June 4 Workshop Spotlights Merton and Heschel, Spiritual Giants

MILWAUKEE - May 3, 2016 - PRLog -- On Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., a reflection workshop titled "The God of Infinite Love: The Life and Works of Rabbi Abraham Heschel and Thomas Merton" will be sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis on their campus, St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee.

The presenters will be two faculty members of the Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners. Sister Mary Carroll, D. Min., is lecturer of systematic studies and associate director of pastoral formation. Bonnie Shafrin is director of the school's Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies.

Heschel and Merton are two of the most influential spiritual thinkers of the 20th century. Rabbi Heschel (1907-1972), a Polish-American, experienced devastating loss as a young man when his mother and sisters were killed in Nazi concentration camps. He dedicated his life to teaching Hebrew Studies in New York City and writing. He later became a leading figure in both the Civil Rights Movement and in protesting the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) struggled with belief in God and seemed an unlikely candidate for the Trappist monastery. A prolific writer of more than 70 books, his best-known work was his autobiography. The Seven Storey Mountain has been listed among the 100 best nonfiction books of the century. Little wonder, for his unconventional life was crying out to be memorialized. Born to two artists, Thomas lost his mother to cancer when he was only six years old and became subject to the self-absorbed whims of his father. It was by the young man's own resources, including many questionable choices, that he began to know and understand God and seek ordination to the priesthood. He became a leading proponent of interfaith dialogue.

The workshop fee is $12. Checks may be written to:  School Sisters of St. Francis, c/o Donna O'Loughlin; 1501 South Layton Blvd. (27^th St. at Greenfield Ave.); Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215. Contact:  414-385-5272 or doloughlin@sssf.org. Convenient free parking is located at 29^th St. and Orchard Ave. in the sisters' St. Joseph Center lot.

About the School Sisters of St. Francis

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters who unite with others to build a just and peaceful world. Founded in 1874, they now have sisters, associates, staff, donors and volunteers actively working to address the needs of those who are poor and marginalized by society. Their mission is thriving throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, India, and Africa. In the U.S., School Sisters live and minister in 15 states, addressing needs in education, holistic wellness and healing, pastoral ministry, spiritual growth, social justice, and the arts. For more information about the School Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.sssf.org.