2022

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  The Gift and the Grace of Suffering

  Mike H. Bassett

  Mike H. Bassett (J.D. `87) Author of The Man in the Ditch

  Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in darkness as if we are in a “ditch” and feel helpless. This presentation will discuss just such a story about feeling alone, but through dialogue with God and those who believe in us, we can help ourselves and others overcome these dark and difficult times. Seeing all opportunities as grace, Bassett’s story reminds us that difficult times have the power to change us for the better — especially when we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit within and around us.

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  Christians, Muslims and Mary

  Rita George-Tvrtković

  The Vatican II document Nostra Aetate (1965) acknowledged that Christians and Muslims share a devotion to Mary. But did Christians always view Mary as a bridge figure? A few medieval Latins stressed concord between the two Marys, but others raised the Virgin on military standards in battles against Muslims. This talk will consider the shared Mary of the Bible and Qur’an, plus her diverse roles in Christian-Muslim relations through history, where she has shifted back and forth from bridge to barrier and back again.

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  Lin Lecture Interfaith Friend, Interfaith Kin: Reflections on Fratelli Tutti

  Rita George-Tvrtković

  In his 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis stresses the idea of fraternity (brotherhood or kinship) as the basis for good interreligious relations. But what does it really mean to call the Religious Other my brother or sister? How does that affect interreligious dialogue and cooperation? Can a broader vision of human kinship help us to heal the various divides—interreligious, interracial, intercultural, inter political—plaguing America today?

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  Synodality - Journeying Together: Pope Francis's Vision for a Synodal Church

  Rev. William J. Meyer SM

  Synodality — Journeying Together: Pope Francis’s Vision for a Synodal Church

  The Rev. William J. Meyer, S.M., D.Min. Rector, St. Mary’s University

  Synodality comes from the Greek word synodos which means walking together, in Latin concilium — an assembly, a gathering, a process of consultation, getting together and discussing, but most importantly taking about where the believer has seen the Holy Spirit acting; it is a moment of discernment. At the heart of synodality, which Pope Francis is proclaiming, are two elements. First, synodality must involve the process of listening to the people; it is not just about leaders getting together and deciding on behalf of others. Secondarily, it is the moment of discussing where they both have seen the Holy Spirit act. It is a moment of discernment because of the testimonies of the assembled recognizing the actions of the Holy Spirit that a decision is now made. Pope Francis is deeply convinced that synodality is what God is calling the church to embrace at this time, that the church is essentially synodal. Everything we hear and read from the Holy Father must be understood in terms of synodality.

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  An Intra-Faith Discussion: Rites and Cultures in the Catholic Churches of San Antonio

  St. Mary's University

  Religions in Service of Fraternity on Our World

  3 p.m. | An Intra-Faith Discussion: Rites and Cultures in the Catholic Churches of San Antonio

  “And Who Is My Neighbor?” How Are We To Best Serve and Care for Our Parishioners and Neighbors Considering the Current Social, Political and Economically Challenging Times?

  The Very Rev. Kevin Fausz, CM, VU Pastor, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

  The Rev. George C. George Pastor, St. Thomas Syro Malabar Church

  The Rev. Charles Khachan Pastor, St. George Maronite Church

  The Rev. John Mefrige Pastor, Three Hierarchs Melkite and Byzantine Catholic Mission

  The Rev. Luong Uong, C.Ss.R Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church

  Moderated by Deacon Albert Sanchez Director of University Ministry, St. Mary’s University

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  Family Spirit and Hospitality at St. Mary's University, Student Perspective

  St. Mary's University

  Religions in Service of Fraternity on Our World

  10:20 a.m. | Family Spirit and Hospitality at St. Mary’s University, Student Perspective

  Elisa Aguilera St. Mary’s University Class of 2024

  Pragyan KC St. Mary’s University Class of 2022

  Sarah Uhlig (B.A. `21)

  St. Mary’s University is known for its welcoming spirit reflective of the Marianist Educational Characteristic of Family Spirit and welcoming all as part of its Catholic mission and identity. Students from various religious backgrounds will share their experiences and opportunities for engagement with others during this session.

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  Maianist Global Missions Part 2 - Marianist Mission: Making a Difference One Student at a Time

  St. Mary's University

  Communities in Action

  2 p.m. | Marianist Global Missions Part 2

  Marianist Mission: Making a Difference One Student at a Time

  Brother Alex Tuss, S.M.

  Linda Hayes Director of the Marianist Mission, Marianist Province of the United States

  Moderated by Jessica Gonzalez Uhlig, Ed.D.Associate Provost for Academic Administration and Mission Integration, St. Mary’s University

  The Marianists, through Partnering with the Poor programs, have been serving the poorest of the poor in India and Eastern Africa for decades. Through education, job training and empowerment programs, they help people lift themselves out of desperate poverty and into lives of hope. They serve more than 12,000 people, primarily children and women, each year.

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  Marianist Global Missions Part 1 - Africa

  St. Mary's University

  Communities in Action

  9:45 a.m. | Marianist Global Missions Part 1

  Africa

  Brother Fredrick Ayoo, S.M.

  Brother Valentine Chola Mulenga, S.M.

  Brother Erik Otiende, S.M.

  Moderated by Céline A. Jacquemin, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science, St. Mary’s University

  Marianists located in missions in Africa will discuss their work and its importance to the local communities. Projects which will be highlighted are education, parent training, special needs students, single-mom support and training.

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  Marianists and Communities of Color in the United States

  St. Mary's University

  A panel discussion: What Have We Learned and What Is the Legacy?

  Panelists will discuss and explore the Marianist role regarding social justice issues among African American and Mexican American communities.

  Panel 1: African American Marianists

  The Rev. Tony Pogorelc, P.P.S., Ph.D. Coordinator of Pastoral Formation at Assumption Seminary “Exploring the Roles of Marianists in East St. Louis Communities of Color”

  Sue Nash, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Sociology, St. Mary’s University “Recognizing Notable Voices for Racial Justice among African American Marianists”

  Janet Armitage, Ph.D. Chair of the Department of Sociology, Associate Professor of Sociology, St. Mary’s University “African American Marianists: An Introduction to Their Mid-20th Century Call for Racial Justice”

  Panel 2: Marianists and Mexican Americans

  Edgar Velázquez Reynald “Mexican American Student Activism, 1960—1969”

  Christopher Holman “Zenith of Chicano Movement at St. Mary’s, 1970—1975”

  Gerald E. Poyo, Ph.D. O’Connor Chair for the History of Hispanic Texas and the Southwest Professor of History, St. Mary’s University “Mexican American Studies: Prophet Voices and the Path Not Taken, 1966—1972”

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  The Importance of University Engagement with Community

  St. Mary's University

  Communities in Action

  3:30 p.m. | The Importance of University Engagement with Community

  Alan Haynes, J.D. Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs, Inaugural Director of Pipeline Initiatives, and Adjunct Professor of Law, St. Mary’s University School of Law

  Anabel Martinez Clinical Assistant, Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, Center for Legal and Social Justice, St. Mary’s University School of Law

  Amanda Rivas, J.D. Attorney and Director, Externship Programs, Center for Legal and Social Justice, St. Mary’s University School of Law

  Greg Zlotnick, J.D. Pro Bono Program Director, Center for Legal and Social Justice, St. Mary’s School of Law

  St. Mary’s University School of Law embodies the Catholic and Marianist ideals that have animated the University since its founding. As the only law school in San Antonio and the closest law school to the Texas-Mexico border, the School of Law takes seriously its responsibility to accompany underserved communities; to develop a culture of public service in its students and alumni; and to foster a student body engaged with its surrounding neighborhoods, region, nation and world.

  This panel will discuss the St. Mary’s School of Law’s responsibility to develop a culture of public service in its students and alumni and foster a student body engaged with its communities. Its students, and graduates, are justice-ready: tenacious, skillful, compassionate advocates, ready to create a more-just community from day one.

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  Fragility of Conversation

  Jeremy Wilkins

  Genuine conversation is based on the possibility of mutual understanding. But reaching mutual understanding requires a commitment to intelligent and careful listening. On the other hand, failures of understanding result in an increasingly absurd social situation in which the only thing that appears to get results is coercion. Resisting the seductive logic of coercion requires a hopeful embrace of the innate norms of intelligence and a willingness to accept the consequences of being misunderstood. Indeed, the kind of mutual understanding finally possible among sinners involves us, with the mystery of the cross and the theological virtue of hope.