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Fr. Ciardi Speaks on Spirituality Through the Millenia
11/10/2010
 The University of St. Thomas will host a lecture by Rev. Fabio Ciardi, OMI, about “The Parable of the Three Commandments: Development of the Christian Spirituality through the Millennia.” The lecture will be held at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1 in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.
The event is sponsored by the UST Center for Faith and Culture, the John Paul II Forum, the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Focolare Movement.
Internationally recognized expert on Christian Spirituality, Fr. Fabio Ciardi is a professor of the theology of consecrated life at the Claretianum Institute of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he earned his doctorate. He is a consultant to the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and was recently appointed as the Director of Studies and Research of his order: the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. As a long-time affiliate of the Focolare Movement, he is part of its Interdisciplinary Study Center “Scuola Abbà.” Fr. Ciardi has published numerous books and articles, several of which focus on recent developments in spiritual life from a perspective of communion.
His lecture offers a new dimension in spiritual depth for those searching for the beauty, clarity and integrity intrinsic to going to God in unity.
John Paul II foretold that the “spirituality of communion” would be a characterizing factor in the new millennium: “Before making practical plans, we need to promote a spirituality of communion” (Novo millennio ineunte, no. 43). This prophecy offered by the Pope, following a deep and gradual study of the signs of the times, was echoed by leading theologians of our era. Why would the Holy Spirit compose this new spirituality for our day? What is its relationship with previous spiritualities? In what ways is it a continuation and yet bearer of something new?
To answer these questions, we could consider the history of spirituality. The spirituality of the first millennium of Christianity placed importance on the first commandment, and led to a deeper relation of the soul with Jesus. The spirituality of the second millennium placed greater emphasis on the second commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself” and led to the discovery of Jesus in our neighbor. What would be the commandment for the third millennium? To what new discoveries will it lead us?
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Anna Martens at 713-525-2164.
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