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Events and writings from The Church in the 21st Century this semester take a look at poverty and Christians’ response to the poor.
Associate Professor of Theology Rev. Kenneth Himes, OFM, will present “The Poor: What Did Jesus Preach? What Does the Church Teach?” on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Gasson 100. Fr. Himes is the guest editor for the fall issue of C21 Resources, for which he has authored the essay “The Complexity of Poverty.”
Also featured in C21 Resources are pieces written by Pope Francis, Dorothy Day, Catholic Relief Services CEO and President Carolyn Woo and Boston College Professors of Theology Pheme Perkins and Roberto Goizueta, among many others.
Best-selling author and America magazine editor-at-large Rev. James Martin, SJ, will give a lecture on “Jesus: A Pilgrimage,” which is also the title of his latest book. Fr. Martin’s lecture will be held on Sept. 25 in Robsham Theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. There are no tickets for this event. Seating is first-come, first-served, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Robsham will also be the setting for an appearance the following month by Sister Helen Prejean, an internationally recognized opponent of the death penalty and author of Dead Man Walking. The Oct. 9 event will begin with a screening of the film “Dead Man Walking,” based on Sister Prejean’s bestseller, starring Oscar winners Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon. Afterwards, Sister Prejean will discuss her prison ministry work and ways the Catholic Church reaches out to the marginalized. There are no tickets for this event. Seating is first-come, first-served, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
On Oct. 21 author and documentarian Gerard T. Straub will present “From Hollywood to Haiti: A Filmmaker’s Journey with the Poor” in Gasson 100 starting at 7 p.m. The event will include a screening of Straub’s work, followed by a discussion.
On Oct. 28, the University will welcome Archbishop of Miami Thomas Wenski, who chairs the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee of Domestic Justice and Human Development, to talk about the Catholic vision for immigration reform. The archbishop’s presentation will take place in the Murray Function Room of Yawkey Center beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The concluding event is a panel discussion moderated by Graduate School of Social Work Dean Alberto Godenzi on “Is There a Future for Catholic Health and Social Services?” Panelists will be Michele Broemmelsiek, vice president of overseas operations for Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA President Fr. Larry Snyder and Fr. J. Bryan Hehir, secretary for health and social services for the Archdiocese of Boston. This event will take place Nov. 5 in McGuinn 121 at 7 p.m.
Co-sponsors for C21 events are the School of Theology and Ministry, Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Theology Department, Graduate School of Social Work and Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life. For more information on C21 events, see www.bc.edu/church21.