Lumen Christi Institute
Making the Catholic intellectual tradition a vital part of the secular university
Featured Events & News
The Turn to Tradition in American Law and Culture | Apr. 22, 2026
Many are familiar with an "Originalist" interpretation of American law, one which is seen to shield us from the capricious wills of those in power. But can Originalism inadvertently give us a hollow understanding of law? In this panel discussion, Marc DeGirolami gives us a different way of interpreting the law: Traditionalism. Richard W. Garnett and Jennifer Newsome Martin will provide responses.
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What Does Virtue Have to Do with the Law? | Apr. 23, 2026
The American experiment depends on the people holding something in common. But what was once taken for granted is now up for debate, as all sorts of norms and established beliefs are under attack. In this spirited conversation, law faculty from a number of philosophical positions will come together to discuss the relationship between law, politics, tradition, and virtue.
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Being Human in the Digital Age: A Discussion | Apr. 24, 2026
The dominance of technology in our lives and the precipitous rise of AI in the last few years has raised profound questions. We are being asked to think more deeply about what it means to be human, how we should (and whether we can) live with our creations, and what kind of life we can share together. In this webinar, professor of theology Jared Ortiz will interview philosopher Antón Barba-Kay about his new book, A Web of Our Own Making: The Nature of Digital Formation.
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Chicago Criminal Justice Reform Network Dialogue | May 4, 2026
CCJRN, an initiative of the Lumen Christi Institute, will host an invite-only evening dialogue with dinner to bring together those responsible for our criminal justice system and those most directly impacted by it: survivors of crime and returning citizens. The program will open with an (optional) Mass and will feature a panel of key players from the criminal justice system, followed by roundtable conversations.
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Schola Antiqua - The Lion and the Lute: Music of Pope Leo X | May 21 & 22, 2026
This program brings together magnificent choral music heard in the pope’s presence and music offered to him from afar, from radiant sacred polyphony to the intimate lute artistry of Francesco da Milano, evoking the sacred beauty that animated his brief but consequential papacy. Two concerts will be held by Schola Antiqua, one at Loyola Academy on Thursday, May 21st and the other at the University of Chicago on Friday, May 22nd
Learn More & RegisterLumen Christi has been one of the great spiritual achievements of the last 25 years. And to see Lumen Christi flourishing so well and expanding around the country is a sign of tremendous hope for the Church.
The longest intellectual tradition of any institution in the contemporary world.
Celebrated University of Chicago President Robert Maynard Hutchins once remarked that the Catholic Church has “the longest intellectual tradition of any institution in the contemporary world.” The mission of the Lumen Christi Institute is to make the Catholic intellectual tradition a vital part of the secular university and the broader culture. The Lumen Christi Institute’s programs enrich academic communities at the University of Chicago and beyond with the insights of Catholic thought, in order to engage our secular culture in dialogue and ultimately to renew our civilization by forming leaders for a global society in need of Christian wisdom.
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Making the Catholic intellectual tradition a vital part of the secular university