Presentation Description:
Press the pause button, and respond to the psalmist's call to "come to the quiet and still your soul" (Ps. 131) by participating in our virtual Lenten Day of Reflection, The Light of Newman in the Dark of Winter. Let theologian, Newman scholar and retreat master, Dr. Donald Graham, put you in the presence of St. John Henry whose "holiness as a confessor bore eloquent witness to the Lord during a long life devoted to the priestly ministry, and especially to preaching, teaching, and writing...in whom that tradition of gentle scholarship, deep human wisdom and profound love for the Lord has borne rich fruit, as a sign of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit deep within the heart of God's people, bringing forth abundant gifts of holiness," (Pope Benedict XVI on St. John Henry Newman).
As God led the people of Israel through the desert by the pillar of the cloud and fire (Ex. 13:20-22), this Lent let his servant, John Henry, lead you in the path of life. Whether you are a devotee of Newman or new to his thought, this day will provide the opportunity to deepen your prayer life and to connect with others on the journey. Ponder these inspiring words of St. John Henry as you prepare to join us:
"Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead thou me on
The night is dark, and I am far from home
Lead thou me on
Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see
The distant scene, one step enough for me..." St. John Henry Newman
Location: This event will be held ONLINE via Zoom.
Cost: $25 plus HST
9:30 am Welcome and Introductions
9:40 am First Conference
Break/Discussion
10:45-11:00 am Second Conference begins
Break/Discussion
12:00-12:15 Final Conference
Discussion/Q&A/wrap up
1:00 pm End
If you would like to join our mailing list, please send an email to lay.formation@staugustines.on.ca.
Please note: The recommended age of all attendees is 15 and over.
Our Presenter: Dr. Donald Graham, Assistant Professor of Systematic & Pastoral Theology
Dr. Graham and St. John Henry Newman first became acquainted during his study of British history as an undergraduate at Trent University in 1983. Since then, their friendship has blossomed!
Dr. Donald Graham is Assistant Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto ON and a former member of the Editorial Board of Newman Studies Journal (2014-18). He has studied in Canada, the USA, the UK, and holds undergraduate degrees in history and education, as well as graduate degrees in ministry and theology (BA, BEd, MA, MA, STL, PhD). Since embracing the vocation of teaching in 1986, he has taught at the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Dr. Graham’s representative publications include “The Pneumatic Christology of John Henry Newman,” Louvain Studies 28 (2003), “On Fairy-stories, Family and Love,” Communio 33 (2006), From Eastertide to Ecclesia: John Henry Newman, the Holy Spirit and the Church (Marquette, 2011), “Sympathy in the Spiritual Theology of John Henry Newman” in Newman and Life in the Spirit: Theological Reflections on Spirituality for Today (Fortress, 2014), “Newman’s view of the Church as Home – Ecclesiology & Theological Anthropology in a Pastoral Context” in St. John Henry Newman: Preserving and Promulgating His Legacy (Cambridge Scholars, 2020), “Redeemed in Time: Reflecting on the Christological resources of the Catechism of the Catholic Church” in Speaking the Truth in Love: The Catechism and the New Evangelization (Emmaus Academic, 2020), and “Ratzinger’s Reception of Newman on Conscience: Memory, History, Creation and Christ,” Communio, 47 (2020).
Donald and his wife, Michèle, have been married for 35 years. They reside in Peterborough ON where they raised their six children and now happily are welcoming the visit of grandchildren!