Clough School honors alumnus
Jean Luc Enyegue, S.J.

A native of Cameroon, Fr. Enyegue earned a S.T.L. from the Clough School in 2013. He leads the JHIA, an institute geared to preserving memory and promoting historical knowledge in connection with the Jesuit order’s involvement in the evangelization of Africa. His research is focused on the history of Christianity and Jesuit history in Africa. In addition to his role at JHIA, he is a lecturer at Hekima University in Kenya.

Fr. Enyegue will deliver the annual Harrington Lecture, “The Wisdom of Nya Modo and Afro-Globalization,” in the Corcoran Commons Heights Room beginning at 5:30 p.m. In the Ewondo language of Central Africa, a nya mdo refers to a wise person, often an elder, whose social influence fosters communal cohesion, ethical guidance, and a sense of hope. His talk will explore how nya modo can be used as a conceptual framework for interpreting African Christianity and its role within the global Church. Fr. Enyegue argues that this concept provides a compelling model for the theological reflection, positioning African Christianity as a source of hope for African communities and the world at large.

On October 1, Archbishop of Las Vegas George Leo Thomas will present “Grace Abounds in Sin City: The Astounding Growth of the Church in Las Vegas” in the Heights Room starting at 5:30 p.m. The archbishop will share elements of his pastoral blueprint—largely drawn from the vision and values of the Second Vatican Council—that has resulted in dynamic parishes, standing-room-only Masses, a highly engaged laity, and a deep sense of shared responsibility among clergy and lay leadership alike. Installed as the bishop of Las Vegas in 2018, he was named the first archbishop of Las Vegas when the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese in 2023.

Mar Muñoz-Visoso, executive director of the Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will give two presentations, one in English on Oct. 23 in the auditorium of the Theology and Ministry Library beginning at 5:30 p.m., and one in Spanish on Oct. 25 in Simboli Hall starting at 9 a.m.

Muñoz-Visoso will explore how, to be the Church Jesus wants, communities of faith must continually strive to be a faithful reflection of the Triune God they profess to believe in: a communion of love and life so strong that nothing can break it. From prayer life to actions with one another and in the world, she contends, Catholics ought to consider issues of diversity in light of the Church’s mission and identity.

The annual Ministry Renewal Day will be celebrated on November 14 with a presentation by CSTM Assistant Professor of Religious Education Phillip A. Ganir, S.J., beginning at noon in the Heights Room. Fr. Ganir’s talk will be on “Chant GPT?: Navigating AI, Sacred Music, and its Impact on Liturgical Worship.” Fr. Ganir will critically reflect on how artificial intelligence’s impact on art, music, and prayers raises questions related to understanding beauty, creativity, the arts, and liturgy.

The annual Pyne Memorial Lecture, which highlights ministries with people with disabilities, will be given by Audrey Seah, an assistant professor of religious studies and Africana Studies at the College of the Holy Cross, on November 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the TML auditorium. According to Seah, one barrier to disability inclusion is the discomfort that many non-disabled people have with disabilities. Using examples from Deaf Catholic worship, her presentation proposes that a liturgical-sacramental approach may help Christians resist objectifying gazes that stigmatize people and instead, encourage an encounter with mystery through disability as stigmata. Seah’s talk is generously supported by the Pyne Endowment Trust in memory of Professor Margaret E. Pyne, a lifelong advocate for persons with disabilities.

For more information or to register for any of these events, see the CSTM Continuing Education website.