Session set to explore ‘Lumen Fidei’

Popes throughout the ages have given wisdom and understanding of the Catholic faith through written encyclicals. “Humanae Vitae” is probably one of the most oft-quoted encyclicals written by Pope Paul VI in 1968.
    But how often does the average person, Catholic or not, take the time to read an encyclical or learn its value to strengthen his or her faith?
 
  Todd Amick, director of Evangelization and Eucharistic Renewal for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has arranged a panel discussion on Pope Francis’ first encyclical, “Lumen Fidei” or “The Light of Faith,” released in in July.
    Amick will explore Pope Francis’ outlook on how “faith shapes our lives” in workshops along with Father James Wehner, rector of Notre Dame Seminary and author of “The Evangelization Equation: the Who, What and How”; and Daniella Zsupan-Jerome, Ph.D., Loyola University professor of Liturgy, Catechesis and Evangelization.
    This encyclical completes a trilogy on the theological virtues of charity, hope and faith begun by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with his encyclicals “Deus Caritas Est” and “Spe Salvi.”
    Amick said Pope Francis’ first encyclical actually was written by “four” hands – the first two written by Pope Benedict and the last written by both Benedict and Francis.
    “It completes Benedict’s exploration of three theological virtures – the three ways we can come into better fellowship with God and our brothers and sisters, and it also starts Francis’ teaching role and teaches us about the continuation of the church,” Amick said. “It helps us to know what the gift of faith is and to grow in faith so we can better live the new evangelization.”
    Five identical presentations, from 7-8:30 p.m., are scheduled: Oct. 30, Schulte Hall of Notre Dame Seminary, 2901 South Carrollton Ave., New Orleans; Nov. 4, St. Joan of Arc Church. 529 West 5th St., LaPlace; Nov. 7, Loyola University Ignatius Chapel, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans; Nov. 13, Infant Jesus of Prague Center, 700 Maple Ave., Harvey; and Nov. 19, St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, Benet Hall Theatre, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict.
    Those who attend will receive a a free, CD recording of the English translation of the encyclical prepared by the Office of Evangelization and Eucharistic Renewal.
    For details, call 482-8010 or email tamick@arch-no.org.