Catholic Studies Department's 2024 Edition of Arcadia

The Catholic Studies Department and Program is excited to announce the release of the 2024 edition of Arcadia: A Student Journal for Faith and Culture, a peer review student journal fostering "dialogue between the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and all areas of contemporary culture." This special volume honors the life and legacy of the late Father Ian Boyd, C.S.B., distinguished professor of Catholic Studies, whose remarkable work placed Seton Hall University at the forefront of G.K. Chesterton scholarship.

"All the pieces in this volume of Arcadia demonstrate the transformative power of imagination. Imagination helps us build relationships, deepen intellectual understanding, foster social change and strengthen faith. The diversity of approaches to this theme echoes Father Boyd's lifelong work and highlights the richness of Catholic Studies interdisciplinary and faith-based academic offerings," said Ines Angeli Murzaku, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Religion, director of the Catholic Studies Program, and founding chair of the Department of Catholic Studies.

The journal's opening section is dedicated to Father Boyd, celebrating his contributions to the university community, Catholic Studies and the global Chesterton community. The first piece in the volume reflects on Father Boyd's life, career and accomplishments, particularly his pivotal role in bringing both the G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture andThe Chesterton Review to Seton Hall 25 years ago. Today, the institute and journal are foundational to Seton Hall and integral to the spiritual and academic life on campus. The second piece is a heartfelt remembrance written by Gloria Garafulich-Grabois, director of the G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture and managing editor of The Chesterton Review. Having worked closely with Father Boyd for many years, Garafulich-Grabois shares personal reflections on his achievements, as well as his notable personal warmth, "deep faith, joy and mirth."

The second section of the journal features the winning essays from the Catholic Studies 2024 edition of the yearly High School Essay Contest. High school students from across New Jersey were invited to reflect on Pope Francis's call to accompany the marginalized, as well as his teachings on compassion, empathy and social justice as rooted in the life of Jesus and the Gospels. These insightful essays offer glimpses into the faith-filled and hopeful lives of local students and highlight how their creativity and faith have inspired them to find new ways to support those on the margins.

In the final section, students from the course "Engaging the World: Religion and Fantasy-Lewis, Tolkien, and their Precursors," taught by Nancy Enright, Ph.D., professor at the Department of English and director of the University Core, share their reflections on how Christian fantasy literature ignites the imagination in the search for deeper truths. The course explores key questions in connection with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and other influential texts. This collection of essays showcases how fantasy literature invites readers into enduring conversations on faith and meaning-conversations that resonate across generations. The literary analysis provided by these students, grounded in their experiences of faith, underscores the timeless relevance of these works in inspiring the search for purpose and understanding, generation after generation.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Faith and Service