Past Bernardin Lectures

The Fifith Annual Bernardin Lecture: “Lives in Limbo: Accompanying Migrants at the U.S./Mexico Border”

On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, students, faculty, and friends of Georgetown gathered in Riggs Library to hear this year’s Bernardin lecture, delivered by Joanna Foote Williams (F’13). Ms. Williams is the Director of Education and Advocacy for the Kino Border Initiative, a program which includes the development and delivery of curricula that is attentive to both the Catholic social tradition and the contemporary realities of border and migration policies. In addition, the Kino Border Initiative teaches curricula regarding the development and realization of advocacy policy and plans. Learn more about Joanna Foote Willams and her work.

The Fourth Annual Bernardin Lecture: “Laudato Si and the Courageous Call to Leadership: Climate Action at Jesuit Universities”

Dr. Nancy Tuchman, the founding Dean of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability at the Loyola University Chicago, addressed the attendees of the Fourth Annual Bernardin Lecture on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in Riggs Library. President DeGioia gave opened the event with a few remarks before introducing Dr. Tuchman. Dr. Tuchman spoke about how Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si” is a call for many to take action in regards to leadership and climate activism. She highlighted the unique role of Jesuit Universities in pushing for recognition of climate issues and the steps Loyola University Chicago has taken to achieve these goals. Learn more about Dr. Nancy Tuchman and her work.

The Third Annual Bernardin Lecture: “Come to Believe: How Jesuit Education is Being Reinvented at Arrupe College”

The Francis Project was proud to be host Rev. Steve Katsouros, S.J. on Wednesday March 15, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Room of the Healy Family Student Center. Fr. Katsouros is a member of the United States Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus. He began his assignment as founding dean and executive director of Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago in September 2014. The evening’s event began with opening remarks given by President DeGioia, who introduced Fr. Katsouros. Fr. Katsouros’ talk explored the state of higher education in the United States and the model that Arrupe College provides for other Jesuit institutions of higher education. A question and answer session followed the talk, along with an opportunity to meet and greet with Fr. Katsouros. Hors d’oeuvres and dessert were catered by Georgetown Catering. Learn more about Fr. Katsouros and his work at Arrupe College.

THE SECOND ANNUAL BERNARDIN LECTURE: “DEAD MAN WALKING: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES”

In an extremely successful collaboration with Georgetown University Right to Life, The Francis Project hosted Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. on Saturday April 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in Copley Formal Lounge. Sister Helen is an internationally known opponent of the death penalty. She is the author of the book “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States,” which was adapted into a major motion picture in 1995. The afternoon’s event gave the Georgetown community the privilege to hear Sister Helen’s firsthand account of her experiences with the death penalty and her ministry against it, including how she plans to continue on that journey. A question and answer session followed the talk, along with an opportunity for book-signing and meet and greet with Sister Helen. Dessert was catered by Dog Tag Bakery. Learn more about Sister Helen and her work. 

The First Annual Bernardin Lecture: “Discovering What Matters Most”

What Matters Most? That is the question The Francis Project asked of Dr. Timothy Shriver on Tuesday April 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Healy Family Student Center’s Great Room. “Discovering What Matters Most” the first Annual Bernardin Lecture, a new series by The Francis Project. The evening featured an inspiring talk by Dr. Timothy Shriver, the current chairman of the Special Olympics and author of Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most. A question and answer session followed the talk, along with the opportunity to mingle with students interested in human dignity and life work. Dessert was catered by Dog Tag Bakery. Learn more about Dr. Shriver and his work.