December

Missives from the Ice #5: "Sons and Daughters of Norway"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Norwegian explorers to first visit Antarctica.  His full missive may be found here.

STRS Alumnus now serves as Assistant Director for Counseling Service Organization

STRS Alumnus Andrew Schade, who graduated from CUA in 2010 with a bachelor of arts in Theology and Religious Studies, was interviewed on Cardinal Success Stories for continuing to serve in his capacity as Associate Director of Fundraising at Community Counseling Service (CSC), which “partners with leading non-profit organizations to help them meet a challenge.”  Click here to read the full interview.

Missives from the Ice #4: "PIG, the Tower of Babel, and our Green Pope"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti provided us with his fourth weekly reflection as the Catholic Chaplain of Antarctica.  Msgr. Rossetti’s concern regarding Antarctica's warming climate mirrors Pope Benedict XVI's teaching that we are stewards of the earth.  Msgr. Rossetti’s weekly missives may be found here.

Missives from the Ice #3:  "Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Snows"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti will be the Catholic Chaplain for scientists researching in Antarctica for the month of December.  He is providing CUA with weekly updates of his second journey to this frigid continent along with a brief reflection.  This week Msgr. Rossetti celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the McMurdo Station chapel.  His weekly missives may be found here.

Dr. Robert Miller published article in Biblical Interpretation

Dr. Robert D. Miller’s article “Solomon the Trickster,” has appeared in Biblical Interpretation 19 (2011): 496-504. The article investigates the biblical character of Solomon using the literary category of trickster to bring out nuances in the text’s presentation of this figure.

Project Evaluation:  Peter J. Murphy

Project Evaluation of Peter J. Murphy for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Theological College featured in NCR article

Father Phillip J. Brown, rector of Theological College in Washington, happily reports that TC is enjoying full enrollment this academic year.  Enrollment is so high that the seminary has been sending qualified candidates to other seminaries.  Fr. Brown celebrated this new trend saying, “it's a very healthy sign, a positive sign for Theological College and for the U.S. priesthood.”  The full story can be found here.

Msgr. McPartlan in Rome for meetings

Msgr. Paul McPartlan was in Rome 21-25 November for a meeting of the Joint Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, and then also from 28 November to 2 December for the annual plenary meeting of the International Theological Commission.

Professor Frank J. Matera published article

Professor Frank J. Matera’s article “The Theology of the Epistle to the Hebrews,” has appeared in Reading the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Resource for Students, edited by Eric F. Mason and Kevin B. McCruden (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2011), 189-208. The article investigates the Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology of the Letter to the Hebrews.

Dr. John Grabowski participated in Pontifical Assembly for Family

Dr. John Grabowski took part in the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome from November 29 - December 1st, led by Cardinal Ennio Antonelli.  The meeting was devoted to a discussion of the 30th Anniversary of the Pope John Paul's Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris consortio — both it's reception and implementation.  Click here for the full story.

November

Dr. Mardaga delivered paper at the SBL-meeting in San Francisco on November 11th 2010

Dr. Mardaga participated in a session of the John, Jesus and History group. She delivered a paper entitled “Bis repetita placent!” Her paper considered some reflections on repetition, orality and John 18:36.

Dissertation Defense:  Rev. Samuel Kucer

Final Examination of Rev. Samuel Kucer for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Former Dean Lectures at Boston College

Msgr. Irwin lectured on the topic of “Eucharistic Adoration” at Boston College’s Center for the Church in the 21st Century on Thursday November 17th.  This was the last in a year long series of lectures on the Eucharist.

Msgr. Irwin’s Keynote Address published

The keynote address which Msgr. Irwin delivered  at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians  national meeting in Louisville in July has been published in the November 2001 issue of Pastoral Music entitled “A New Missal and a New Translation: How Did We Get Here?”

Pope praises September Symposium

Pope Benedict XVI praised CUA for its September symposium entitled “The Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization” in his Nov. 26, 2011 comments to U.S. Bishops on a visit to Region II.  The Holy Father linked the general efforts of American Catholic universities to strengthen their sense of Catholic mission with this symposium.  “Young people,” the Pope taught, “have a right to hear clearly the Church’s teaching and, most importantly, to be inspired by the coherence and beauty of the Christian message, so that they in turn can instill in their peers a deep love of Christ and his Church.”  The symposium was cosponsored by The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the School of Theology and Religious Studies.  The full text for his address can be found here.

Dr. Robert Miller publishes Templeton Lecture online

Dr. Robert Miller, SFO, has published his lecture “What the Bible Can Contribute to an Understanding of Divine Creation,” given for the John R. Templeton Foundation lecture series "Atom + Eve: Using Science in Pastoral Ministry," organized by Joseph F. Wimmer and Darrell P. Domning, online at http://atompluseve.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Miller_talk.pdf. Dr. Miller's essay examines the theological and philosophical content of the biblical creation accounts, illustrating the value and depth of these accounts when not read as science or history.

Fr. Nicholas Lombardo, O.P., gives lectures in Rome

Fr. Nicholas Lombardo gave two lectures over Thanksgiving break at the Gregorian University in Rome. His first lecture was entitled "Boredom and Its Discontents: Looking at a modern phenomenon with Aquinas." It analyzed the contemporary experience of boredom with some help from Aquinas's philosophy and theology of the emotions. His second lecture, "Redemption as Ransom: The crucifixion in patristic theology," discussed theological interpretations of the crucifixion in early Christianity.

Dr. William Dinges delivers lecture on “Religion in American Culture”

Dr. William Dinges delivered a lecture on “Religion in American Culture” on November 28th at the Institute of International Education in Washington, DC. The lecture was given to a delegation of Muslim religious leaders from Yemen and under the auspices of the Institute’s International Visitor Leadership Program. A question and answer session followed Dr. Dinges’ talk.

Project Evaluation:  Rev. Bassam Saade

Project Evaluation of Rev. Bassam Saade for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Dr. Christopher Born interviewed by Voice of America News

visited campus and interviewed Dr. Christopher Born in assessing the role of American civil religion in the recent Occupy Wall Street movement.  Dr. Born argued that a battle is taking place between “the civil religion of the bankers and the one of everyone else.”

Dr. John Finnis gives lecture at CUA

The School of Theology and Religious Studies hosted Dr. John Finnis, professor of law and legal studies at the University of Notre Dame on Monday, Nov. 14. Dr. Finnis gave a lecture entitled “The Political Common Good: Limited and Subordinate.”  Relying on the work of St. Thomas Aquinas and recent Magisterial texts on the common good, Dr. Finnis explored the scope and source of the limitations of the political common good. Dr. Finnis entertained a series of questions  and then greeted guests at the reception immediately following the lecture.  Video from the lecture can be found here.

Dr. Tarmo Toom participates at AAR annual meeting

Dr. Tarmo Toom, a member of the Steering Committee of Augustine and the Augustiniansims Group, participated at the AAR’s Annual Meeting in San Francisco (Nov 19-22). This group organized three sessions: jointly with the History of Christianity Section, a discussion of Lewis Ayres’ Augustine and the Trinity (Cambridge, 2010) (panelists: Michel Rene Barnes, John Slotemaker, Sarah Coakley and Lewis Ayers responding) (this session had 180 participants!); jointly with the Platonism and Neoplatonism Group, a discussion of the topic From Middle Platonism to Neoplatonism (John Dillon; John Kenney; Sara Rappe); and papers on the theme Decentered Readings of Augustine.

Dr. Robert Miller elected to IBR

Dr. Robert D. Miller II has been elected as a Fellow of the Institute for Biblical Research. Founded in 1970, the IBR's mission is to foster excellence in the pursuit of Biblical Studies within a faith environment through annual conferences, seminars and workshops, and academic publications in the various fields of biblical research.

Msgr. Kevin Irwin Attends USCCB Committee Meeting On Sunday November 14

Msgr. Kevin Irwin participated in the all-day meeting of the US  Bishops Committee on Divine Worship. With this meeting Msgr. Irwin began his third three-year term as a Consulter to the Committee.

Rev. Regis Armstrong receives Doctor of Humane Letters from Felician College

Rev. Regis J. Armstrong, O.F.M. received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on 8 November from Felician College.  This degree recognized his exceptional devotion to the Franciscan life, scholarship, education, and generosity.

Dr. Michael Root presents on ecumenism at clergy convocation

Dr. Michael Root made a series of presentations November 7-8 to the clergy convocation of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown (Pennsylvania) on “Ecumenism: A Principle of Catholic Life and Dogma.”  Individual presentations covered: The Origins of the Ecumenical Movement; Vatican II and Catholic Teaching on Ecumenism; Ecumenical Dialogues; and A Future for Catholic Ecumenism.  Dr. Root emphasized how the history of Catholic ecumenism exemplifies reform and continuity in Catholic teaching and practice.

STRS Graduate Student publishes dissertation

Jason McFarland has edited and expanded his doctoral dissertation for publication, now entitled Announcing the Feast: The Entrance Song in the Mass of the Roman Rite (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2011). This study considers how the entrance song functions within the Roman Rite, what its purpose is, and what can be expressed theologically by means of the text and melody of an entrance song.

Dissertation Defense:  Rev. William F. Cleary

Final Examination of Rev. William F. Cleary for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 3:10 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Cardinal Koch gives lecture on Ecumenism

Dr. Robert Miller awarded Albright Institute fellowship

Dr. Robert D. Miller II has been named a Senior Associate Fellow to the W. F. Albright Institute for Archaeological Research for the project “Baal, El-Khader, and St. George: An Historical Geography.” Over spring break 2012, Dr. Miller will undertake an archaeological investigation of whether Hellenistic or earlier cultic sites of Baal underlie Byzantine and later shrines of St. George and Elijah (both called el-Khader in Arabic) in Israel.

Dr. Christopher Born presents paper at the Conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

Dr. Christopher J. Born presented his paper, “The Rosary Belt: Small Market Share, Spillover, and Commitment among North-to-South Catholic Transplants,” at the 2011 conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion in Milwaukee, WI (October 27-30). The paper investigated changes in specific religious behaviors among Catholics moving into the Diocese of Raleigh, NC and the role a newly acquired minority status may have in these changes.

Dr. William Dinges presents paper at Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

Dr. William D. Dinges presented a paper on “Disaffiliation among American Catholics” at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion/Religious Research Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 28-30. This paper compared pre and post Vatican II social and behavioral science studies of disaffiliation patterns and related these findings to social and cultural changes.

Dr. Christopher Born presents paper at Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

Dr. Christopher J. Born presented his paper, “The Rosary Belt: Small Market Share, Spillover, and Commitment among North-to-South Catholic Transplants,” at the 2011 conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion in Milwaukee, WI (October 27-30).  The paper investigated changes in specific religious behaviors among Catholics moving into the Diocese of Raleigh, NC and the role a newly acquired minority status may have in these changes. 

Rev. Dr. Micael Witczak and Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra contribute to a Commentary on the Order of the Mass

Two STRS professors contribute to a new, 680-page commentary on the Order of Mass published by Liturgical Press. Rev. Dr. Michael Witczak contributes four articles on the historical evolution of four parts of the Mass: Liturgy of the Word, Preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Prayer III, and the Concluding Rites. Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra contributes an article on the Theology of the Entrance Rites.

A Commentary on the Order of Mass of The Roman Missal A New English Translation. Developed under the Auspices of the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. General Editor Edward Foley. Associate Editors John F. Baldovin, Mary Collins, Joanne M. Pierce. Foreword by His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles. Pp. 680.

October

STRS Doctoral Students present at Villanova University

Doctoral students from The School of Theology and Religious Studies represented the school well at the 36th International Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Conference at Villanova University this past weekend Oct. 21-23, 2011.  See more...

Msgr. Kevin Irwin Attends Rome Meetings

At the invitation of the Hon. Timothy Fischer, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Msgr. Kevin Irwin attended the seminar on "The Coming Famine: Risks and Solutions for the Food Challenge of the 21st Century" at the Domus Australia on Oct. 1st.  The two major presentations were by Dr. Julian Cribb from Australia and the Most Reverend Sanchez Sorondo of the Vatican Pontifical Academy for Science. 

On Oct. 25-26 he participated in the international Symposium held at the Gregorian University on "The Genesis of the Anaphoral Institution Narrative in Light of the Anaphora of Addai and Mari."

Acting Dean Fr. Mark Morozowich publishes article in Ecclesia Orans

Fr. Mark Morozowich published an article entitled “Historicism and Egeria: Implications of In Eo Typo” in Ecclesia Orans 27 (2010): 169-182.  His investigation into Egergia’s use of typus helps emphasize that Palm Sunday processions reflect the presence of Christ in the midst of the celebrating assembly.  This understanding can help us see liturgical acts as works of Christ rather than merely as historical reenactments.

Dr. John Grabowski attends Thomistic Circles Conference

Dr. John Graboswki attended the Thomistic Circles Conference, “Christian Marriage: Nature and Sacrament” on Oct. 21-22, 2010 which was held at the Dominican House of Studies. The conference was a symposium which drew upon the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas to address contemporary challenges to marriage both as a natural and a sacramental reality.

Dr. David A. Bosworth publishes article in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

David A. Bosworth published “Faith and Resilience: King David’s Reaction to the Death of Bathsheba’s Firstborn” in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 73 (2011) 691-707. The article applies research on human resilience to explain David’s behavior in 2 Samuel 12:13-25. The essay argues that David is neither heroic nor villainous in this episode, but manifests ordinary resilience that derives from a combination of factors, both extrinsic (e.g., high infant mortality) and intrinsic (e.g., his practical piety).

STRS Alumnus Appointed Archbishop of Manila

STRS congratulates Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of Imus, Philippines, for being appointed Archbishop of Manila on October 13.   See more...

Fr. John T. Ford presents paper at National Council of Churches

John T. Ford csc, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, presented a paper on "Ecclesial Identities and Ecumenical Approaches" at a meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches, October 13 and 14, in Pasadena, California. The essay examined three ecclesial preferences--recapitulative, reformulative, reinvigorative--and discussed their relationship to three approaches in the contemporary ecumenical movement: Faith and Order, Life and Work, Unity in Mission.

Dissertation Defense: Brendan T. Sammon

Final Examination of Brendan T. Sammon for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Dr. Miller gives Lecture at Université de Strasbourg

Dr. Robert Miller gave a seminar entitled, “Orality and Performance in Ancient Israel” for the Catholic Theological Faculty at the University of Strasbourg, France, on March 13th. This lecture highlighted his recently-published research on the way oral literature thrives in literate societies and how oral and written forms of literature would have coexisted in ancient Israel. He also used ancient Near Eastern and ethnographic evidence to suggest ways oral prose and narrative poetry were performed in Israel and Judah.

Fr. Heil Publishes New Book on the Letter to the Hebrews

STRS Professor John Paul Heil’s latest book entitled Worship in the Letter to the Hebrews has been published by Wipf and Stock in the Cascade Books series. This close examination of Hebrews through the lens of worship is intended to inform and enrich the worship of Christians today. Hebrews presents important and unique points about worship not found in any other New Testament writing. The goal is to illustrate and illuminate these points for the benefit of those who desire to deepen their worship as Christians by deepening their understanding of the magnificent literary masterpiece that the poetically lively letter to the Hebrews articulates for all Christians.

Dr. Joshua Benson publishes article in Collectanea Franciscana

Dr. Joshua Benson published an article entitled, "An unedited principium:  Fons sapientiae Verbum Dei in excelsis.  Introduction and Text" in Collectanea Franciscana 81 (2011):  71-100. This essay offers an edition from a single manuscript of the previously unedited inaugural sermon, Fons sapientiae Verbum Dei in excelsis.  In a future publication, Dr. Benson will argue that the sermon belongs to the Franciscan, John Pecham (d. 1292).  The sermon is also an early witness to the reception of Bonaventure's De reductione.

Dr. Susan Wessel publishes article in St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly

Dr. Susan Wessel recently published “The Theology of Agape in Maximus the Confessor” in St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly, 2011. The article considers how the particular characteristics of and challenges presented by relationships experienced during the process of the ascetic struggle transform the capacity to love.  It concludes that the disposition of love deepens along the path formed by such human experiences and, in the process, re-shapes the self.

The School of Theology and Religious Studies mourns death of seminarian Michael P. Fallon

The School of Theology and Religious Studies joins in mourning the death of seminarian Michael P. Fallon of Theological College. Michael was studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington and was in his first year of theological studies at the University. There will be a viewing on Friday, October 14th from 9:30am-10:45am followed by a funeral Mass at 11am at the Church of the Resurrection, 3175 Paulskirk Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042. The interment and reception will follow at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 1200 Saint Michael's Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771. Please join us in prayer for the repose of his soul.

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti and Dr. Joseph White speak at Symposium on the Priesthood

The School of Theology and Religious Studies co-sponsored, in conjunction with the Theological College and Saint Luke Institute, a day long symposium October 5th on Msgr. Stephen Rossetti's new book: Why Priests are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests.  See more...

Dr. Robert Miller Speaking in Strasbourg

On 11 October 2011, Dr. Robert Miller will present “Tracking the Dragon Across the Ancient Near East” to the 6th International Conference on Comparative Mythology to be held in Strasbourg, France.

Dr. Pim Valkenberg publishes article about Pope Benedict’s second book on Jesus

Dr. Pim Valkenberg recently published an article in German titled "Reading Scripture with the Church" on the way in which Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) uses the tradition of the “mysteries of the life of Christ” in his recent (2011) book on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The article also pays attention to the reception of this book in the United States of America, and more specifically to the way in which Ratzinger’s approach inspired by Patristic exegesis finds resonance with developments in the American ecumenical world summarized as “theological exegesis”.

Pim Valkenberg, “ ‘Die Schrift mit der Kirche lesen’: Joseph Ratzinger, die Tradition der Geheimnisse des Lebens Jesu und ‘theologische Exegese’ in Amerika,” in: Der Jesus des Papstes: Passion, Tod und Auferstehung im Disput, Hermann Häring (Hg.), Berlin: Litt Verlag, 2011, S. 37-54.

Dr. John Grabowski gives address at 2011 Marriage Summit.

Dr. John S. Grabowski gave a keynote address on October 1 entitled “’Male and Female He Made Them’ . . . Sexual Difference and the Vocation to Love” at the 2011 Marriage Summit sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington on CUA’s campus. The presentation examined the way in which sexual difference is integral to the human person and to the vocation of marriage and religious celibacy.

September

Fr. Mark celebrates Dean's Vespers at Ukrainian Catholic Shrine

Dr. Pim Valkenberg publishes two articles on Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464)

Dr. Pim Valkenberg has published an article entitled “Learned Ignorance and Faithful Interpretation of the Qur`an in Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464)” in Learned Ignorance: Intellectual Humility among Jews, Christians, and Muslims (Oxford University Press, 2011). The article explores Nicholas of Cusa's contributions in understanding the relationship between “learned ignorance and a faithful interpretation of sacred writings from other religions.”

A few months ago, Dr. Valkenberg published another article on Cusanus, titled “Sifting the Qur’ an: Two Forms of Interreligious Hermeneutics in Nicholas of Cusa” in: Interreligious Hermeneutics in Pluralistic Europe, edited by David Cheetham and others (Amsterdam – New York: Editions Rodopi, 2011). The central focus in this article is Cusa’s Cribratio Alkorani¸a Christian theological approach to the Qur’an written a few years after the conquest of Constantinople by sultan Mehmed the conquerer. In this book, Nicholas of Cusa tries to find a pia interpretatio (faithful interpretation) of the Qur’an that does justice to the glory of God without detracting from the honor due to Christ.

Dr. Miller Elected to Philosophical Society

STRS Professor Robert D. Miller has been elected as member of the Washington Philosophical Society, the oldest scientific society in D.C., founded in 1871.

Dissertation Defense: Jonathan Bi Fan Cai

Final Examination of Jonathan Bi Fan Cai for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on September 23, 2011 at 3:10 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Msgr. Paul McPartlan Speaking in Illinois

On 16-17 September 2011, Msgr. Paul McPartlan gave two talks in the Church of St Rose of Lima, Kankakee, IL, one on "Praying the Mass" to parishioners from there and neighbouring parishes, and one on "Being the Body of Christ" to those involved in parish ministries.

STRS Faculty and Alums at New Evangelization Conference

At the invitation of Cardinal Wuerl, CUA Chancellor, over fifty pretenured professors of Theology met with members of the USCCB Committee on Doctrine to hear speakers and to dialogue about “The Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization.” Among them were STRS faculty Drs. Bosworth, Lombardo, Mardaga, Mattison, Pecknold and Ruddy and ten recent alums. Among the presenters were Rev. Dr. Frank Matera and Rev. Msgr. Kevin Irwin. Msgr. Irwin helped to plan the Conference with the USCCB leadership and STRS cosponsored the Conference which was underwritten by a generous grant from the Knights of Columbus.

Dr. Tarmo Toom to address Ecumenical Forum.

Dr. Tarmo Toom will address an ecumenical forum at Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church (Fredericksburg, VA) about the history and the historical context of the King James Bible translation on its 400^th-anniversary on Monday, Sept. 19.  The event will be open to the public.

Dr. Dominic Serra publishes article in Liturgical Ministry

Dr. Dominic Serra published "The Roman Missal through the Centuries." Liturgical Ministry 20 (2011): 105-116.  This article traces the main lines of the historical evolution of the collection of books that make up the Roman Missal. These include the lectionaries, the graduals and antiphonals, and the sacramentary.

Dr. Robert Miller publishes New Book on Oral Tradition

STRS Associate Professor, Dr. Robert Miller, has published a new book, Oral Tradition in Ancient Israel (Cascade Books, 2011). Providing a comprehensive study of "oral tradition" in Israel, this volume unpacks the nature of oral tradition, the form it would have taken in ancient Israel, and the remains of it in the narrative books of the Old Testament.

SOAR!  Appoints New Board of Director

During this past summer, Fr. Richard R. De Lillio, OSFS was appointed to the Board of Directors of Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR! ). With offices in Washington, DC, SOAR! is a national organization committed to ensuring safety and comfort for elderly and infirm members of the Catholic religious congregations in the United States. Founded in 1986, SOAR! has awarded nearly $15 million in financial assistance grants to congregations to help care for their aging members. Fr. De Lillio will serve a three year term 2011-2014.

Fr. De Lillio, along with the other twenty Board members, will oversee the business and affairs of SOAR! which succinctly means “ to assist ….financially distressed Roman Catholic religious by educating the general public regarding the plight of such religious…to foster in the development of mass efforts including fundraising, for the purpose of enabling such religious to retire with dignity and economic security.”

“We are happy to announce the appointment of Father De Lillio to the board of SOAR! His many years of experience in administration and fundraising will be a complement to the board of directors,” commented Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, SOAR! President.

Fr. De Lillio, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, has recently returned to Catholic University after a twenty year hiatus. During his absence he served the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as the Province Development Director. During that 12 year period, he helped build the Oblate Retirement Fund.

In 2003 he began a six year term as President of the Oblate sponsored Nativity Preparatory School, a tuition free middle school serving low income inner city boys in Wilmington Delaware. Returning to Catholic University during this past spring semester, Fr. De Lillio presently teaches homiletics as part of CUA’s pastoral faculty.

Fr. Mark Morozowich, Acting Dean, Speaks at World Wide Gathering of Ukrainian Catholics

On September 3, 2011, Fr. Mark Morozowich, Acting Dean of the School of Theology and  Religious Studies addressed the Fifth Patriarchal Sobor (International Council) of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Fr. Morozowich's talk is entitled: The Church's Rule of Prayer as the Source of Liturgical and Spiritual Direction of Consecrated Religious Persons.

In order to accentuate the international character and presence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, delegates met in Prudentopolis, Brazil to address the issues related to religious and monastic life of the church.

August

Dr. David Bosworth Publishes Article in Seitenblicke

David Bosworth’s article “‘David Comforted Bathsheba’ (2 Sam 12:24): Gender and Parental Bereavement” was published in Seitenblicke. Litararische und historische Studien zu Nebenfiguren im zweiten Samuelbuch (ed. Walter Dietrich; Orbis et Orientalis 249; Vandenhoek and Ruprecht: Göttingen, 2011) 238-55.

Consolation literature presents David’s resilient reaction as ideal and ignores Bathsheba’s response, which seems to involve significant grief and recovery. The article describes the contrasting reactions of David and Bathsheba and draws on modern research into parental bereavement and gender differences to show that both reactions have value and consolation literature should not provide David as a model to the exclusion of Bathsheba.

Dr. David Bosworth Presents Paper at Catholic Biblical Association

David Bosworth presented a paper “‘My Eyes Flow with Tears’: The Function of Weeping in Lamentation” at the 74th Annual Meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association at Assumption College in Worcester, MA. The paper draws on modern scientific investigations of crying that understand crying as a sign of crisis and plea for help when significant attachments (e.g., relationships) are lost or threatened and applies these insights to passages in biblical laments that speak of weeping. By means of the motif of weeping, the texts verbalize a powerful nonverbal plea for empathy and thereby engage the reader in the suffering of the speaker.

Dr. William Dinges Publishes Article in Symposium Reviews of Recent Books

Dr. William Dinges has published an article in the Symposium Reviews of Recent Books in American Catholic History in the U.S. Catholic Historian. Dr. Dinges' article is a critical commentary on Steve Rosswurm's, The FBI and the Catholic Church: 1935-1962 (Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 2009), in U.S. Catholic Historian 29, 2 (Spring 2011): 79-81.

Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra and James Sabak, OFM Deliver Papers at the Biennial Congress of the Soicietas Liturgica in Reims

Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra attended the biennial congress of the Societas Liturgica in Reims, France August 8-14 and delivered a paper entitled "History and Theology of Baptismal Chrismation at Rome and Milan: Past Assumptions and New Directions."

The paper establishes the dependence of the chrismation formula in Ambrose, the Mai fragment, and the Gelasian Sacramentary upon the Verona palimpsest of the Apostolic Tradition thus generating a new theory about the relationship between Roman and Milanese chrismation in the fourth century.

Ph.D. Candidate, James Sabak OFM, attended the same congress of Societas Liturgica and presented the paper, "Baptismal Mystagogy in Context: A Comparison of the Various Contexts Which Shaped Ambrose of Milan and Cyril of Jerusalem." The paper demonstrates that the responses of Ambrose and Cyril to the Arian crisis in their respective sees shaped the content and tenor of their mystagogical catecheses.

July

Dr. Chad C. Pecknold Publishes Article in Pro Ecclesia

Dr. Pecknold recently published "Beyond our Intentions: An Augustinian Reading of Hannah's Child," Pro Ecclesia: A Journal of Catholic and Evangelical Theology 20:3 (Summer 2011), an article assessing the life and work of Stanley Hauerwas, the man Time magazine called "America's Best Theologian."

Dr. Tarmo Toom Gives Paper on Authorial Intention

In August, Dr. Tarmo Toom gave a paper titled "Was Augustine an Intentionalist? Augustine on Authorial Intention" at the 16th International Conference on Patristic Studies in Oxford, UK. The paper was about the relative importance Augustine attributes to (human) authorial intention in determining the meaning(s) of the scriptural texts.

Dr. John S. Grabowski Presents on Marriage-Building

Dr. John Grabowski gave a presentation titled "Marriage: Covenant, Sacrament, Communion" at The 2011 Marriage-Building Construction Zone International Conference hosted by Marquette University.  The conference was sponsored by the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers and the USCCB. 

The presentation explored the biblical basis of the Church's understanding of marriage, key aspects of its theological development, and some practical implications for those who live the vocation of marriage and those who minister to them.

Rev. John T. Ford, C.S.C., Publishes Article from National Newman Association Annual Conference

Dr. John Ford attended the annual conference of the National Newman Association at St. Anselm's College, Manchester, NH, July 28-30; his article, "Blessed John Henry Newman" was published in the August "Monthly Reflection Series" of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.

Rt. Rev. James Wiseman, OSB and Dr. Robert Miller Receive Grant from John Templeton Foundation

Professors Rt. Rev. James Wiseman, OSB and Dr. Robert Miller are among the recipients of a $100,000 grant from the John Templeton Foundation to the Washington Theological Consortium Religion and Scholars Group.

The grant, "Adam + Eve: Using Science in Pastoral Ministry," will fortify those active in Roman Catholic pastoral ministry with transformative academic resources to help them intertwine issues of science and faith together in their work as preachers, teachers, and other capacities of church leadership. The program involves four task forces, sixteen essays, and four public conferences. Professors Wiseman and Miller will present in the first conference, "The Origin of the Universe," on November 12, along with scientists Dr. Stephen Barr and Dr. Sten Odenwald.

Dr. Michael Root Lecture Published in Bulletin of the Centro pro Unione

Dr. Michael Root's presentation titled "Indulgences as Ecumenical Barometer: Penitence and Unity in titled the Christian Life" was published in Bulletin of the Centro pro Unione (Rome) 39 (Spring 2011), pp. 3-9. The essay, originally a public lecture at the Centro pro Unione in Rome, looks at indulgences ecumenically in the light of recent discussions. The concepts of temporal punishment and the question of the church’s authority in granting indulgences is analyzed.

Dr. Joshua C. Benson Publishes Article in American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly

Dr. Joshua Benson published an article entitled, "Bonaventure's De reductione artium ad theologiam and Its Early Reception as an Inaugural Sermon," in American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly 85:1 (2011) pp. 7-24.  Dr. Benson argues that an inaugural sermon of a master of theology at Paris from last third of the thirteenth century knew the Reduction of the Arts when it still functioned as part of an inaugural sermon and had not yet become an independent text.

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti Publishes Article in Seminary Journal

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti recently published an article entitled, “The Psychological Health of Priests Today: Myths and Facts.” It is in Seminary Journal Vol 15:3 pp. 69-77. The article discusses a number of popular myths about the psychological health of Catholic priests in the United States and counters them with statistics from his eight year survey research project on priestly health and well being.

Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin Speaks at National Convention

Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin, former Dean of STRS, spoke this week at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians convention in Louisville, Kentucky. On Monday, August 18, 2011, he delivered a lecture in memory of Rev. Robert Hovda entitled, "A New Translation of the Missal of Paul VI."  On Tuesday, August 19, 2011, he delivered the plenary address to over three thousand participants on "A New Missal and a New Translation: How Did We Get Here?"

Rev. Christopher Begg Delivers Invited Paper in Budapest, Hungary

Rev. Dr. Christopher Begg attended the International Conference on the Phenomenon of "Rewritten Bible" held at the Theological Faculty of the Caspar Karol: Reformed University, Budapest, Hungary from July 10-13, 2011.  He also delivered an invited paper, "Josephus' Rewriting of Genesis 24 in Ant. 1. 242-255."

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti Named Associate Dean for Seminary and Ministerial Programs

Rev. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti has graciously accepted to serve as the Associate Dean for Seminary and Ministerial Studies.  His broad expertise in pastoral formation and training plus his extensive administrative experience will be of great service to The School of Theology and Religious Studies and to the University.  "His many talents and gifts will enrich our seminary and ministerial programs," says Rev. Morozowich.  "I personally look forward to collaborating with him."

President Garvey Appoints Rev. Mark Morozowich Acting Theology Dean

John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America, has appointed Rev. Mark Morozowich as acting dean of The School of Theology and Religious Studies, effective July 1, 2011 and until the appointment of a permanent dean.

Rev. Morozowich joined the theology and religious studies faculty in 2003 as an assistant professor of liturgical studies and sacramental theology.  He also served as associate dean of seminary and ministerial programs, a position he held since July 2006.  Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin, who served as dean of The School of Theology and Religious Studies since August 2005, stepped down from the position on June 30, 2011.

"Catholic Univeristy is pleased that Fr. Morozowich has accepted the postion of acting dean," says Provost James Brennan.  "Please join me in expressing our gratitude for his willingness to serve the University in this capacity."

June

STRS Graduate Student has Paper Published

Squires, Stuart Squires, a doctoral candidate in historical theology published: “Contra Academicos as Autobiography: a Critique of the Historiography on Augustine’s First Extant Dialogue.” Scottish Journal of Theology 63, no. 3 [2011]: 251-264.

Rev. John Ford Publishes (2) Articles on John Henry Newman

• "Newman's Reasonable Approach to Faith," Newman Studies Journal 8/1 (Spring 2011): 56-66.
• "John Henry Newman, Life" in New Catholic Encyclopedia: Supplement 2011, 2:601-608.  Edited by Robert L. Fastiggi, Detroit: Gale, 2011.

Rev. John Ford Presents Papers on John Henry Newman

• "Newman's Apologia as a Journal of his Conversions" at the convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America on Friday, June 10, 2011 in San José, CA.
• Workshop Presentations (June 20-24, 2011): "Newman Spirituality for Today," St. Vincent Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL.

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti publishes New Article in Origins Journal

Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti gave the keynote address at the National Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Coordinators Conference in Burlington, VT on May 2, 2011.  His talk was entitled: "Making Children and Young People our Priority."  The talk was subsequently published in Origins, June 9, 2011, Vol 41:5, pp. 74-80. The link is: originsplus.catholicnews.com/databases/origins/41/05/4105.pdf.

Msgr. Paul McPartlan Speaking to Ordinariate Clergy

Rev. Msgr. Paul McPartlan is giving a presentation on the Eucharist to the clergy of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham on June 21, 2011 at Allen Hall, Chelsea, London.  Approximately sixty former Anglican clergy were ordained as Catholic priests in a number of English dioceses around Pentecost.

Appointment of New St. Anselm's Abbot

On Thursday, June 16, 2011, the monks of St. Anselm Abbey (Washington, D.C.) elected our colleague James Wiseman STD, Ordinary Professor of Spirituality, as their new abbot. Abbot James will continue to teach at CUA for fall 2011, but will resign from the faculty effective Dec. 31st. Congratulations to Abbot James and our deepest thanks for his service to STRS spanning over a quarter of a century. Ad multos annos!

Dean to Participate in RC - Methodist Dialogue

Msgr. Kevin Irwin will participate in the next round of semi-annual discussions by the Roman Catholic - United Methodist Dialogue on Eucharist and Ecology from Tuesday, June 21-Thursday, June 23rd at St. Paul's College, Washington, D.C.  The participants will discuss the draft of a proposed final agreed statement tentatively entitled, "Heaven And Earth Are Full of Your Glory."

CUA STRS Members Featured in Eucharist Article

Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Fr. Jude De  Angelo, and Brett Garlend (STRS major) were featured in a recent article on eucharistic adoration by the Religious News Service.  The link is: http://t.co/xQTUINH.

Dr. White Presented Papers, Published Article

STRS Professor Joseph M. White presented a paper at the Mariological Society of America annual meeting, Scottsdale, AZ, on May 18, titled “Mary Immaculate as National Patroness: A New Perspective on the Decision of the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore, (1846)” and a paper titled “Indiana’s Catholic Print Culture and Anti-Catholic Movements of the 1920s” at the annual meeting of the American Catholic Historical Association, January 7, 2011 in Boston.   His article “Path to Sainthood and Episcopal Leadership: Mother Theodore Guérin and Bishop Célestin de la Hailandière in History and Memory” was published in U.S. Catholic Historian (Winter, 2011).

Msgr McPartlan in Crete for Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue

Msgr Paul McPartlan is in Rethymno, Crete, from 13-18 June, for the meeting of a subcommission of the international Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. As decided at the last plenary meeting of the dialogue in Vienna in September 2010, the subcommission will consider theological and ecclesiological aspects of primacy in relation to synodality. 

Dr. Pecknold Presented Paper at Summer Institute

STRS Professor Chad C. Pecknold presented a paper titled "Catholic Social Thought as Trinitarian Theology:  Person, Communion and Gift" at The Summer Institute on Catholic Social Thought on June 6, 2011.

Fr. Witczak talks on Eucharistic Spirituality and the Ars Celebrandi

Assistant Professor Michael Witczak gave a keynote address on June 9, 2011, at the Ministry Days convocation of the Diocese of Winona, “Eucharistic Spirituality and the Ars Celebrandi.” He also addressed the priests of Winona later that same day, “The Ars Celebrandi and the Spirituality of Priests.”

May

Dean Lectures in the United Kingdom

After meetings last week in Rome with officials in the Sacred Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith and Divine Worship, Msgr. Kevin Irwin is now in the UK to deliver lectures for the clergy at the invitation of Archbishop Vincent Nichols of the Archdiocese of Westminster and Bishop Arthur Roache of the Diocese of Leeds. The theme for the series of talks about the sacred liturgy is Mediated Immediacy: Sacramentality and The Matter of Words.

Dr. Pecknold Elected as Member of the Academy of Catholic Theology

STRS Professor Chad C. Pecknold attended the annual Academy of Catholic Theology conference in Washington, DC from May 24-26, where he was also elected as a member.

STRS celebrates 2011 Commencement Excercises

The 2011 Commencement Excersises was one of the largest ones in the School's history, with over twenty five students receiving the Ph.D. degree.  Follow the link above to see a list of graduates and a slideshow of the ceremony.

Dr. Grabowski attends Academy of Catholic Theology Conference

STRS Professor John Grabowski attended the fourth annual Academy of Catholic Theology conference in Washington, DC from May 24-26.

STRS Alum presents Papers at two Conferences

Matthew Halbach, a PhD candidate in RE/ Catechetics, will be presenting a paper titled: "Suffering and the Divine Paideia in the Christian Anthropologies of St. Augustine and John Paul II" at the 46th annual Medieval Congress held at Western Michigan University, and another paper titled: "Transforming Violence into Love: Compassionate Suffering in the Thought of Simone Weil" at the College Theology Society conference.

STRS Alum to Join the SEIA Staff

Dr. Anthony Cirelli, who earned his PhD from STRS, joins The Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs as an Associate Director. Dr. Cirelli was at St. John’s University in New York, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology.  Dr. Cirelli has published various book reviews, articles and conference presentations, and received the Center for Teaching and Learning Fellowship award at St. John’s University. His particular areas of research include: Theological Anthropology, Hans Urs von Balthasar, 20th century Catholic thought and Patristics.  Among other responsibilities he will staff the Reform-Catholic Dialogue and Muslim-Catholic Relations.  Dr. Cirelli begins his new position in September.  

Dr. Jones publishes new Journal Article

Jones, Charles B. “Pì xiè jí: Collected Refutations of Heterodoxy by Ouyi Zhixu (1599–1655),” in Pacific World: Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies. 3rd series, no. 11 (2011), p. 351-407.

Dr. Miller publishes article on Method in Biblical Scholarship

Dr. Miller published an article entitled, “Once More: Minimalism, Maximalism, and Objectivity,” in the open-access journal Bible and Interpretation, online at http://www.bibleinterp.com/opeds/miller358004.shtml.

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