Maritain Theology Forum

In the Spring 2026 semester the Maritain Center, in collaboration with the ND Theology Department, launched a new lunchtime seminar series, the Maritain Theology Forum. As Fr. Nicholas Lombardo (Theology, ND), who played a leading role in bringing the series to life, described the series in an initial announcement,

Over the summer, as the result of various conversations, several theology faculty from a range of areas realized we were all interested in having more opportunities for conversation across departmental areas, and also with other departments, especially philosophy. The interest and enthusiasm was so strong and immediate that by the end of the summer, we had resolved to try and see if we could start something as early as Spring 2026. And I’m happy to say, we’ve been able to pull it off! We will have our first lunchtime seminar on Monday January 26. A key factor has been the enthusiastic support of Therese Cory, who as director of the Maritain Center has made all this possible (by offering funding, administrative assistance, meeting space, etc.).

The seminars will be modeled on the History of Philosophy Forum lunchtime seminars, only with a focus on contemporary Christian theology. Seminars will typically begin with a 30 minute presentation on a work-in-progress over lunch, followed by 30 minutes of discussion, ending promptly at 1:30. Presentations can be on any subject, from the perspective of any discipline, as long as they somehow pertain to contemporary Christian theology. As with the Wednesday HPF seminars, these Monday seminars will be for faculty, graduate students, and research fellows.

The series' first semester saw groups of 20+ students and faculty from Theology and adjacent disciplines pack out the Maritain Library on Monday afternoons. The series will continue in the 2026/2027 academic year. Be sure to subscribe to the MTF Mailing List for announcements on upcoming iterations of the series, or visit the Maritain Center's Events Page.