NEW YORK — Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, a noted Franciscan history scholar, gave two talks recently, focusing on the significance of theology and the place Franciscan values hold in contemporary life.
Dominic’s Oct. 1 lecture at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany N.Y., was titled “What Does Theology Have to Do with Anything? The Queen of the Sciences in Liberal Education.” Dominic offered this program in the university chapel as part of SBU’s Francis Week events. He addressed the history of theology, dating from Bonaventure’s 13th century.
“As an important facet of reality, religion deserves attention in higher education,” Dominic told his audience. A photo and report about his lecture, part of the Father Jerome Kelly Memorial Lecture Series, were published in the Oct. 3 issue of the Olean Times Herald.
After the lecture, Dominic, a former interim SBU president, signed copies of his book Francis and His Brothers: A Popular History of the Franciscan Friars. An excerpt from his book, published by St. Anthony Messenger Press, appears in the October 2009 issue of NC Catholics, the magazine of the Catholic Church in eastern North Carolina
On Oct. 4, Dominic preached the homily at the principal Mass on the feast of St. Francis at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York, celebrated by Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM. A photo of Dominic giving the homily in the historic church, along with a first-person article titled “Challenge to Live a Meaningful Life as Relevant as Ever for Franciscan Friars,” appeared in the Oct. 8 issue of Catholic New York.
Over the past six months, several religious and secular newspapers on the East Coast have published Dominic’s opinion piece.
Dominic, a noted Franciscan scholar, is often asked to speak about Franciscan life and history. Since his book came out earlier this year, Dominic has been especially busy, but says he appreciates the opportunity to meet people during book-signings and discuss St. Francis.
Next week, he will speak at the Franciscan Mission Service in Washignton, D.C.