Introducing “The Literary Catholic”: A Video Series, Parish Reading Program, and a Diocese-Wide Read of Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

The Guild of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart University, and the John Paul II Center for Evangelizing Communications are thrilled to announce the launch of “The Literary Catholic,” a groundbreaking program dedicated to exploring life-changing stories from centuries of Catholic literature. This innovative initiative aims to connect participants to God, inspire their faith, and ignite their imagination through Catholic literary works’ profound beauty and depth.

In the July 2024 Letter of the Holy Father on the Role of Literature in Formation, Pope Francis writes, “Literature teaches us patience in trying to understand others, humility in approaching complex situations, meekness in our judgment of individuals and sensitivity to our human condition…We step out of ourselves to enter into their lives, we sympathize with their struggles and desires, we see things through their eyes, and eventually, we become companions on their journey. We are caught up in the lives of the fruit seller, the prostitute, the orphaned child, the bricklayer’s wife, the old crone who still believes she will someday find her prince charming. We can do this with empathy and at times with tenderness and understanding.” “How can we fail to reflect on the words left us by the poet Paul Celan: ‘Those who truly learn to see, draw close to what is unseen.’”

“The Literary Catholic” will feature a series of moderated discussions led by esteemed experts from Sacred Heart University’s Departments of Catholic Studies and Languages and Literature. These engaging talks will delve into notable works of Catholic literature, beginning with Evelyn Waugh’s masterpiece, Brideshead Revisited. A Diocesan-wide read of Brideshead Revisited marks the inaugural discussion of the series, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of faith through literature.

Program Highlights:

Moderated Discussions: Each episode, introduced by Bishop Frank Caggiano, will feature in-depth conversations led by scholars such as Dr. Peter Sinclair, Dr. June-Ann Greeley, and Dr. Brent Little, alongside renowned moderators William Baker and Rafael Pi Roman. Videos are available on Sacredheart.edu and jesusguild.org.

Building Community: Accompanying the discussions, a “How to Get Started” guide will assist parishes in forming reading groups, fostering small groups to explore and share Catholic literature.

Diocese-wide Read: We encourage individuals and parish groups to read Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. The SHU Department of Languages and Literature has created a unique reading guide for Brideshead Revisited, which is available on jesusguild.org.

Online Resources: The program’s content will be accessible online, providing a valuable resource for parish groups, schools, and individuals throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport and beyond.

Featured Experts:

Dr. Peter Sinclair: Dr. Sinclair, Professor and Chair of Languages and Literature at Sacred Heart University, is a frequent panelist and contributor on Christianity in Literature and the Catholic influence on novelists and poets. His academic work has been published in journals such as Christianity and Literature, Religion and Literature, and Renascence. Specializing in twentieth-century British literature, particularly the Catholic influence on novelists and poets, Dr. Sinclair brings a wealth of knowledge, especially to the discussion of Brideshead Revisited.

Dr. June-Ann Greeley: With a focus on Classical languages and literature and Medieval Studies, Dr. Greeley’s scholarship includes late antique and medieval theology, literature, and religious history. She explores medieval mystics, sacred art and architecture, and feminist theory. Dr. Greeley has presented at numerous conferences, and her research has been published widely. She also directs the Middle Eastern Studies program at Sacred Heart University and advises various student organizations.

Dr. Brent Little: Dr. Little, an Associate Professor of Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University, specializes in the relationship between faith and uncertainty in Catholic literature. He co-edited Revelation and Convergence: Flannery O’Connor and Her Catholic Heritage and recently published Acts of Faith and Imagination: Theological Patterns in Catholic Fiction. His research interests include the dynamics of belief in theology and literature.

Moderators:

William Baker: Dr. Baker directs the Bernard L. Schwartz Center for Media, Public Policy & Education at Fordham University. He is a Distinguished Professor of media & entertainment at IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain, and President Emeritus of WNET-Thirteen, New York’s public television station. Baker has received 7 Emmy Awards and 2 Columbia DuPont Journalism Awards, and he was honored in 2016 by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for his work in the performing arts. He is the executive producer of theatrical films and PBS documentaries, including The Face: Jesus in Art and Picturing Mary, and co-author of seven books.

Rafael Pi Roman: An acclaimed journalist with extensive experience in public affairs and political news, Rafael Pi Roman has been a key figure at Thirteen/WNET since 1992. His Emmy award-winning work includes hosting and producing numerous programs, including “New York Voices” and “New Jersey Capitol Report.” Pi Roman’s deep understanding of media and engaging interviewing style make him an ideal moderator for “The Literary Catholic.”

About Sacred Heart University and the Center for Catholic Studies:

Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and dedication to cultivating the whole person. Sacred Heart’s Center for Catholic Studies fosters an understanding of Catholicism’s intellectual tradition and its contributions to human knowledge and culture. The Center aims to deepen students’ appreciation of their faith and its relevance to contemporary issues through interdisciplinary programs and initiatives.

Evelyn Waugh and Brideshead Revisited:

Evelyn Waugh, a convert to Catholicism, is regarded as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century. Brideshead Revisited, published in 1945, is widely considered his magnum opus. The novel reflects Waugh’s Catholic faith and his nostalgia for a rapidly disappearing world post-World War II. The narrative explores themes of faith, redemption, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, offering readers a profound reflection on the enduring power of grace.

Quotes from Key Contributors:

Michelle Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D., Director, Center for Catholic Studies, Sacred Heart University: “The Literary Catholic is a unique program that bridges the gap between faith and literature. By exploring these timeless works, we aim to inspire our community to delve deeper into their faith and appreciate the rich tapestry of Catholic literary heritage.”

James Castonguay, Ph.D., Director, School of Communication, Media & the Arts, Sacred Heart University: “Our collaboration on The Literary Catholic highlights the interdisciplinary nature of Sacred Heart University. The production team has worked tirelessly to bring these discussions to life, providing a platform for insightful dialogue and community engagement.”

Fr. Michael Clark, founding Rector of The Guild of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Georgetown: “This initiative reflects our mission to connect individuals to their Faith in ways they, perhaps, had not thought of before. It’s one thing to read a book on your own, it’s quite another to have a guided tour by experts in the field, and to tease out Catholic themes that might otherwise go unnoticed. We hope to foster a deeper understanding of God and encourage a vibrant, faith-filled diocese by engaging with these literary works together as a community.”

Marie T. Oates, Executive Director, the John Paul II Center for Evangelizing Communications, Diocese of Bridgeport: “We are excited to support this initiative, believing it will profoundly impact our diocese by promoting small groups within parishes to foster community and shared experiences and bringing the richness of Catholic literature to life.”

About The Guild of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Founded by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, the Guild of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is committed to fostering spiritual growth and community through the Sacred Arts. Our mission is to connect individuals to their faith, ignite their imagination, and support their journey toward a deeper relationship with God.