Events
Quest for Beauty Film
September 25, 6:00 pm, Kennedy Auditorium
Quest for Beauty is a film documentary on the life and prolific art career of William Schickel who was a prominent 20th century Catholic artist. Schickel had a very prolific art career spanning sixty-plus years; he produced a large body of mostly commissioned work in painting, sculpture, stained glass, and architectural design. He is most well-known for his renovation of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where he worked personally with Thomas Merton. His works can be found in numerous private collections and museums, including the Vatican Museum. The film explores his Quest for Beauty and the challenges he faced, and his vision for the Church and his heart for unity in the Body of Christ.
William Schickel designed the renovation of Bellarmine Chapel at Xavier University in 1999. He received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2005.
Vatican II at 60 Lecture Series
"From Enemies to Siblings: The Transformation of Jewish-Catholic Relations"
Nostra aetate, Vatican II‘s Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, initiated a transformation in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people. This talk will describe key moments in that development as expressed in the teaching, prayer, and art of the past 60 years.
Monday, September 29th at 7:00 PM Bellarmine Chapel (Xavier University)
This event is free and open to public. Live streaming available.
Free parking available at the lots indicated in orange on this map.
Presented by William Madges, PhD
William Madges is professor emeritus and former Chair of Xavier University’s Theology Department. Together with James Buchanan and Abie Ingber, he created the multimedia exhibit A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People, which was seen by about a million people in the U.S. and at the Vatican Museum (2005-2015).
Sponsors: Institute of Spirituality & Social Justice (Xavier University), Brueggeman Center (Xavier University), Bellarmine Chapel, St. Xavier Church
The Brueggeman Salon Series
Faith, Ethics, and the Algorithm: A Jesuit Conversation on AI
In the Jesuit tradition of deep dialogue and discernment, we’ll explore how AI is already reshaping research, pedagogy, ethics, and our stewardship often common good — while also asking: What must the Academy do to guide Its development responsibly?
This session is an intimate salon-style conversation with Dr. Cyrus P. Olsen III (Harvard Medical School / University of Scranton) on the future of Artificial Intelligence in higher education. Hosted by Dr. John O’Keefe, Director of the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue, this discussion will probe the promises and perils of AI as we navigate what many call Industrial Revolution 5.0.
Since space is limited, participation in the salons is by invitation. If you are interested in attending this salon, please email the Brueggeman Center director to request an invitation.”
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The Edward B. Bruggeman Center for Dialogue
Food and beverages will be served.
Vatican II at 60 Lecture Series
"The Right to Religious Freedom and the Dignity of the Human Person"
Dignitatis Humanae, the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom, presents a distinctive and innovative understanding of religious liberty. This presentation will discuss some of the central themes of the document and examine their reception in the U.S. context in the ensuing six decades following the meeting of the Council.
Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 PM Bellarmine Chapel (Xavier University)
This event is free and open to public. Live streaming available.
Free parking available at the lots indicated in orange on this map.
Presented by James Helmer, PhD
James E. Helmer is associate professor of Christian ethics at Xavier University. Trained in philosophy and theology, he specializes in legal and political theory and in issues at the intersections of religion, bioethics, and the law.
Sponsors: Institute of Spirituality & Social Justice (Xavier University), Brueggeman Center (Xavier University), Bellarmine Chapel, St. Xavier Church
Vatican II at 60 Lecture Series
"The Catholic Church and Other Religions: Interfaith Dialogue at 60"
Panel discussion concerning the impact of Vatican II on interreligious dialogue.
Members of the panel include:
Aruni Marapane - Buddhist Chaplain, Meditation Teacher, Interfaith Leader & Memory Artist in Cincinnati, OH
Ruben L. F. Habito - Professor of World Religions and Spirituality and Director of Spiritual Formation Emeritus at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas
Dr. Samina Sohail - Vice Chair of the Board for the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
Dr. Gary P. Zola - Executive Director Emeritus The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives & The Edward M. Ackerman Family, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the American Jewish Experience and Reform Jewish History at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
Moderator - John O’Keefe, Ph.D. - Director of the Brueggeman Center for
Dialogue
Thursday, October 30th at 7:00 PM Bellarmine Chapel (Xavier University)
This event is free and open to public. Live streaming available.
Free parking available at the lots indicated in orange on this map.
Sponsors: Institute of Spirituality & Social Justice (Xavier University), Brueggeman Center (Xavier University), Bellarmine Chapel, St. Xavier Church
Vatican II at 60 Lecture Series
"The Best of Catholicism: What Vatican II Offers Us Today"
As the Catholic Church around the world continues along the synodal journey, we recall the ongoing
relevance of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). The council continues to offer large themes of lasting
value, pointing toward the very best of the Catholic faith. This presentation will reflect on some of these
themes, what they have meant in the life of the church, and what they might mean into the future.
Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 PM Bellarmine Chapel (Xavier University)
This event is free and open to public. Live streaming available.
Free parking available at the lots indicated in orange on this map.
Presented by Edward P. Hahnenberg, PhD
Edward Hahnenberg is the Breen Chair in Catholic Theology and Chair of the Department of Theology and
Religious Studies at John Carroll University (Cleveland, OH). His research explores 20 century Catholic theology, with particular attention to developments in the understanding of church and ministry, the Second Vatican Council, theology of vocation and discernment, and lay ecclesial ministry.
Sponsors: Institute of Spirituality & Social Justice (Xavier University), Brueggeman Center (Xavier University), Bellarmine Chapel, St. Xavier Church