Lenten Lectures Honors Vatican II

For 24 years, Wednesdays in Lent have been highlighted by a series of lectures at the University of St. Thomas that cover a wide range of topics important to Catholic life. This year's theme, "Vatican II: Yesterday and Today," will lead the community to an enrichment in understanding the many facets of the Catholic faith. This is an opportunity for personal growth in the building of the Lord's Kingdom during a time of reflection.

a target="_blank" href="http://www.stthom.edu/Public/Index.asp?Friendly_Flag=1&Page_ID=5934">Dr. Chris Evans, chair and associate professor of theology, said the theme was chosen because this is the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The series also touches on topics relevant to the Year of Faith.

"Catholic life and piety has been shaped greatly by Vatican II," Evans said. "So many of the themes discussed, such as the sacred liturgy, role of laity, evangelization, ecumenism and sacred Scriptures, impact the daily spiritual life of all Catholic Christians and should be valuable both for edification and for the instruction of faith and moral."

The 24th Annual Lenten Lecture Series starts on Feb. 13 to March 20. All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Evans at 713-525-7863 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 713-525-7863 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting or evanscp@stthom.edu. The event is sponsored by the Theology Department.

The series includes:

• Sister Paula Jean Miller, FSE, will present "Synod 2012: Through the Lens of Vatican II" at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon. Sister Paula Jean was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, as an expert, adiutrix secretarii specialis, for the XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the topic, "The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith." -    Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will present "Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy" at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 in Jones Hall, 3909 Yoakum.
• Dr. John Hittinger will present "John Paul II on the Task of the 'Enrichment of Faith' in Light of Vatican II" at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.
• Dr. Steven Meyer will present "Vatican II: The Church and the Laity" at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.
• Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson will discuss "Has Pope Benedict Reinterpreted the Ecumenical Vision of Vatican II?" at 7:30 p.m. on March 13 in Anderson Hall, Room 103, 3913 Mt. Vernon. Msgr. Steenson was named by Pope Benedict XVI the Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter.
  
• Dr. Charles Sommer will present "Word of God in Human Words: Biblical Interpretation From Vatican II to Benedict XVI" at 7:30 p.m. on March 20 in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.