The Year of Faith at Xavier University
Education of Desire: The Gift of Ignatian Spirituality

With the support of Fr. Graham, SJ, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati asked for Xavier University to contribute to the Year of Faith. As a Jesuit, Catholic university, it is fitting for us to explore with greater depth, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The series entitled, "Education of Desire: the Gift of Ignatian Spirituality" is a year-long series that will examine the intersection between contemporary issues and the Spiritual Exercises. The Spiritual Exercises provide a pedagogy that is able to cast new light and inspire new questions surrounding contemporary moral issues.

"Deepest Desire: Seeking God in the Ignatian Tradition"
October 18, 2012, Conaton Board Room, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Before Ignatius was a saint, he was a man of great desire. This opening lecture explores the role of desire in the spiritual life grounded in the Ignatian tradition.
Presenter: Matthew Dunch, S.J.
Panelists: Dr. Waleed El-Ansary, Dr. Tom Merrill

'Is the Universe Purposeful?'
November 1, 2012, Conaton Board Room, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Why are the physical parameters of the universe tuned so finely so as to allow life to not only arise but to flourish? Recent explorations into the nature of dark matter and dark energy offer insights into the nature of the universe and open up possibilities of the existence of multiple universes, often called the multiverse, which then allow us to better understand how this fine tuning might arise. Is this evidence of purposefulness? Science can have little to say on this question but our other intellectual disciplines can lead us in a rich discussion.
Presenter: Dr. Steve Herbert
Panelists: Fr. Joseph Bracken, S.J., Dr. Timothy Quinn, Dr. Daniel Otero

'Conscience and Freedom in a Time of Planetary Crisis'
January 17, 2013, Conaton Board Room, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
This talk will explore Catholic understandings of conscience and their relevance to some of the major crises that our world faces today. Particular attention will be given to the topics of world hunger and climate change.
Presenter: Dr. John Sniegocki
Panelists: Dr. Arthur Dewey, Dr. Karen Enriquez, Dr. Kristine Suna-Koro

'Is There But One Christian Spirituality: Discernment and the University'
February 14, 2013, Conaton Board Room, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Most times in our lives we are not making choices between "good things" and "evil things" but rather between two goods. Ignatius of Loyola called this process the discernment of spirits. Dr. Thomas discusses how we come to make everyday decisions as well as larger life choices in the Ignatian framework.
Presenter: Dr. Trudelle Thomas
Panelists: Dr. Niamh O'Leary, Dr. Stephen Yandell, Dr. Mike Sweeney

'Option for the Poor?: Economics and Inequalities'
April 11, 2013, Conaton Board Room, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
How do we come to reconcile a world where profit margins and bottom-lines supersede our concern for the human person and his or her inherent dignity? Is there a way to resolve such difference, considering we know the pervasive nature of market economics? Dr. Bertaux will reflect upon market economics and a particular focus on the option for the poor.
Presenter: Dr. Nancy Bertaux
Panelists: Dr. Bob Ahuja, Mr. Dave Johnson, Dr. Indra DeSilva

'Setting the World on Fire: Faith that Inspires Action'
September 12, 2013, Conaton Board Room, 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
The fourth week of the Spiritual Exercises speaks of the love of God as a generous gift that inspires action. In the light of Spiritual Exercises, a panel representing the Xavier community will discuss faith that incites action in the life of Xavier University.
Panelists: Dr. Scott Chadwick, Dr. Steven Frankel, and Mike Petrany