Founders Week Continues with Lecture, Luncheon and Other Events

Founders Week 2013 continues with a special presentation by Dr. Miguel H. Diaz, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 30, in the Power Center ballroom.

Dr. Miguel H. Diaz

Diaz, a prominent Catholic theologian and Professor of Faith and Culture at the University of Dayton, will address Pacem in Terris: Exploring the Interpersonal Ordering of God’s Household, Questioning the World’s Disorder and Building Bridges for the Sake of the Common Good. His presentation will focus on Pacem in Terris, an encyclical written 50 years ago by Pope John XXIII to promote peace in truth, justice, charity and liberty. According to Diaz, Pacem in Terris broke new ground in addressing all men and women of good will, not just those within the Catholic faith. It called upon them to defend basic human rights and to assume their human responsibilities in the promotion of peace.

“We fear others and their otherness,” said Diaz, who argues that accepting others and their distinct differences is one of today’s largest challenges. “As Christians in the world, we need to draw inspiration from our basic faith principles, but we need to translate these principles into meaningful words and actions that foster the common good.”  Diaz underscored that “Bridges must replace human walls and trust must substitute for fear.”

Founders Week concludes tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 31, with the following events:

  • Buffet lunch and presentation: Perspectives on Catholic Peacebuilding Since Pacem in Terris, featuring the Rev. Brian Starken, C.S.Sp., former provincial superior of the Spiritan Province of Ireland, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Africa Room.
  • Vespers—Liturgy of Peace, from 4:30 to 5 p.m., Trinity Hall. A Spiritan reception will immediately follow.

For more information on Founders Week, contact the Office of Mission and Identity at 412.396.5097. Register for all Founders Week events in DORI.