Dr. James McGlone, Professor of Catholic Studies and Professor Emeritus of Communications, will present a reading of Ron Hansen's "Mariette in Ecstasy" on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center at the Theater in the Round.

Mr. Hansen's novel is a story about a young girl's entrance and life in cloistered monastery in upper New York State in the year 1906. This profound recreation of the problems and spiritual power of such a life reminds the reader of Bernanos' "Diary of a Country Priest" and the motion picture "A Nun's Story".

Hansen's talent and craftsmanship creates a tactile world of heat and cold; ritual and recreation; spiritual hardship and illumination; in harmony with the Catholic theological tradition of the mystical experience within the human conflict of the world of senses.

About the Department of Catholic Studies:

Established in 2012-- the Year of Faith and the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II -- the Department of Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University, America's oldest diocesan university, fosters Seton Hall's Catholic identity and mission by exploring the relationship of Catholicism with all areas of culture and learning. Since its focus is the Church's encounter and dialogue with society or the Church in the world, Vatican II designated a special place for Catholic Studies as a discipline in academic life. As a result, Catholic Studies is a dialogue between Catholicism and culture that occurs in a special way at Catholic universities. While respecting other disciplines, Catholic Studies explores theology and philosophy in relation to culture, humankind and the world. This methodological approach opens up a place for all other disciplines; these enrich Catholic Studies and are enriched in return. Catholic Studies builds upon and develops the themes and questions addressed in the University Core Curriculum and is complementary to other disciplines. A bachelor's degree in Catholic Studies is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts degree -a major that enhances every other major.

Visit the department's website to view full descriptions of all online and in-classroom Catholic Studies (CAST) courses, which cover a variety of disciplines including history, modern Catholicism, philosophy, science, theology, social service, art, music, and literature as well as international and study abroad programs.

Contact Dr. Ines A. Murzaku, Chair of the Department of Catholic Studies, at Ines.Murzaku@shu.edu or (973) 275-5845 and build your individually customized curriculum today.

Please contact Gloria Aroneo for more information at gloria.aroneo@shu.edu or call (973)275-2808.