More than 300 people will gather on St. Ambrose University’s campus next week at a unique conference to celebrate the 10-year papacy of Pope Francis.
The three-day event, titled “Francis at 10: A Papacy of Possibilities,” will kick off on Thursday, March 16, with a Vespers service presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark.
Guests are then invited to enjoy an opening reception and dinner with a keynote address from Thomas Higgins, the event’s major sponsor, who is a 1967 graduate and member of the St. Ambrose Board of Trustees.
Registration is still open to scholars, students and community members who are interested in attending the spring 2023 papal celebration. Cost to attend the full conference in person is $75. An option to view select presentations via livestream will also be available for $50. For more information, visit sau.edu/francis10 or contact papalconference@sau.edu.
During the meal, the St. Ambrose Chamber Singers will debut an original composition by William Campbell, titled “Venite Exultemus.” His piece, inspired by Psalm 95, was commissioned by the university specifically for this event.
“I chose this particular Latin version of the text in part because it is the version according to the Ambrosian Rite in Milan, and also because it felt to me that it allowed for a more jubilant, rhythmic setting,” said Mr. Campbell, award-winning professor of music at St. Ambrose.
Friday and Saturday agendas include a wide variety of keynote presentations and concurrent breakout sessions. Topics will range from the environment and economics to social justice, world religions and inclusion. Included in the impressive lineup of featured guests is Dr. Anthony, Annett, Dr. Massimo Faggioli, Dr. Austen Ivereigh, Kerry Alys Robinson, Dr. Phyllis Zagano and Joshua McElwee.
The event will conclude with a closing mass on Saturday, March 18, hosted by the Papal Nuncio to the United States.
