Readings and discussions at the Seminar focused on the timely theme of 鈥淐atholic Teachings on Socialism and Capitalism.鈥 In addition to excerpts from Milton Friedman鈥檚 Capitalism and Freedom, participants read from Albert Einstein鈥檚 essay 鈥淲hy Socialism鈥 and Pope Leo XIII鈥檚 Rerum Novarum, as well as Centesimus Annus, Pope St. John Paul II鈥檚 鈥渞e-reading鈥 of Rerum Novarum 100 years later.
鈥淚 thought we communicated well with each other and thought positively of the conclusions that were made,鈥 said Rev. Gerald Murray, pastor of New York鈥檚 Holy Family Catholic Church. 鈥淲e had an enthusiastic and respectful discussion,鈥 added President鈥檚 Council member Tom Donahoe. 鈥淏y sticking strictly to the text, we weren鈥檛 able to wander off course.鈥
Between seminars, attendees enjoyed delicious meals and delightful conversations. At Saturday night鈥檚 dinner in Tracy Student Center, students played musical pieces and sang for the group.
鈥淚t was wonderful to get to bring our Seminar Weekends to the New England campus,鈥 says Dr. Paul J. O鈥橰eilly, the College鈥檚 president-elect and vice president for advancement. 鈥淲e got to discuss important texts with many of our East Coast friends and give them a taste of the life-changing educational experience that they make possible for our students.鈥