We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive with open arms everyone, everyone who needs our charity, presence, dialogue and love. —Pope Leo XIV
On June 3, The Catholic University of America sponsored its first Cardinals for Christ event, the Pilgrims of Hope conference and luncheon. Cardinals for Christ is a new affinity group for clergy, religious, and consecrated alumni. Members of this group can look forward to curated news, exclusive events, and other opportunities to strengthen their vocations alongside other Catholic University graduates. Rector Bud Stevens and a number of TC alumni were in attendance at the conference and the Cardinals for Christ Alumni Dinner that followed. Father Stevens had the honor of giving the Closing Benediction at the dinner, on the very day of his 25th anniversary of ordination!
The conference, which hosted 80 attendees, was offered by Catholic University’s Office of Diocesan Engagement to commemorate the Jubilee Year of Hope with fellow priests, deacons, and religious. During this time of transition and renewed hope in Christ and in his Church, the concurrence of this event with the election of Pope Leo XIV was a timely reminder of the critical role all of our ministers of the Gospel play in today’s “missionary Church.” The theological virtue of hope was explored through historical, spiritual, and pastoral lenses, for a communal experience of renewal of the timeless message at the heart of the Gospel: spes non confundit. The social component was also an important aspect of the gathering, as Fr. Evan Ponton (B ’12, Baltimore, pictured above to the left of Fr. Bud) commented, “It was a mini-homecoming for me to connect with classmates and professors who remind me why I love being a priest and cherish my time at Catholic University and Theological College. I look forward to returning for TC’s Alumni Day in October.”
The June 3 keynote talks and panel discussion can be accessed here:
- “Hope in a Time of Strife: Moments from the History of the Church” | Robin Darling Young
- “Combatting the Enemies of Hope” | Sister Anna Wray, O.P.
- “What Do We Owe Each Other? Inter-generational Fraternity in the Presbyterate” | Panel Discussion
To get involved with Cardinals for Christ, sign up here.
To participate in the Theological College mission of forming priests after the heart of Jesus Christ, please consider giving to the Viéban Fund today!
