In this section of the website, read about notable writers, thinkers, scholars, and artists who have spent time at the Collegeville Institute.
Collegeville Institute Greats: Roberta Bondi
Roberta Bondi is a major player in the ecumenical movement and an effective ambassador for the Collegeville Institute. Read an excerpt from her groundbreaking book Memories of God.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Joan Chittister, OSB
Joan Chittister, OSB is a major figure in religion who is closely associated with the Collegeville Institute. Read about Faith and Ferment, a groundbreaking study she led with Martin Marty in 1981.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Thomas F. Stransky, CSP
Fr. Thomas F. Stransky, CSP, brought the first-person method to the Collegeville Institute. Read an excerpt about his experience as a fresh-eyed, 30-year-old priest in the lead-up to Vatican II.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Robert S. Bilheimer
It is not hyperbole to say that the Collegeville Institute would not be what it is today without the work and leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert S. Bilheimer.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Henri J. M. Nouwen
In a rare speech from 1976, spiritual writer and former Resident Scholar Henri J. M. Nouwen asks: "Is compassion a real human possibility?" and "How is compassion disciplined?" — questions increasingly relevant for Christians today.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Bernard McGinn
Bernard McGinn is one is of the greatest living authorities on mysticism today. Don't miss his thoughts on Meister Eckhart and "living without a why."
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Fr. Kilian McDonnell, Part Two
Fr. Kilian McDonnell spoke on the Protestant Reformation anniversary 50 years ago. The resulting article's headline was "Catholic Priest Praises Luther."
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Fr. Kilian McDonnell, Part One
Fr. Kilian McDonnell, OSB, is a renowned ecumenist and founder of the Collegeville Institute. Don't miss this tribute to McDonnell by Patrick Henry.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Catherine Mowry LaCugna
Catherine Mowry LaCugna was a brilliant theologian who wrote about the doctrine of the trinity. Read a speech she gave in 1996 on knowing an unknowable God.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Parker J. Palmer, Part Two
In part two of this interview, Parker J. Palmer speaks about healing the heart of democracy, the importance of stories, and why Americans need "soul work."
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Parker J. Palmer, Part One
In this interview from 2010, former Resident Scholar Parker J. Palmer speaks about the politics of the brokenhearted — a topic increasingly relevant today.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Krista Tippett
Before she launched her award-winning radio show On Being, Krista Tippett "fell down Collegeville's contemplative rabbit hole."
Read more »Ecumenical Gift Exchange
Read about the unlikely friendship and "ecumenical gift exchange" between Collegeville Institute Greats Richard Mouw, Margaret O’Gara, and Anthony Ugolnik.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Kathleen Norris
To mark our 50th Anniversary, we are celebrating significant figures in our history. Read Kathleen Norris' speech on her experience as a Resident Scholar at the Collegeville Institute.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Cynthia Wedel
To mark our 50th Anniversary, we are celebrating significant figures in our history. Read Cynthia Wedel's reflections on the "Collegeville approach."
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: James “Jim” P. Shannon
To celebrate our 50th, we are looking back at significant figures in our history. Read Jim Shannon's speech "A Dozen Years of Grace" about his experience at the Collegeville Institute.
Read more »Collegeville Institute Greats: Bob Piper’s “Last Speech”
To celebrate our 50th, we are looking back at significant figures in our history. Read Bob Piper's moving "Last Speech" about his experience of God's grace.
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