What is a Catholic’s Civic Duty Amid Political and Ecclesial Division?

Assumption’s Ecumenical Institute and Bayard, Inc. will host a lecture by Villanova theologian Massimo Faggioli, Ph.D., “Catholicism and Citizenship in Times of Political and Ecclesial Division,” on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 4 p.m. in the Tsotsis Family Academic Center on the Assumption campus, 500 Salisbury Street.

During his lecture, Prof. Faggioli will engage in a lively conversation that addresses the present climate of political and ecclesial division. He will also offer an analysis of key challenges— theological, institutional, political and geo-political—as well as perspectives to help Catholics vigorously embrace their American citizenship in thoughtful and faith-filled ways. The lecture is free and open to the public, but those interested in attending are encouraged to register with Bayard.

Prof. Faggioli earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Bologna in Italy and a doctorate in religious history from the University of Turin, also in Italy. His expertise focuses upon modern Church history, ecclesiology, the pontificate of Francis, Catholicism in the US and Europe. Prior to Villanova, he taught at the University of St. Thomas where he established the Institute for Catholicism and Citizenship. 

Prof. Faggioli regularly writes for prestigious and influential publications such as Commonweal, La Croix International and National Catholic Reporter. His published work includes Vatican II: The Battle for Meaning, True Reform: Liturgy and Ecclesiology in Sacrosanctum Concilium, Sorting Out Catholicism: A Brief History of the New Ecclesial Movements, Pope Francis: Tradition in Transition, A Council for the Global Church: Receiving Vatican II in History, and The Rising Laity: Ecclesial Movements since Vatican II.

Bayard, a ministry of the congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption, is an international publishing and communications group with a presence in 41 countries. Among other activities, the Group publishes the daily newspaper "La Croix" and LA CROIX international, the premier online Catholic daily. In the United States, Bayard supports the mission of the Church to communicate the Gospel message through books, periodicals, faith formation programs, as well as liturgical and devotional worship companions. Bayard’s brands include Twenty-Third Publications, Creative Communications, the Pflaum Publishing Group, Living with Christ, Catholic Digest, Living Faith, Catechist magazine, and more.