University of Mary to Host Nationally Acclaimed Michael Aquilina for Convocation Series
Public invited to 10 a.m. presentation in Butler Auditorium at the Gary Tharaldson School of Business on Friday, October 25
BISMARCK, ND – The University of Mary is pleased to announce that renowned Catholic author and speaker Michael Aquilina will be featured at its special Convocation Series on October 25, 2024, where he will deliver his presentation, “Women and Children First: How the Church Revolutionized Marriage and Childhood.” Aquilina, a nationally recognized figure in Catholic media, is known for his deep insight into early Church history and the ways in which Christianity transformed Western civilization. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place at 10 a.m., in Butler Auditorium at the Gary Tharaldson School of Business on Friday, October 25 on the University of Mary campus.
Michael Aquilina has become a trusted voice in Catholic circles, having authored more than 50 books on Church history and the lives of the early Church Fathers. His work has been featured on major Catholic platforms including EWTN, Catholic radio, and various publications. His ability to present complex historical topics in a way that resonates with modern audiences has earned him wide acclaim.
In “Women and Children First: How the Church Revolutionized Marriage and Childhood,” Aquilina will explore how early Christianity transformed the societal norms of the Greco-Roman world, particularly in terms of the family. In a culture where divorce, abortion, contraception, and infanticide were prevalent, Christianity introduced a new vision of marriage, family, and the sanctity of life, elevating the status of women and protecting the dignity of children.
“Michael Aquilina is one of the foremost voices in Catholic scholarship today, and we are thrilled to host him on campus for this important and timely conversation,” stated Dr. Joseph Stuart, director of History and Fellow of Catholic Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Mary. “His insights into how the early Church transformed society, especially in areas like marriage and family life, are essential for understanding the world we live in today. When Christianity began to spread, the Roman family was in steep decline. Divorce was rampant, as were abortion, contraception, and infanticide. Even the Roman emperors recognized the danger, understanding that the collapse of the family would be fatal to their empire. Their attempts at reform failed, but Christianity offered a radical new way. While it couldn’t save the empire, it did save the family—and in doing so, helped save civilization.”
This Convocation Series is part of the University of Mary’s ongoing commitment to fostering intellectual engagement and spiritual growth. Aquilina’s presentation will provide valuable insights for students, faculty, and the broader community about the Church’s role in shaping the moral and social foundations of our world.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.
About the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.