions of evangelization, obstacles to evangelization and strategies for helping parish communities become evangelized and evangelizers.
Final Examination of Rev. Joseph G. Elamparayil for the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125
Dr. Joshua Benson Leads Week-Long Workshop for Capuchin Franciscans
From August 20-24, Dr. Benson will provide a series of talks to Capuchin Franciscans in Boston entitled: "The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition: The Challenge of the Sources." The workshop is part of the Capuchin's on-going program in formation.
Dr. Robert Miller Participates in Jewish-Christian Dialogue in Germany
This last August 5-12, TRS associate professor Robert Miller participated in the 44th International Jewish-Christian Bible Week in Osnabrück, Germany. Each year, invited Jewish and Christian biblical scholars from Germany, England, Holland, Israel, and the US have come together to study biblical texts against a background of the two traditions. Sponsored by the Diocese of Osnabrück, the Begegnung Christen und Juden Niedersachsen, and the Begegnung von Christen und Juden Bayern, and hosted by the Franciscan Haus Ohrbeck, this year's week was devoted to Psalms 73-89.
Msgr. Clay Gives Address to Hispanic Catechists and Parish Leaders from Diocese of Raleigh
Msgr. Michael Clay spoke to approximately 300 Hispanic catechists and parish leaders from the Diocese of Raleigh at their XIV Encuentro on August 4, 2012. This year's theme was "The New Evangelization and Its Challenges" and his keynote address was part of a conference preparing them for the upcoming Year of Faith and acquainting them with some of the issues to be discussed in October at the XIII Ordinary General Assembly on the New Evangelization in Rome.
Msgr. Clay Leads Archdiocese of Dubuque Conference on the RCIA
Msgr. Michael Clay led a two-day conference on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for the Archdiocese of Dubuque July 27-28. During the conference, participants explored the role of scripture throughout the formation process and how the Liturgy of the Word, according to the rite, is the initial and normative locus of formation of catechumens and candidates seeking reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti Presents Results of His New Book
On July 18th in Boston, Msgr. Rossetti presented the results of his latest book, "Why Priests are Happy," to approximately 60 priests and religious at an annual convention hosted by International Consulting Centers for Religious and Clergy (ICCRC). The focus of the convention was on the human and spiritual formation and care of priests and religious. Msgr. Rossetti focused his remarks on the positive findings of his research, on the mental health of clergy and the critical importance of a strong spiritual life for a priest's happiness and mental health.
Rev. Frank J. Matera Presented With Festschrift
At the recent meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association at the University of Notre Dame, Professor Frank J. Matera was presented with a Festschrift on the occasion of his 70th birthday and his retirement from the Catholic University of America.The Festschrift is entitled Unity and Diversity in the Gospels and Paul: Essays in Honor of Frank J. Matera. It was edited by former CUA students Christopher W. Skinner and Kelly R. Iverson and is published by the Society of Biblical Literarture
It contains an introduction by Frank T. Gignac and articles by Kelly R. Iverson, Francis J. Moloney, Jack Dean Kingsbury, John R. Donahue, Paul J. Achtemeier, William S. Kurz, John P. Meier, Matt Whitlock, Michael Gorman, A. Andrew Das, Luke Timothy Johnson, Sherri Brown, Raymond F. Collins, and Christopher W. Skinner.
Professor Christopher Begg Presents Papers in Amsterdam and Belgium
Professor Begg attended the Colloquium Biblicum Lovaniense in Leuven, Belgium, July 26-28 and delivered a paper "Micah and his Mother according to Pseudo-Philo."
He also attended the International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Amsterdam July 23-25 and delivered a paper, "The Burning Bush Episode according to Philo and Josephus."
Dr. Joshua Benson Responds to Paper at the 2012 Boston College Colloquy in Historical Theology
From August 2-4, Boston College hosts the Colloquy in Historical Theology. Dr. Benson will respond to a paper by Fr. Christopher Cullen of Fordham University, entitled "Bonaventure on the Natural Desire to See God: Innate Appetite or Elicited Desire."
Effective July 1, 2012, Very Rev. Mark Morozowich, was appointed Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies.
Msgr. Kevin Irwin Receives National Award
At their annual convention in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania the National Association for Pastoral Musicians gave their highest award to Msgr. Kevin Irwin, former Dean of STRS. Entitled the "Jubilate Deo" award, it is given annually to a person for " tireless advocacy of liturgical renewal, rigorous scholarship in service of the church and dedicated leadership in pastoral ministry." The award was presented at the convention breakfast on July 26 th at which several other awards were given including the giving of five scholarships to CUA graduate students in music. CUA trustee Cardinal Daniel Di Nardo delivered the invocation at the breakfast and participated in the giving of this award to Msgr. Irwin.
Msgr. Kevin Irwin Addresses National Convention
On July 25 Msgr. Irwin delivered a plenary address at the annual convention of the National Association for Pastoral Musicians held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His topic was "Church Discipleship In and Through the Liturgy."
Msgr. Kevin Irwin Addresses Sulpician International Symposium
From July 9th to 18th representatives from the four continents where the Sulpician Fathers serve in initial and ongoing programs for priestly formation are meeting in Montreal to discuss formation in the 21st century. On Monday morning July 9th Msgr. Irwin delivered a paper on "The Theology of Ordained Priesthood in the Light of Vatican II and Postconciliar Documents." The presentation was followed by questions and answers, discussion of the paper in small groups, reporting back to the whole group. Msgr. Irwin responded and gave final remarks. Fr. David Thayer of the Theological College faculty is attending as is the former vice rector Fr. Daniel Moore.
Dr. Charles B. Jones Participates in the 2012 Woodenfish Project in China
Dr. Jones participated in the 2012 Woodenfish Project, a program that gathers together scholars and students of Chinese Buddhism for a tour of significant Buddhist sites in China. (This program is named for the "wooden fish," a fish-shaped wooden board which hangs in Chinese Buddhist temples and is struck as a signal for meals, devotions, and other gatherings.) The program, involving 33 participants, lasted from June 25th to July 9th, 2012.
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti Celebrates Mass at Auburn Correctional Facility
Msgr. Rossetti was invited to Auburn Correctional Facility to celebrate Mass with the inmates.Several of the inmates had read Msgr. Rossetti's regular contributions to the daily "Living Faith" publication and wanted to meet him and hear him speak.He was honored to be asked and presided over the liturgy and preached to a group of about 65 inmates on July 7th at this maximum security prison in upstate New York.
On November 6th, Dr. Chad Pecknold gave the concluding address at an international conference "The Seeds of the Church: Telling the Story of Today's Christian Martyrs," sponsored by the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. His lecture, "The End of Martyrdom: Religious Liberty in Liberal Orders," concluded three days of proceedings intended to raise consciousness inside and outside the Church about the widespread persecution of Christians around the world.
