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Welcome to the Seattle University Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture's Events Page! Here, you'll find a rich collection of upcoming events, discussions, lectures, and gatherings that delve into the intersection of faith, culture, and intellectual inquiry. From thought-provoking dialogues on contemporary issues to explorations of the deep-rooted traditions within Catholic thought, our page serves as a hub for fostering meaningful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between spirituality and the modern world. Whether you're a member of the academic community, a seeker of knowledge, or simply curious, we invite you to explore our diverse range of events and engage in the exploration of profound ideas that shape our lives. Join us in embracing the spirit of intellectual and spiritual discovery. 


Our Programming

Catholic Heritage Series

The Catholic Heritage Series engages the community to explore the intersection of Catholicism and culture. Our two-year theme for 2022-24 is “A Journey Towards Healing and Reconciliation."

Our Programming

Upcoming Events

Flyer of Fall IDI - Yellow background. Speaker headshot and event title, time and location (same as below).

Fall IDI - When Interreligious Encounter Graces a Life

Dr. Mary C. Boys, Union Theological Seminary

Tuesday, October 21 at 4:30pm
Public reception at 4pm – please join us!
Oberto Commons, SINE 200 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Nostra Aetate, (Latin for "In Our Time") was proclaimed by Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965, during the final session of the Second Vatican Council. This October, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the document, which emphasizes the unity of all peoples, the commonalities between faiths, the importance of interfaith dialogue and collaborations to promote social justice and peace, and the denunciation of discriminations – all of which contribute to Seattle University’s Jesuit Catholic identity today.

Dr. Mary C. Boys is a Professor of Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary, and a scholar of both Catholic and Jewish theology. The author of six books and hundreds of articles, Dr. Boys teaches courses on Antisemitism, Jewish-Christian Relations, and Strategic Pedagogies for Confronting Contested and Controversial Issues. A Seattle native, Dr. Boys has been a member since 1965 of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, a congregation of Roman Catholic women.


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Fall CHL - The Continuing Relevance of Rerum Novarum for a New Industrial Revolution

Eduardo M. Peñalver, Seattle University President and Professor of Law

Tuesday, November 4 at 4:30pm
Public reception at 4pm – please join us!
Le Roux Room, Student Center 160
Online option available (via Zoom)

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Some, including the new Pope, have compared our current moment of instability and change to the industrial revolution of the late 19th century. As we grapple with accelerating technological change and its impacts on our society and economy, returning to first principles becomes more important. Reading Pope Leo XIII’s groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum – which was written the same year as Seattle University’s founding – with fresh eyes can provide us with valuable tools as we seek to reconcile innovation with humanity.

Eduardo M. Peñalver became the President of Seattle University on July 1, 2021. From 2014 until 2021, he served as the Dean of Cornell Law School. Peñalver’s legal scholarship focuses on property and land use, as well as law and religion. His work explores the way in which the law mediates the interests of individuals and communities. His writing on property has appeared in numerous leading law journals. His book, Property Outlaws (co-authored with Sonia Katyal), published by Yale University Press in February 2010, explores the vital role of disobedience within the evolution of property law. His most recent book, An Introduction to Property Theory (co-authored with Gregory Alexander), was published by Cambridge University Press in 2011.