News & Events
Vacancy for an Assistant Professor to teach and supervise in Theology in the Catholic Tradition - Two year fixed term contract.
Join the team here at Loyola Institute in the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies in Trinity College Dublin. Click for details of the job, and candidate requirements. Closing date for applications 29th May 2024.
Theology and the University - Publication
We are delighted to announce the publication of Theology and the University with Routledge. Edited by Fainche Ryan, with colleagues from Innsbruck and Frankfurt, the book contains essays by Michael Kirwan, Cornelius Casey and Fainche Ryan, alongside essays from throughout Europe. The Preface, written by Trinity College’s Provost, Dr Linda Doyle, notes ‘I really hope this publication will inform further conversation in this space and provide fresh insights’.
An Túr Gloine - Stained Glass Walking Tours of Dublin
Saturday 27th April - Ph.D. student Stephen Huws is leading this walking tour of Stained Glass Windows of Dublin for the National Gallery to coincide with their exhibition on An Túr Gloine. This is the first of three walking tours with a further two tours taking place on June 22 and Septmber 21. For more information and to book tickets please go to the attached Link
The Book of Kells: Imagining Kells, James Harpur.
Thursday 11 April 7.30pm. JM Synge Theatre, Arts Block. In this lively illustrated talk, the poet James Harpur explores the creative possibilities of the Book of Kells, unfolding how he came to write a poem about it.
Interested in Studying Theology?
Watch the informal webinar we hosted in February about studying the MPhil in Christian Theology at Loyola Institute Trinity College Dublin. You will hear about scholarships, meet students and teaching staff Dr Fáinche Ryan and Dr Michael Kirwan. Link https://youtu.be/sTEZ0i2nq90?si=2S5JU3sdGJfGzjSR
‘How modern vendettas compare with blood vengeance in the age of King David’
Congratulations to Prof. David Shepherd, Professor in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Trinity College Dublin, who has recently published ( February 19, 2024 ) in The Conversation Newsletter - Academic rigour, journalistic flair. To read his article follow the attached link.
Interested in Studying Theology?
Join us online on Tuesday 20th February at 6pm to hear about opportunities to study Christian Theology (MPhil; PGrad Diploma; PGrad Certificate) at the Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin. You will meet teaching staff Dr Fáinche Ryan and Dr Michael Kirwan, learn about scholarship opportunities, and hear from some of our current students. There will also be the opportunity to get any questions you may have addressed. Looking forward to seeing you on the 20th! Please sign-up to the webinar: https://forms.office.com/e/XBx7w9Lqr3
‘Celtic Goddesses and Women of Power‘ - Lecture by Dr Catherine Swift
On 3rd February 2024 Dr Catherine Swift, lecturer at Mary Immaculate College Limerick, and MPhil in Christian Theology student will present a lecture entitled ‘Celtic goddesses and women of power‘. Dr Swift notes: ‘In the twenty-first century, there is considerable interest in the history of pre-Christian goddesses called Brigit and their potential influence on our understanding of the woman commemorated as the Christian St Brigit‘. In Ireland, our traditional approach has been to try and disentangle one from another through careful reading of the documentary sources. In this lecture, it is proposed to begin rather with consideration of various depictions of goddesses from those countries in north-west Europe who spoke Celtic languages in the centuries before the adoption of Christianity and to consider which attributes, if any, they share with the descriptions of Brigit found in Irish texts. The lecture can be heard either in person at 11 am at Rathcroghan Visitor Center, and it is also available via Zoom: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/brigids-awakening-festival-two-lecture-seminar-celebrating-women-tickets-801408383047
The lect
The Indefectibility of the Apostolic See: Was the Idea of a Heretical Pope Formally Excluded at the First Vatican Council?
Congratulations to Emmett O‘Regan, a doctoral student here at the Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin on the publication of his article in Theological Studies, a prestigious periodical in the world of theology. His doctoral work considers the possibilities, and dangers, of public dissent in the church; with particular focus on the possibility of a heretical pope and how best to understand ecclesial teaching on infallibility. This article is based on his doctoral work and can be read here. Emmett is a recipient of an Irish Research Council scholarship.
Soundings from the Synod
Prof Eamon Conway and Prof. Renee Kohler-Ryan from the University of Notre Dame, Australia, were both participants at the month-long Synod on Synodality. The will share something of that experiance with us and their sense of where the Synodal Process is now. Taking place on Monday 27th November, Loftus Hall, St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth. Booking via Eventbrits - click here
Pathways to Holiness: Ethics and Early Christianity
Dr James Keenan SJ; respondent: Dr M. Cathleen Kaveny on Wednesday 13 December, 6.30 pm in The Loyola Institute, ISE/Loyola Building, Trinity College Dublin. Dr James Keenan SJ is the Canisius Professor at Boston College); M. Cathleen Kaveny is the Darald and Juliet Libby Professor, Boston College. The talks are open to the public, and admission is free. Please respond to loyola@tcd.ie if you would like to attend.
LEUVEN - ENCOUNTERS IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY XIV (LEST) 60 YEARS VATICAN II: THE END OF THE WESTERN CHURCH?
Loyola Institute has been very well represented at this conference organised by Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies in Catholic University of Leuven. Both Ursula Halligan, and Emmett O’Regan presented papers on their doctoral research. Photo: Ursula Halligan, PhD student, Prof Fáinche Ryan, Prof Peter de Mey, KU Leuven, Emmett O’Regan, PhD student.
Annual Newman Lecture: Celia Deane-Drummond presents Laudato Si‘: Wisdom from Planet and People
You are invite to attend this year‘s Annual Newman Lecture Notre Dame- Newman Centre for Faith and Reason presented by Celia Deane-Drummond, Senior Research Fellow in Theology and Director of the Laudato Si‘ Research Institute at Campion Hall Oxford. For those who are unable to attend in person this even will be live streamed and to register for same follow the attached link.
POSTPONED: Book-launch and Conference:‘Ignatius in Jerusalem‘
We have postponed this conference and will reschedule at later date. To be sponsored by the Loyola Institute and by Messenger Publications, to commemorate the anniversary of St Ignatius of Loyola‘s arrival as a pilgrim in Jerusalem in September 1523
Video Recording - The Synod: An early assessment of the 2023 assembly in Rome
We are delighted to announce that the video of Pr. Massimo‘s talk is now available on the Loyola Institute YouTube page. The Synod on Synodality took place in Rome ending on 29th October 2023. The focus of this synod, ‘synodality’ referred to the way in which all members of the church participate in the church and its mission. Uniquely on this occasion Bishops are joined by ‘non-bishops’ – ordained and lay. Dr Massimo Faggioli, Villanova University, gave us some early reactions, and thoughts on this synod and its possible fruits.
Prof. Siobhán Garrigan’s new RTÉ radio show
Having presented RTÉ Radio One’s Friday night show ‘A Leap of Faith’ over the last two years, our Loyola Professor takes the helm for a new series ‘Witness, with Siobhán Garrigan’ mapping the religious, spiritual and moral landscape of Ireland, and beyond. You can listen in to the new programme on Fridays at 10pm. Follow the link to hear the first episode.
John Henry Newman‘s Irish Campaign in Ireland
A conference in 2 parts on Wednesday 25 October 5:30pm. The UCD Newman Centre for the Study of Religions and the Notre Dame-Newman Centre for Faith and Reason are pleased to host Paul Shrimpton of Magdalen College School, Oxford for an examination of John Henry Newman‘s Campaign in Ireland. Shrimpton‘s examination will take place over two nights in two locations pivotal to Newman‘s efforts to establish a Catholic University in the heart of Ireland. The talks mirror Shrimpton‘s 2 volume critical edition of significant works by Newman on the development of the Catholic University of Ireland as well as his later assessments of the overall effort. Registration require, click here.
Vice President of Association European Society of Catholic Theology (ESCT)
Congratulations to Dr Fáinche Ryan who at the recent AGM of the European Society of Catholic Theology (ESCT), held in Pécs, Hungary, was elected vice-President of the association. She will serve in this role for two years (2023-2025), and then as President for a further two years.
The Synod: An early assessment of the 2023 assembly in Rome
The Synod on Synodality is currently taking place in Rome. The focus of this synod, ‘synodality’ refers to the way in which all members of the church participate in the church and its mission. Uniquely on this occasion Bishops are joined by ‘non-bishops’ – ordained and lay. The Synod will end on 29th October 2023 and we are delighted to welcome back Dr Massimo Faggioli, Villanova University, to give us some early reactions, and thoughts on this synod and its possible fruits. This lecture will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, 2nd November in the JM Synge Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin.
EVENING COURSE - Part I: World Religions and Theological Frameworks
Michaelmas Term - Wednesdays, 7.00-8.30 pm - Venue: ISE-IL Building, Trinity College Campus, Room G16. This course examines Religion and Theology from historical and contemporary perspective and explores themes from World Religions to moral, theological, and ethical issues of our time. For programme of lectures plese see attached. Regristration/payment (€100 for 8 lectures) takes place on the evening at 6.30 pm.
Pax Christi conference: ‘Catholic Nonviolence Initiative‘- Saturday 14 October 10.30 am to 2 pm
This event is free and open to the public but requires registration via Eventbrite (link attached).Venue: The Loyola Institute, ISE-LI Building, Trinity College Campus, Dublin 2. Pax Christi Ireland and Loyola Institute, are hosting this event, a ‘ Conversation‘ to deepen Catholic understanding of and commitment to Gospel nonviolence. This ‘ conversation‘ has grown from Pax Christi International‘ s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (CNI) gathering with Vatican departments and others in Rome in 2016. Main speakers: Marie Dennis (via Zoom), Pat Gaffney, CNI, and a representative of SPIRASI (Ireland‘ s National Centre for Survivors of Torture).
CHANGE OF DATE: Book-launch and Conference:‘Ignatius in Jerusalem‘
Friday 24th November, 5.30-8.00 pm - Saturday, 25th November, 10.00-4.00 pm in the Loyola Institute, Room G16. A conference, sponsored by the Loyola Institute and by Messenger Publications, to commemorate the anniversary of St Ignatius of Loyola‘s arrival as a pilgrim in Jerusalem in September 1523. His devotion to the land where Christ lived, taught, and died is central to the Spiritual Exercises, and in the development of his vision for the Society of Jesus. The event will open with a book launch on Friday evening of Ignatius in Jerusalem (Messenger Publications), by Prof. Josef Mario Briffa SJ. Prof. Briffa is a Maltese Jesuit and lecturer at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, in Rome and Jerusalem, with a background in archaeology.
Ph.D. Student Emmett O‘Regan at European Society of Theology biannual conference
Emmett O‘Regan one of our doctoral students, presenting his work at the European Society of Theology biannual conference held recently in Pécs, Hungary. Also, in attendance at the conference were Dr Michael Kirwan and Dr Fáinche Ryan
Should you always obey your conscience?
The fruits of the colloquium held at Trinity College Dublin have now been published and are available in a special edition of the Open Access publication Religions. In addition to the papers delivered by Cornelius J. Casey, Raphael Gallagher, Patrick Hannon, Desmond Ryan, Fáinche Ryan, Biörn Tjällén, Stefania Tutino at the colloquium on ‘Decision-making in an Uncertain Time’ (June 10th, 2022), Hugh Connolly and Martin McKeever have added to the richness of the publication.
King David, Innocent Blood and Bloodguilt - Book Launch/Panel Discussion
Join us on Wednesday, September 27th, 7-8:30pm in the Trinity Long Room Hub. Free Event but booking required for attendence (Link here). While the figure of David endures in popular culture thanks to his bloody triumph over Goliath, a new study suggests that the animating impulse and primary theme of his ancient story is in fact the problem of ‘innocent blood’. Join chair Neville Cox (Law, TCD) and the author, David Shepherd (Loyola Institute, TCD) along with Ruth Karras (History, TCD), Michael Kirwan (Theology/Director of Loyola Institute, TCD) and Bridget Martin (Classics, UCD) for a discussion of this ancient interrogation of the perennial problem of violence from the perspectives of biblical studies, ethics, classics, religion/theology, and medieval history.
New Illuminations: Stained Glass in Ireland and Beyond
Join us for what promises to be a stimulating symposium that celebrates the art of stained glass. Explore the rich history of stained glass and its significance in Ireland and beyone. Conference Sold Out.
If you would like to be kept informed about upcoming events organised by Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin, please send an email to Loyola@tcd.ie with message; Please add me to your mailing list.