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º£½ÇÉçÔÚÏß and National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Host Series of Lectures on the Work of Michael Novak

Belmont, N.C. (February 19, 2024) – º£½ÇÉçÔÚÏß, in collaboration with the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, announces a thought-provoking series of lectures and panel discussions centered around the influential work of Michael Novak. The series, titled “An Inquiry Into the Spiritual Wealth of Nations,” will take place at the Belmont House on Capitol Hill, providing a platform for renowned scholars, experts, and thought leaders to delve into the profound impact of Novak’s contributions.

The lectures and panel discussions will provide a platform for engaging in conversations on various aspects of Novak’s work and exploring its implications for society, politics, economics, and culture. Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the profound influence Novak has had on shaping our understanding of the human person, the common good, and the role of faith in public life. 

This series will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers who will cover various topics. George Weigel, a Catholic theologian, political analyst, and author of Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II, will deliver the concluding lecture entitled “John Paul II’s Contribution to Political and Economic Thought” on September 10th.  Weigel’s deep understanding of Pope John Paul II’s teachings will provide valuable insights into the intersection of politics, economics, and Catholicism.

Emmett McGroarty, Executive Director of the Belmont House, will kick off the series with a talk entitled “The Ideal of Democratic Capitalism” on March 5, 2024. McGroarty’s insights will provide a solid foundation for the subsequent discussions. On April 30th, Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, Director of Social Research and Associate Professor at the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America, will deliver a talk entitled “Why Catholics Cannot Support Socialism.” With her expertise in economics and Catholic social teaching, Pakaluk will explore the inherent contradictions between socialism and the Catholic faith.

Dr. Jay Richards, Director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family, will present “What Can Theology Contribute to Economics?” on May 15, 2024. Richards’ unique perspective will shed light on the intersection of these two seemingly disparate fields. Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Interim Provost at º£½ÇÉçÔÚÏß, will deliver the lecture “Are We Still A Tocquevillian Nation?” on July 9th, 2024. Wysocki’s examination of Tocqueville’s insights will prompt reflection on the current state of our nation.

Emmett McGroarty expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming series, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast to bring this thought-provoking series to Catholic staff on Capitol Hill. Michael Novak’s work has had a profound impact on Catholic intellectual and political thought, and we look forward to exploring its enduring relevance together.” Register for this series at .

For press inquiries, please contact Sarah Bolton at sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

Download the press release.