UNIVERSITY DIGEST NAPA INSTITUTE This summer, Drs. Catherine and Michael Pakaluk spoke at the fifth annual Napa Institute Conference. Bringing together Catholic leaders for a weekend of dialogue and prayer, the Napa Institute Conference promotes the best in Catholic thought and supports conference participants in their task of guarding the faith in secular society. On Thursday, July 30, Dr. Catherine Pakaluk (Assistant Professor and Chair of Economics), gave the address, “Soulmates, and Other Myths about the Family in American Society,” which presented findings from social research that have bearing on Catholic social thought, particularly as regards marriage and divorce. “It was a lot of fun,” Catherine said. “I really enjoy being able to bring exciting research findings to a lay audience.”
Other speakers at the 2015 conference included Scott Hahn, Pia de Solenni, George Weigel, Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., and Christoph Cardinal Schonborn. “I attend a lot of conferences and events every year,” Catherine reflected. “I can honestly say I’ve encountered nothing like the Napa Institute before. Where else can you take a stroll through a vineyard, stop in at a spa, and then pray a solemn Rosary in adoration with Carmelite sisters? … Really, it was a slice of perfection.” Echoing this sentiment, Michael could think of no better summary of his experience than Hilaire Belloc’s memorable toast: Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, There’s always laughter and good red wine. At least I’ve always found it so. Benedicamus Domino!
From L to R: Dr. Michael Pakaluk, Tom Monaghan, and Dr. Catherine Pakaluk at the fifth annual Napa Institute Conference.
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Dr. Michael Pakaluk (Professor and Chair of Philosophy) delivered Saturday’s address, “Faith and Reason in Newman’s University,” which examined Newman’s understanding of a university and ultimately made the case that, in Newman’s view, the cultivation of the “heart” is as important as the training of the mind. “The conference was attended by, so to speak, movers and shakers in the Catholic world, who, as a whole, are strongly interested in the direction of Catholic higher education,” Michael remarked.
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