Cardinal Christoph Schönborn will celebrate Mass at noon Sunday in the Abbey church with a presentation to follow at 2:30 p.m. in the O’Malley McAllister Auditorium.
He will speak about Pope Benedict, Regensburg and the Controversy of Creation and Evolution.
The talk will feature points he’s formerly discussed in regards to evolution in his debate with the New York Times and also in his book, “Chance or Purpose? Creation, Evolution, and a Rational Faith.”
“I believe he is a first rate intellect who will give us something to think about as we consider how we should go about the renewal of faith in the United States and western civilization,” said Fr. Brendan Rolling of the BC ministry department.
Born in the little town of Skalsko (Czech Republic) in 1952, Schönborn has grown to be a leading figure in the Catholic Church. Becoming a Dominican at the age of 18 lead Schönborn to pursue a deeper education in many academic areas and even to study at notable academies such as The Catholic Institute of Paris and The Sorbonne.
Schönborn is the first ever sitting cardinal to visit Benedictine College. He is also one of the youngest sitting cardinals considered by Vatican members to be a viable candidate for the papacy.
“This is a pretty big deal,” said Dr. Mark Zia, assistant theology professor and former student at the International Theological Institute where Schönborn served as chancellor.
“His visit will only serve to enhance the already growing image and reputation of Benedictine College as one of the great Catholic colleges in America,” said Steve Johnson, Benedictine's director of marketing and communications.
Events like this are unprecedented.
“It’s an honor to have a sitting cardinal visit BC,” said Dr. Jean Rioux, Benedictine Philosophy professor.
If you’ve ever read “The Catechism of the Catholic Church,” you’ve already been exposed to his work as an editor. Schönborn served on the Vatican committee that drafted and edited the latest version of the Catechism.
“I believe his visit will be a source of renewal for the faith of many, a source of inspiration for those committed to our Catholic faith, a means of encouragement to those considering a vocation to the priesthood, brotherhood or sisterhood, and a source of credibility for those who question or seriously think about their Christianity,” Rolling said.
