Collegeville Institute Greats

In this section of the website, read about notable writers, thinkers, scholars, and artists who have spent time at the Collegeville Institute.

• Remembering Two Collegeville Institute Giants

  

  The Collegeville Institute, and the Christian Church, lost two giants this past year: the Rev. Cain Hope Felder, and Paulist Fr. Thomas Francis Stransky.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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."

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• 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."

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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."

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• 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.

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• Collegeville Institute Greats: Krista Tippett

  

  Before she launched her award-winning radio show On Being, Krista Tippett "fell down Collegeville's contemplative rabbit hole."

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• Ecumenical Gift Exchange

  

  Read about the unlikely friendship and "ecumenical gift exchange" between Collegeville Institute Greats Richard Mouw, Margaret O’Gara, and Anthony Ugolnik.

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• 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.

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• 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."

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• 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.

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• 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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