Theologian to Deliver Brady Lecture

Kenan Osborne, O.F.M., will discuss the relational theology of the triune God in his lecture titled “Our Relational World Today: Exploring the Wisdom of St. Bonaventure” at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 12, in the Doyle Chapel.

In his 2010 book “A Theology of Church for the Third Millennium: A Franciscan Approach,” Fr. Kenan wrote about the Trinitarian God who made all things in relationship with one another, ideas he had learned from a lifetime of studying the great Franciscan theologians Bonaventure and Scotus.

Br. Ed Coughlin, O.F.M., vice president for Franciscan mission, said it’s an honor for St. Bonaventure to host a Franciscan scholar of Fr. Kenan’s caliber.

“Fr. Kenan is a nationally recognized theologian,” Br. Ed said. “As a philosopher and theologian, his insights and penetrating analysis of issues have enabled him to make a significant contribution to contemporary theology since the close of Vatican II in 1965, especially in the area of sacramental theology.”

Most of Fr. Kenan’s priestly ministry, almost 60 years, has been dedicated to teaching at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif., where he serves as Professor Emeritus. He has won awards, including, most recently, The John Courtney Murray Award for distinguished achievement in theology; published 70 scholarly articles; and written 19 books, the most recent “Moral Theology from a Franciscan Theological Standpoint,” which was co-authored by the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University.

Fr. Kenan contributed two articles to the Franciscan Institute’s forthcoming publication (Spring 2013) titled “The Franciscan Moral Vision, Responding to Love,” which was edited by Fr. Thomas Nairn, O.F.M.

The 10th annual Ignatius Brady Lecture was established in conjunction with a major endowment gift given to the Franciscan Institute in 2002 by the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province. Fr. Ignatius Brady, O.F.M., a member of the province, was one of the most renowned Franciscan scholars in the United States and Europe in the second half of the 20th century. In addition to his research and writing, he also served as a faculty member at the Franciscan Institute at different times.

“In thoughtful and engaging ways, (Fr. Kenan) has invited readers and listeners to reflection on the practical implications of the centuries’ old thought of John Duns Scotus,” Br. Ed said. “His exploration of Bonaventure's understanding of the Trinity, as a relational God, invites us into a deeper appreciation of the Franciscan tradition's emphasis on love over knowledge and why community relationality is such a central theme within the Franciscan experience.”

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