Inside the Core: Core and Others Celebrate Dante's 700th Anniversary  

"Dante and his poem" by Domenico Michelino

Inside the Core this fall semester of 2021, we are thrilled to be co-sponsoring, with our colleagues in the Catholic Studies Program, the Center for Catholic Studies, the College of Communication and the Arts, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology University, and University Libraries, Special Collections, Walsh Gallery, the 700th anniversary of the death of the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Dante has been a part of Core I, Journey of Transformation, from the beginning. He is a shining star in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and one who speaks to us deeply and profoundly in these difficult times.

Pope Francis, Cardinal Giuseppe Betori of Florence, and the Divine Comedy

In his Apostolic Letter "Candor Lucis Aeternae" ("The Splendor of Eternal Light") on the Seventh Centenary of the Death of Dante Alighieri, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, wrote a powerful reflection on the importance of Dante, noting especially his relevance for us, living in the first quarter of the twenty-first century:

At this particular moment in history, overclouded by situations of profound inhumanity and a lack of confidence and prospects for the future, the figure of Dante, prophet of hope and witness to the human desire for happiness, can still provide us with words and examples that encourage us on our journey. Dante can help us to advance with serenity and courage on the pilgrimage of life and faith that each of us is called to make, until our hearts find true peace and true joy, until we arrive at the ultimate goal of all humanity: "The Love which moves the sun and the other stars" (Par. XXXIII, 145).

In light of this profound and meaningful purpose, as well as the Centenary of Dante's death, we offer the following events, an "embarrassment of riches," as the saying goes:

• Dante and the Good Life: Dinner and Discussion with Father Chase Pepper October 6, 2021, 6 –8:30 p.m. Walsh Library, Beck Rooms A/B Father Chase Pepper, SHU '07 (HONS, POLS, CAST), also on Zoom.
• Dante's Journey of Transformation: Scholar's Panel
  October 28, 2021, 7 –9 p.m., McNulty Hall, room 101, also on Zoom. 
  • Dr. Jennifer Newsome Martin, University of Notre Dame
  • Dr. Paul Camacho, Villanova University
  • Dr. Vittorio Montemaggi, King's College, London
• Dante Reinterpreted: Student Panel
  November 9, 2021, 5 – 6:15 p.m., Location to be determined, Seton Hall University Brownson Speech and Debate Team, College of Communication and the Arts
• Dante and the Bible, Dr. Gregory Glazov, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology,
  Seton Hall University November 11, 2021, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Walsh Library, Beck Rooms A/B, also on TEAMS
• Dante Alighieri, "Il Sommo Poeta" (‘The Supreme Poet') Dante at the Gallery: Window Exhibition
  October 6 to November 30, 2021 Seton Hall University Library Curator: Jeanne Brasile

All events will be posted as Calendar Events, and for those events on Zoom or TEAMS, as we get closer to each event, there will be an announcement with the link included, in Inside the Core (on the Core website) and on the Catholic Studies websites, as well as a general email sent out just before the events.

Pope Francis says, "The journey needs to be made in the company of another, who can support us and guide us with wisdom and prudence." Dante makes a wonderful companion for our individual and communal Journey.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education, Faith and Service