Pope Benedict’s Message to a Rejuvenated US Catholic Church

Hope in Action

The Sunday before leaving Rome for the United States, while leading the Regina Caeli in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI said he viewed his trip as a “missionary experience” to promote “a time of spiritual renewal for all Americans.”

Pope Benedict challenged us in his various addresses, as he did at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York, “What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ…Nourished by personal prayer…you will discover the particular vocation God has for you.” In his meeting with Catholic educators in Washington, DC, he said, “Freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in – a participation in Being itself.”

Pope Benedict wants us to develop “an intellectual 'culture' which is genuinely Catholic” (Homily at Nationals Stadium). Professor Dwight Duncan will examine the Pope’s U.S. addresses and offer us insights as to how we can develop such an intellectual culture and help us to appreciate the spiritual vision of the Holy Father.

Many of us may be unfamiliar with the writings of Pope Benedict XVI or not in the habit of reading from the rich tradition of Catholic teaching. Here is a good opportunity to learn more about the beautiful teachings of our faith and the spiritual renewal of American Catholic men as seen through the eyes of the Vicar of Christ on earth.

About the Speaker

Professor Dwight Duncan teaches courses in Constitutional Law, Legal Ethics, Legal History, Religion and the Law and Bioethics. He is an honors graduate of Georgetown University Law Center. A native Washingtonian, he is a member of the Massachusetts and Washington, DC bars. Professor Duncan has written articles on legal, moral, and religious issues. He has argued several cases before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court, and has written briefs for the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Pro-Life Legal Defense Fund and serves on the Board of Advisors of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

Professor Duncan appears frequently as Commentator on local and nationally syndicated radio and television programs. His interests include legal history and legal philosophy.

Details

When: Thursday, May 22, 2008, 7:30 - 8:45 AM
Where: Offices of Merrill Lynch, 125 High Street