Since 1983, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament has been a corporate member of Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago, the largest graduate school for theology and ministry in the USA. There are almost 300 students, 75% lay students, and the others seminarians for different religious orders. It comprises 23 male religious orders, which constitute the “union.” There are other religious orders of men (not part of the union), women, diocesan seminarians, and laity who are part of the community as well. Since its founding in 1968, it has led in theological, scripture, ecclesiological, and liturgical studies, with faculty who “write the books” for the world community and research. …The first days were devoted to Trustee meetings and talks sharing the current and new initiatives part of CTU.
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Annually, CTU celebrates a unique benefit for the school called “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” whereby we honor those who have made a significant contribution to our world through their witness of faith, showing that they are peacemakers. Trustees nominate those trying to end violence and hatred who show how to love enemies and build up our world. This year,… Mr. Bryan Stevenson was honored with the Peacemaker Award for his faith-rooted activism as Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice imitative. His initiatives have been well documented in his award-winning book, which was also turned into a movie, Just Mercy, where he helps the poor, incarcerated, and condemned, sometimes unjustly.
Photo right: Catholic Theological Union; photo left: Mr Bryan Stevenson