Providence, R.I.--The Providence College Office of Mission and Ministry will celebrate Dominican history and the "Year of the Priest" during a series of presentations scheduled throughout the fall semester. The office recently released a list of more than 50 events it will sponsor.

The Office of Mission and Ministry promotes the distinctive mission of PC as a Catholic and Dominican college. It oversees the work of the Office of the Chaplain/Campus Ministry and the Center for Catholic and Dominican Studies (CCDS).

In addition to numerous programs on Dominican themes and topics, the fall calendar of events includes two presentations related to the "Year of the Priest."

The "Year of the Priest" was declared by Pope Benedict XVI in an effort to encourage "spiritual perfection" in priests. The pope opened the special year on June 19 and will close the celebrations during a World Meeting of Priests in St. Peter's Square on June 19, 2010.

Fall semester calendar highlights include:

• Thursday, September 24: "Dominicans in Europe and the Americas: 1790-1850" will be presented in the CCDS by Rev. Thomas D. McGonigle, O.P. director of the CCDS, at 4:00 p.m.;
• Monday, September 28: "Abroad for Christ in the Company of St. Dominic: Reflections by the Father Philip A. Smith, O.P. Fellows" will be held at noon in the CCDS. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Center for International Studies, will feature presentations by Claire Pevoto '10 of Austin, Texas, and Elizabeth Weber '10 of East Longmeadow, Mass. Reservations (required) can be made by calling (401) 865-1210;
• Saturday, October 3: "Through the Eyes of St. Dominic: The Landscapes of Holiness," will be presented by Rev. Joseph J. Guido, O.P., vice president for mission and ministry, at 10:00 a.m. in the CCDS. The event will be presented as part of the Office of Institutional Advancement's St. Dominic Weekend;
• Thursday, October 22: "Year of the Priest: The Sons of Aaron: Priests and Priesthood in Ancient and Modern Judaism" will be presented in the Feinstein Academic Center (Room 400). Shaye J.D. Cohen, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University, will lead the presentation beginning at 5:00 p.m. The lecture is co-sponsored by the Department of Theology;
• Monday, October 26: "Year of the Priest: The Journey to Priesthood Today" will be held at the CCDS at noon. College Chaplain Rev. M. James Cuddy, O.P. '98 and Rev. Dominic Legge, O.P. will lead the discussion. Reservations (required) can be made by calling (401) 865-1210;
• Tuesday, November 3: "Dominicans in Africa and Asia: 1790-1850" will be presented in the CCDS at 4:00 p.m. by Father McGonigle;
• Saturday, November 7: "Through the Eyes of St. Dominic: The Landscapes of Holiness" will be presented by Father Guido at 3:00 p.m. in the CCDS as part of Freshman Family Weekend; and
• Thursday, November 19: "St. Albert the Great Lecture: Religion and Intellectuals" will be delivered by Dr. Mark W. Roche, Joyce Professor of German Language and Literature, professor of philosophy, and fellow at the Nanovic Institute for European Studies at the University of Notre Dame, at 4:00 p.m. in Aquinas Lounge. The event is part of the Hesburgh Lecture Series and is being held in conjunction with the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

For a complete list of events, go to the Office of Mission and Ministry calendar.

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