St. Catherine of Siena Center

The St. Catherine of Siena Center of Dominican University examines critical issues of church and society in light of faith and scholarship. The Center calls together a wide community of faith committed to deepening insight into the role of the Christian in today’s world.

2020–2021 Season

Compassion Across Distance – Caring for Our Sacred and Interconnected Community

Our world remains in a precarious and profoundly altered state as the Covid-19 pandemic continues, and as we acknowledge the vast implications of centuries of systemic injustice. St. Catherine of Siena, who lived through a pandemic in Italy during the 14th century, offers important insights for our community and invites us to read the signs of the time attuned to our faith. Catherine’s love of truth, coupled with her conviction to call out injustice, shaped a theological vision that we still strive to embody today. This season, join us in a virtual conversation, to explore global solidarity, compassion for our wounded world, and how we might learn from this mysterious moment. Our lineup of esteemed authors and scholars will illuminate a more just and humane path and help activate us to work toward a more equitable and anti-racist society moving forward.

This season is made possible by generous support from the Helen Brach Foundation. Our season is dedicated to Dr. Peggy Sullivan (1929-2020). A longtime friend and patron of the Siena Center, Peggy was a regular attendee and participant at Siena events. She was one of the first individual major supporters whose gifts enabled the Center to attract renowned speakers. Her vision thoroughly animates our work and her presence will be missed as we begin our seventeenth year of programming.