Coram Deo Et Coram Mundo: Catholic Studies Silver Jubilee at Seton Hall University
摘要
Ines Angeli Murzaku, PhD, who dedicates her chapter to the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Studies Program at Seton Hall University, Coram Deo et Coram Mundo: Catholic Studies Silver Jubilee at Seton Hall University, explores Catholic studies’ profound impact on Catholic higher education in the United States through a dual perspective: Coram Deo (facing God) and Coram Mundo (facing the world). The chapter delves into the Program’s inception and theological foundations, discussing how Catholic studies serve as a pedagogical embodiment of living in the presence of God, influenced by classical and theological perspectives, including Dante’s portrayal of divine reality in The Divine Comedy. This foundational outlook emphasizes the program’s commitment to educating students in a manner that integrates faith and academic discipline, promoting a life lived sub specie aeternitatis (under the aspect of eternity). The discussion then transitions to Coram Mundo, drawing from the educational philosophy of Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., which emphasizes the integration of Catholic education into the global context, urging solidarity and engagement with the real world. This approach is vital for developing a comprehensive educational framework that not only confronts secular challenges but also enriches the academic and spiritual life of students. The chapter outlines the historical development and pedagogical strategies of the Catholic Studies Program at Seton Hall University, reflecting on its significant growth and the challenges it has faced. It discusses the program’s role in fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue across various academic disciplines, enhancing the University’s Catholic mission to educate students holistically. This is achieved by aligning the Program’s goals with Vatican II’s vision for education, as well as implementing innovative curricular developments that reflect a commitment to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The chapter celebrates the Catholic Studies Program’s achievements and its pivotal role in shaping the academic and spiritual landscape at Seton Hall University, suggesting paths forward for its continued evolution and influence within the broader context of Catholic higher education.