Dr. John Borrelli, XXXVI Paul Wattson Christian Unity Lecturer

SAN FRANCISCO - Jan. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- Dr. John Borrelli will deliver the XXXVI Paul Wattson Christian Unity Lecture at the University of San Francisco on Monday, February 22nd, 2016, at 7:30pm in the McLaren Conference Center, Room 252.

Dr. Borelli, Special Assistant for Interreligious Initiatives to President John J. DeGioia of Georgetown University, former U. S. Jesuit Conference’s Coordinator for Interreligious Dialogue and Relations and Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will draw upon the insights of the Second Vatican Council and the strategy used by the Catholic Church to create programs of dialogue during the past fifty years.

On  December 8, 1965, the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council came to its conclusion after six years of preparation and meetings. It was the most important event for the Catholic Church in the twentieth century and has shaped the faith and lives of Catholics and many others well into the twenty-first century. Vatican II launched the Catholic Church’s ministry of dialogue with the world, with other Christians, with all peoples whether religious or not. Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI created offices to implement the ministry of dialogue, and bishops in their dioceses and in national and regional conference followed suit. He will look back at what was learned, at enthusiasm that energized its course, the successes and failures of dialogue with other faiths. He will also discuss challenges to this dialogue in the 21^st century, with consideration for the critically important adjustments for a world much in need of dialogue. The XXXVI Paul Wattson Lecture at the University of San Francisco, will draw upon insights on the Council itself and the strategy used by the Catholic Church in creating programs of dialogue and outreach in ecumenical and interreligious relations and in dialogue with all people of good will. Dr. Borelli will look back, examine the present, and look ahead. He will also evaluate lessons learned, note what has been gained and what has been lost, and suggest directions for the future. He will draw from the reflections of others and offer his own suggestions for the future.

The Paul Wattson Christian Unity Lectures honor the memory of the Servant of God Fr. Paul of Graymoor (Reverend Paul James Francis Wattson, S.A.,1863-1940), founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and pioneer for the cause of Christian Unity.  These annual lectures feature national and international leaders in the fields of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue who speak on current topics of interest.  Initiated in 1974 at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, the series was expanded in 1980 to the University of San Francisco; then, in 1995 to the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax; and in 1996 to the Toronto School of Theology in Toronto.  In 1998, it was added to the ministry of the Friars at their Centro Pro Unione in Rome honoring not only Father Paul, but also Mother Lurana White, S.A., founder of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement.

The University of San Francisco is a Catholic institute of higher education founded by the Jesuits in 1855. USFCA enrolls approximately 11,000 students in more than 100 undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs. The University’s Theology faculty has academic expertise in both Catholic and Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and in several Social Sciences that explore the human experience of the Divine.  The Friars have chosen to share sponsorship of this prestigious annual lecture program with USF because of their innovative and ecumenical reputation.

The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement are a Roman Catholic order of brothers and priests founded in 1898 by Fr. Paul Wattson, SA at Graymoor in Garrison.  Since that time, the Friars have worked for reconciliation and healing through “at-one-ment” — the unity of men and women with God and with one another —  so that the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” might be fulfilled.  Through their mission and ministries they serve people of every race, religion, and walk of life. Their social ministries help the poor, the needy, and the homeless; people living with HIV; frail and elderly in hospitals and hospices; those in prison; and people seeking recovery from alcoholism and chemical addictions.  They are active in the international movement to heal the divisions within Christianity and among all faiths.  Through their prayers and pastoral ministries, they bring spiritual renewal, unity, harmony, and reconciliation throughout the world and carry the Gospel message to three continents. For more information about the Friars, visit atonementfriars.org

For more information about the Paul Wattson Lecture at the University of San Francisco, contact Anne Marie Devine (415) 422 2697 or email abdevine@usfca.edu .