Welcome to Theology at Marquette, the newsletter of the Theology Department
On September 07, Pope Leo XIV presided over the Mass of Canonization of two new Catholic saints – two young men dedicated their lives to loving God and the neighbor in very different ways. They responded to God’s call in the midst of their time. Pier Giorgo Frassati (1901–1925) died at the age of 25 from polio. During his short life, Saint Pier Giorgo was a fervent Catholic whose faith led him into political activism and a generous commitment to the poor. Leo XIV presented his life as a “beacon for lay spirituality.” Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) used the technology of his time to spread the word of God. Even after being diagnosed with leukemia and enduring aggressive treatment, Saint Carlo found strength and motivation to live the Gospel as good news to be shared, creating a multilingual website and using social media to spread its Gospel message.
Often, when one thinks of theology, the image that comes to mind is something old: a senior scholar surrounded by medieval books in a dusty library. Its theoretical depth and association with classical theologians such as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas can reinforce this limited view. Similarly, sainthood may be seen as something distant, reserved for extraordinary people whose lives show heroic fidelity to the Gospel, and, of course, who are associated with miracles.
Saints Pier Giorgo and Carlo challenge us to expand narrow views of both theology and sainthood. They were young believers whose faith in Jesus led them to engage with the world and proclaim the Gospel. Though not professional theologians, they offer a youthful, modern, creative, and dynamic face to inspire young theologians today. They also show that sainthood is remote but lived out in daily life, in the midst of personal and social challenges we all face. Pier Giorgo and Carlo are saints who connect with college students almost as peers. Their passion and creativity in spreading the good news provide fresh inspiration for studying theology in creative ways, and for living the teaching of Jesus on a twenty-first-century college campus.
As the spring semester gets underway, we’re thrilled to see the Marquette campus buzzing with new and returning students and to celebrate the vibrant energy of our theological community, now enriched with fresh faces across both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Faculty Publication
The MU Theology faculty continues to shine with remarkable academic contributions. This month, we spotlight Who Will You Become? An Ignatian Introduction to Catholic Theology by Dr. Conor Kelly and Fr. Ryan Duns, SJ. Written from their rich teaching experience, the book invites students to see theology not just as a study, but as a journey of discernment and discovery.
In the interview below, the authors share how the project took shape, why Ignatian spirituality offers such a powerful lens for Catholic theology, and what they hope students will take away from engaging their text. Their reflections highlight the heart of Jesuit education: finding God in all things and asking life’s most important question—Who will you become?
[Click here for the full interview.]
How did the idea for this book originate?
Dr. Kelly: When we first taught the Team-Taught THEO 1001 course together in 2019–2020, we wanted to emphasize the distinctiveness of theology at a Jesuit university and thus built a class that followed the themes of St. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises… We found at the end of that first year, however, that we needed a clearer ‘thread’… Our discussions brought us back to discernment… Fr. Duns suggested we write a book to pull the elements of the course together.
Fr. Duns: From the beginning, we wanted a text that was both theologically rigorous and accessible, one that spoke to students’ real lives. Our different perspectives… helped keep the book grounded in lived experience.
From an Ignatian perspective, what is Catholic theology?
Fr. Duns: Ignatian spirituality emphasizes finding God in all things and practicing discernment in daily life. Catholic theology, from this perspective, is not just abstract study but an invitation into a living conversation about faith.
Dr. Kelly: There is not a unique Ignatian theology… He did, however, have distinct emphases shaped by his own experience… For us, this begins with discernment, because St. Ignatius made the prayerful reflection on God’s working in our lives the heart of his work in theology.
What do you hope students will gain from it?
Dr. Kelly: First, I hope it serves as an invitation to slow down and reflect… Second, I hope the book as a whole helps students put their own deepest values to the test so they can live their lives to the fullest.
Fr. Duns: We hope students discover that Catholic theology is not only an academic discipline but also a resource for reflection on their own lives. The book aims to open doors rather than close them—through real-life stories, accessible explanations, and Ignatian-inspired exercises.
Theology Faculty and Students at Peace Events in Japan
Marquette joined a powerful pilgrimage of Catholic universities and four U.S. bishops to Japan, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Representing Marquette were Theology Department professors John Thiede, S.J., and Alexandre Martins; theology major Jane Oberlies and theology minor William deGuzman; Center for Peacemaking Director Pat Kennelly; Center co-founder Terry Rynne; and student Brennan Wills.
As pilgrims for hope, they stood on the ground where, eighty years ago, the United States dropped two atomic bombs that claimed countless lives and set off a nuclear arms race. The delegation met with hibakusha—survivors of the bombings—who shared stories of unimaginable suffering and their tireless commitment to peace and nonviolence.
This journey reflects Marquette’s mission to walk with others in faith, justice, and reconciliation.
[See also the reflection on this experience written by Dr. Martins: Peace: A Project from the Fragility]
Study Abroad Opportunities
Theology Faculty, Dr. Irfan Omar, in partnership with the Center for Peacemaking, is offering two opportunities for Marquette students to have an international experience while learning about theology and peacemaking.
· Faith and the Role of Nonviolence: Religious Peace-Building in India – from 12/20/2025 to 01/15/2026 – Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
· Religious and Peacebuilding in Kenya & Rwanda: from 05/16 to 30/2026 – Application Deadline: March 1, 2026.
For more Information, contact Dr. Omar at Irfan.omar@marquette.edu
Theology Major/Minor and Our Community
If you are a Marquette student who is currently enrolled in or has completed THEO 1001, and you haven’t yet joined our theological community, we invite you to connect with us! Whether you love theology and are considering a major or minor, or are simply curious, our community is open to you. Join us at an upcoming gathering to engage with our faculty and students in a welcoming setting.
A great way to start is by having coffee, tea, or even just water with our Director of Undergraduate Studies – just send him an email to set up a time.
If you’re thinking about deepening your study in theology, our major and minor programs are both flexible and enriching. We believe they make excellent complementary programs alongside any primary major, and we’d love to share the many reasons why! Email our Director of Undergraduate Studies and learn more about how a theology major or a minor can fit into your academic journey at Marquette.
Check it out: Theology class for Spring 2026
THEO 2100 - New Testament Overview
THEO 2200 - The Bible Through the Ages
THEO 2200H - Honors The Bible Through the Ages
THEO 3100 - A Faith Worth Dying For? Martyrs, Saints and Theology
THEO 3100H - Honors A Faith Worth Dying For? Martyrs, Saints, and Theology
THEO 3230 - Theology in the Writings of C. S. Lewis
THEO 3230H - Honors Theology in the Writings of C.S. Lewis
THEO 3280 - The Life and Teachings of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
THEO 3290 - Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
THEO 3330 - Theology, Philosophy and Science
THEO 3340 - Art and the Theological Imagination (Les Aspin, at DC)
THEO 3375 - Pivotal Texts and Thinkers
THEO 3410 - Virtues and Vices
THEO 3420 - Race and Theology
THEO 3600 - Theology Engaging Culture (Les Aspin, at DC)
THEO 3986 - Internship in Theology
THEO 4020 - The Bible in the Jewish Community
THEO 4300 - The Question of God in a Secular Age
THEO 4300H - Honors The Question of God in a Secular Age
THEO 4440 - Foundations of Ecological Ethics
THEO 4997 - Capstone Seminar
New Minor: Ignatian Leadership and Discernment
The Theology Department is happy to announce this new opportunity to our Marquette Students: Ignatian Leadership and Discernment minor is designed for students who aspire to be a person of integrity, and adaptability, with a deep sense of mission. Join the Minor and spite to:
1. Lead with courage
2. Inspire change
3. Serve for the greater glory of Good
Email Ryan Duns, S.J. to learn more. ryan.duns@marquette.edu
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Alexandre A. Martins
alexandre.martins@marquette.edu