What's Happening

October 2, 2017, Adrian, Michigan – Are you intrigued about the faith traditions of people throughout the world? An educational series offered at Weber Center, Introduction to World Religions, provides insights on the deities, historical development, sacred writings, beliefs, practices, rituals, and value systems of three world religions. The series will be presented from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays by Sister Susan Van Baalen, OP.

The schedule for the Introduction to World Religions series is as follows: Confucianism/Judaism, October 18; Judaism/Islam, October 25; Islam, November 1.

Sister Susan developed her interest in world religions through her efforts to create and implement policies and procedures to accommodate the religious beliefs of more than 10,000 prisoners in the United States. She holds graduate theology degrees from the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

In these sessions, Sister Susan will make use of presentations, discussion, and an occasional supplemental video to offer an in-depth view of these world religions. Christianity will not be addressed specifically, under the assumption that most people in this area of the United States already have some understanding of this faith tradition.

The cost per session is $25, including lunch. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Registration can be taken over the phone at 517-266-4000 or online.

October 2, 2017, Miami Shores, Florida – In an unprecedented move, Barry University chartered a private plane to evacuate 72 students, faculty, staff, and family members from its Physician Assistant Program on the St. Croix Island. 

The evacuees – which included a few family pets – landed in Miami on the evening of September 18 in advance of Hurricane Maria. Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, President of Barry University, and other administrators greeted the group on their arrival and put them up on Barry’s main campus in Miami Shores. Barry administrators made the decision, coordinated logistics, and received the students on campus in less than 24 hours. For details, read this article in The Miami Herald by Monique O. Madan.

Feature photo: Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, President of Barry University, greets 72 Hurricane Maria evacuees from the University’s Physician Assistant Program on St. Croix.