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Natural mysticism by Thomas Merton

MSC Ongoing Formation Commission

Thomas Merton expert Kick Bras wrote a book about the natural mysticism of Merton. How has that changed his own view on climate, sustainability and nature? In the notebooks of the famous American Trappist monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) we discover a natural mysticism and an ecological ethics. These are not only reflected in the books Merton wrote, but also in his diaries published twenty years after his death. In lyrical terms, the monk describes how he experiences nature and what it means for his contemplative life.

Festival of the Spirituality of the Heart: in Sacred Scriptures

MSC Ongoing Formation Commission

The first presentation of the Festival of the Spirituality of the Heart explores the biblical basis of the Spirituality of the Heart. These first two presentations are offered by Fr. John Peter, MSC, of the MSC Indian Union. He investigates the heart in Sacred Scriptures, then explores the operations of the heart of God, the heart of humanity and the heart of creation in Sacred Scriptures. He concludes with questions and challenges to the Spirituality of the Heart in our contemporary times.

Master in Bioethics and Training

MSC Ongoing Formation Commission

This is the novelty of the proposal of the Master in Bioethics and Training and the fruitfulness of the collaboration between our two Institutes. The decades-long experience, very rich and pioneering in Italy of the Institute of Bioethics at the Catholic University, in contact with the most burning issues of medicine and in international dialogue, meets with the contribution of the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute.

Pope reflects on state of the world

MSC Ongoing Formation Commission

Pope Francis, in an interview to the Argentine state news agency Telam, reflected on the world situation today, the conflict in Ukraine, which he said was a time to rethink the concept of a just war, the post coronavirus situation, the importance of youth, role of the United Nations, the environment and his pontificate. Telam provided an English translation that Vatican News published on July. 

Protecting Our Rights

MSC Ongoing Formation Commission

Pope Francis’ Motu proprio, establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence. The document covers not only violence and abuse against children, but also abuse of authority. This includes cases of violence against religious by clerics, as well as abuse committed against adult seminarians or novices. One way to protect people is to provide good them with training in being assertive, so that they can challenge unacceptable behaviours, or to feel confident to report them to authorities. This article discusses assertiveness and what it involves.