The Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum will host a free webinar on May 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (EDT), exploring Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit nos and its connection to the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the lens of the saints.
This session, titled The Encyclical Dilexit nos on the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Light of the Theology of the Saints, will feature simultaneous translation in English, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible to a global audience.
This special event will feature five distinguished speakers, each focusing on the unique spiritual insights of a different saint:
- Prof. Fr. Joseph Spence – on St. Bonaventure, the medieval theologian known for his deep, mystical writings.
- Prof. Angela Tagliafico – on St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits and champion of spiritual discernment.
- Prof. Emilio Martínez Albesa – on St. John of the Cross, the mystic known for his profound reflections on the "dark night of the soul."
- Prof. Fr. Pedro Barrajón – on St. Francis de Sales, celebrated for his gentle spirituality and pastoral care.
- Prof. Fr. François-Marie Léthel – on St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose "little way" has inspired millions with its simplicity and trust in divine love.
Fr. Léthel, a veteran theologian deeply involved in the study of the saints, has been a prominent voice in the Church for decades. Appointed consultant to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints by St. John Paul II in 2004, he also served as Prelate Secretary of the Pontifical Academy of Theology under Pope Benedict XVI. In 2011, he was invited to preach the Lenten spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia, focusing on the theme of holiness.
Prof. Tagliafico highlighted the significance of this seminar, noting, “Through this webinar, we aim to highlight the deep spiritual impact of the devotion to the Sacred Heart, a devotion that has inspired countless saints and shaped the spiritual paths of entire religious communities. It is a call for all of us to live our vocation to holiness in the present, guided by the virtue of hope that flows from the Heart of Christ.”
This event is an opportunity for scholars, clergy, and laypeople alike to deepen their understanding of this central Catholic devotion, especially in this Jubilee Year, where the Church emphasizes the transformative power of divine love.
Registration is free and open to all. To secure your place, visit the registration page here.
