The Benedictine University community held a two-day event focused on the intersection of faith and science. The series, co-sponsored by the Sister Judith Ann Heble, OSB Center for Benedictine Values and the Society of Catholic Scientists, included a Gold Mass and a Faith and Reason Symposium.

The events began with the Gold Mass in St. Benedict Chapel on November 13. Fr. Eddie Haule led the service, which recognized scientists, researchers, and science students. The Mass aimed to honor their work as a sacred calling.

Following the Mass, attendees gathered in Kindlon Hall for dinner and a keynote lecture by Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD. Delio holds the Connelly Chair in Theology at Villanova University and has doctorates in both Pharmacology and Theology. In her lecture titled “Christianity and Evolution,” she said: “She presented a compelling vision of an evolving universe charged with divine presence, challenging the audience to see evolution not as a challenge to faith, but as the mechanism through which God continues to create.”

On November 14, the Faith and Reason Symposium took place in Sorensen Hall of Leaders at Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business. The symposium featured panels moderated by university faculty members Ellen Ziliak, PhD, and Joy Matteson, MLS. Panelists included Preston Aldrich, PhD; Robert McCarthy, PhD; Tim Marin, PhD; Blair Nelson, PhD; Peter Huff, PhD; and Phil Hardy, PhD.

An Interfaith Student Panel was also part of the program. Moderated by Jayashree Sarathy, PhD, it included students Katie Brill, Khushi Joshi, and Osman Khan discussing how they navigate faith within their academic experiences.

The event concluded with a presentation from Alfred Martin, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences. His talk was titled “How Science and Religion Fit Together to Explain Reality.” According to Dr. Martin: “Dr. Martin’s talk served as a powerful synthesis of the two days, offering a coherent framework for understanding scientific and religious truths as complementary rather than conflicting ways of understanding our world.”

Organizers stated that these events highlight Benedictine University’s commitment to integrating intellectual inquiry with spiritual life.