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UPDATE: this course has been cancelled for Fall 2024.

The Life and Spiritual Theology of Elizabeth of the Trinity

In this course we will consider the works of this Carmelite saint. We will explore major episodes from her life, family, and the development of her spiritual theology especially in the developments of her themes on praise of glory, the Trinity, her retreat work and guidance to others. We will examine excerpts from her diary, letters, and poems to help facilitate this task.

Instructor: Dr. Mary Gennuso, PdD

UPDATE: this course has been cancelled for Fall 2024.

The Spiritual Wisdom of Jean Pierre de Caussade

In this course we will study and contemplate the writings attributed to the French Jesuit, de Caussade. We will examine the famous classic Abandonment to Divine Providence, and his Spiritual Letters of advice to the nuns of the Visitation in Nancy, France. He also preached in southern and central France and directed theological students at the Jesuit House in Toulouse, where he ultimately died. We will also examine his writings in the context of his day, what is and isn’t abandonment, and how his teaching may apply to our current lives.

Instructor: Dr. Mary Gennuso, PdD

A Brief Survey of Women Composers Through the Ages

Through excerpts of various recordings we will explore the world of women composers from Kassia in the 9th century to Zwilich in the 21st century. Some of the featured music will include Hildegard of Bingen/Barbara Strozzi/Amy Beach and others. This short survey will give some idea of how great and talented women overcame many obstacles to have their music published and performed.

Instructor: Charles Powell
Tuesdays, Oct. 8 – Nov. 12
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
First Floor Conference Room, St. Francis House

Fee:  $60.00       

The Disappearing Christians of the Middle East

“Janine di Giovanni is a journalist, an international correspondent, and author of the recent book The Vanishing:  Faith, Loss, and the Twilight of Christianity in the Land of the Prophets.  The seminar will reference her book and explore the history of Christianity in Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine based on Janine di Giovanni’s years of traveling, research, and working in these areas.  Cultural and socioeconomic differences, discrimination, and persecution of the many different branches of Christianity will be discussed.  Other non-Christian faith traditions in the region will also be commented upon.

There will be a class visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on:
Friday evening, October 25th, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Instructor: Denise  De Vito
Saturday, October 19, 2024
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fee: 60:00

Searching for Meaning: Somerset Maugham’s Novel Approach

We will consider two of Somerset Maugham’s novels. Of Human Bondage is a coming of age story. After a difficult childhood, Philip Carey struggles to find his place in the world, testing various careers and relationships. In The Razor’s Edge, Larry Darrell emerges from the tumult of World War I, a changed man eager to find spiritual enlightenment.  We will follow Larry on his spiritual pilgrimage to Germany, Spain and India and accompany him on his move to America.

Instructor: Sr. Fran McManus, RSM
Thursdays.  Oct. 10 – Dec. 12, 2024 (No class on Oct. 17^th or Nov. 28^th )
12:30-1:30 PM on ZOOM

Fee:  $60.00