International Colloquium on Brother François Rivat
The Science and Faith Institute of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) is promoting, on 30 November and 1 December, the 1st International Colloquium on Brother François Rivat: Mysticism of everyday life: a historical-theological approach (Mística do Cotidiano – uma abordagem histórico-teológica). The event is an initiative of the Laboratory of Studies of Brother François Rivat, a body dedicated to the study of the intellectual and mystical legacy of the successor of Saint Marcellin Champagnat.
During the colloquium, theologian Maria Clara Bingemer and historian Brother André Lanfrey will examine the historical-theological approach to the concept of mysticism and its relationship with the life and writings of Brother François, the first Superior General of the Institute of the Marist Brothers.
Maria Clara, who will give her lecture on the 1st of December, affirms that “the life and work of Brother François Rivat place us before what theology and spirituality studies today identify as the ‘mysticism of everyday life’. Peacefully active, he ceaselessly sought union with God in order to find his will and put it into practice. In this sense, he is in line with the life of many other great mystics in the history of Christianity. And for this very reason, he appears as a witness and an example that can stimulate the Christian life of many men and women today, in the midst of secularisation and in the heart of post-modernity”.
Programme
30 November (Tuesday)
- 9am – Conference: Dialogues of Brother François Rivat with mystical authors and Brother André Lanfrey.
- 10h30 – Communications of the Group of the Laboratory of Studies Brother François Rivat of the PUCPR.
1st December (Wednesday)
- 9am – Conference: Mysticism and the contemporary world, with Maria Clara Bingemer
- 10h30 – Round table with the Group of the Laboratory of Studies Brother François Rivat of the PUCPR
To take part in the meeting, register through this page.
The meetings will be simultaneously translated into Portuguese <> French.
Objectives of the laboratory
The Brother François Rivat Studies Laboratory of the Science and Faith Institute of the PUCPR has the following aims:
- To deepen the knowledge of the person and work of Brother François Rivat in the context of 19th century French spirituality and his involvement in Christian mysticism.
- To contribute to the Marist Institute for the perpetuation of its Historical and Spiritual Patrimony (PHEM).
- To prepare a critical bilingual edition (French-Portuguese) of the works of Brother François Rivat.
- To train qualified researchers and multipliers of the PHEM.
- Disseminate Marist pedagogy and spirituality at the University and elsewhere in the Institution.
