Happenings

On September 25, CTU celebrated the installation of Rev. Ferdinand Okorie, CMF as Vice President and Academic Dean. In addition to his role as Dean, Ferdinand serves as Assistant Professor New Testament Studies and is Editor-in-Chief of US Catholic Magazine.

On September 29, CTU hosted a panel discussion on the female diaconate featuring Prof. Phyllis Zagano (Hofstra), a global leader in the conversation about women in the diaconate. Prof. Zagano was joined by CTU graduate Bernadette Raspante (Women’s Ordination Conference), CTU’s director of the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life, Sr. Chioma Ahanihu, SLW, and moderator Deacon Vic Puscas (Diocese of Joliet), also a CTU graduate.

On October 10, CTU was honored to host Archbishop Donald J. Bolen of the Diocese of Regina, Saskatchewan for the 4th Annual Paul Wattson lecture. The first part of the lecture imagined what it would look like if ecumenical relations were completely integrated into our churches’ lives in a way consistent with our principles for ecumenical engagement. The second part of the lecture sought to identify specific steps for churches to consider in order to bridge the gap between what dialogues have achieved and the transformed relationships which the Spirit is calling us to. The relationship between Christian Churches and Indigenous Peoples were introduced as a specific instance of what might be possible if churches worked more closely together in the pursuit of healing, reconciliation and justice.

On October 11, Rev. Stephen Bevans, SVD gave the 24th Annual Luzbetak lecture. He spoke on the theft and destruction of four carved wooden statues of a naked pregnant woman, which had been on display and used in a papal ceremony during the Pan-Amazonian Synod, and the significance of those statues to discussions of syncretism and inculturation.

In November, the Bernardin Center hosted a book launch event for John D’Emilio’s Memories of a Gay Catholic Boyhood: Coming of Age in the Sixties, a memoir exploring Professor D’Emilio’s earliest experiences of identity, politics, faith, and family.

On November 5, CTU hosted its annual Corazon de Romero event celebrating the work of the Oscar Romero Scholars Program, which offers Hispanic lay men and women a full-tuition scholarship for a professional graduate degree that prepares them to minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago. For more than a quarter of a century, proceeds from this event have gone on to directly fund these critical scholarships. This year’s event featured a Salvadoran dinner, marimbas, and lively DJ music and dancing.

On December 2, more than 60 friends, faculty, staff, and member of the Precious Blood community gathered online and at CTU to commemorate Robert Schreiter, CPPS and inaugurate the new Schreiter Institute for Precious Blood Spirituality through prayer and collaborative brainstorming about the future of the Institute. Dr. Karen Ross, Director of Pathways@CTU, presided over the prayer service, which included a selection of readings from Schreiter’s own work and concluded with a moving sign of peace across the room. The service was followed by an introduction from Dr. Kevin Considine, Director of the Schreiter Institute, who prompted those gathered to discuss at their tables their hopes, concerns, and dreams for the future of the Institute. 

On December 7, CTU was pleased to host Catholic Women Preach – an innovative organization that features the prophetic voices of women from around the world – for the launch of their first volume of collected works, reflections on lectionary cycle A. Event participants heard from editors, contributors, and readers of the project alike, a number of whom were CTU community members including President Sr. Barbara Reid, OP, Dr. C. Vanessa White, and Dr. Kim Lymore.

On February 8, the Hispanic Theology and Ministry Program, which is celebrating 40 years at CTU, partnered with the Bernardin Center to host a book launch event celebrating the multi-volume series “Disruptive Cartographers: Doing Theology Latinamente” with conversation between its contributors and editors, including the Director of HTMP Carmen Nanko-Fernandez, Miguel H. Diaz of Loyola Chicago, and Jean-Pierre Ruiz of St. John’s University.

On February 12, CTU celebrated the Installation of Friar Gilberto Cavazos-Gonzalez as John Duns Scotus Chair of Franciscan Spirituality and the promotion of Rev. Robin Ryan to Professor of Systematic Theology.

The annual Taste of CTU event was held on February 14. Students, staff, and faculty gathered to share food, talents, and art reflective of their countries of origin.

On March 1, the Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry program held its annual lecture, given this year by Rev. Maurice Nutt, CSSR, CTU alum, and author of the recently released “Deep Down in My Soul: An African American Catholic Theology of Preaching.”

On Saturday, March 4, the Tolton program’s Harambee! celebration returned for the first time since the pandemic. We celebrated the leaders who aided in the transformation of the nine Black Catholic parishes in Chicago through the Renew My Church process, heard about the Tolton program, and shared a meal and music together. 

On Sunday, March 12 CTU hosted the annual Dr. Barry Rankin Sunday@CTU on God’s Creation. This year’s event featured Bro. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, Director of the Vatican Observatory, who spoke about Creation and wonder in our universe.