Beattie Next William H. Shannon Lecturer, October 22 & 23

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Tina Beattie, William H. Shannon Lecturer

ROCHESTER, NY (09/30/2015)(readMedia)-- Researcher and Catholic studies contributor Tina Beattie will present Mothering and Mercy: A Theological Reflection on Marian Art and Pope Francis's Theology on Thursday, October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in Linehan Chapel of the Golisano Academic Center at Nazareth College. Beattie will also present Bringing Women's Gifts to the Table on Friday, October 23rd at 1:30 p.m. in Linehan Chapel. Both lectures are free and open to the public. Nazareth College is located at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, N.Y., 14618. For further information, please contact Christine M. Bochen at (585) 389-2728 or at cbochen4@naz.edu.

Beattie is a professor of Catholic studies and director of the Digby Stuart Research Centre for Religion, Society, and Human Flourishing at the University of Roehampton in London. Her research interests are wide-ranging, but the theological significance of gender is central in her past and present research. She has written on a host of topics including Marian theology and devotion; theology, art, and mysticism; theology and gender theory; embodiment and sacramentality. Beattie's recent work includes: "The Theological Study of Gender" in The Oxford Handbook of the Study of Theology, Sexuality and Gender (2014); Theology after Postmodernity: Divining the Void-A Lacanian Reading of Thomas Aquinas (2013); and The New Atheists: The Twilight of Reason and the War on Religion (2007).

Her current research focuses on issues of development, religion, and maternal well-being, as well as her continuing interest in the power of visual images to communicate theological ideas. A frequent contributor to BBC Radio 4, as well as to a number of other television and radio networks, she writes for the weekly Catholic journal, The Tablet, and The Guardian online. Beattie works widely with parish groups, chaplaincies, and religious and lay communities, and she has been involved in interfaith dialogue for many years.

The Shannon Lecture Series honors William H. Shannon, former professor of religious at Nazareth College. Father Shannon advanced the educational mission of Nazareth College and contributed significantly to Catholic intellectual life, both nationally and internationally.

The 2015-16 William H. Shannon Lecture Series aims to capture the true definition of 'mercy;' inspired by the words, actions and writings of Pope Francis, who fittingly has proclaimed a year-long jubilee of Mercy to begin in December 2015. These speakers will reflect on the context of this term in their work and daily lives. Our lecturers do not shy away from difficult questions and issues; rather, they confront the problems and challenges before us with integrity, courage, and mercy, inviting us to do the same.