Exploring the Contribution and Legacy of Henri Nouwen | Academic Symposium

Thursday | August 21, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Friday | August 22, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday | August 23, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

IN PERSON
Registration: $150 (+ Eventbrite processing fees)
*Includes Friday Dinner

Oblate School of Theology, Whitley Event Center
285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216

Book your group rate room at a local partner hotel:

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Airport

The Henri Nouwen Society, in partnership with the Oblate School of Theology, is proud to announce an Academic Symposium dedicated to exploring the life, work, and enduring influence of Henri Nouwen. A profound thinker, spiritual guide, and writer, Nouwen's contributions to theology, spirituality, and pastoral care continue to inspire individuals and communities worldwide. This symposium seeks to bring together scholars, practitioners, and spiritual leaders to engage deeply with Nouwen's legacy, examining his rich body of work and its ongoing relevance to contemporary faith and practice. Join us as we reflect on the transformative power of Nouwen’s insights and celebrate his impact on spirituality and pastoral ministry.

Click here to download event flyer

August 21, 2025

• 4-5 pm: Registration
• 7-7:15: Event Welcome
• 7:15-8:30: Plenary Speaker: "Henri's Struggle as a Person and its Effect on his Writing" by Ron Rolheiser

August 22, 2025

• 8 AM-9 AM: Registration and coffee
• 9-10:15 AM: Plenary Speaker: Deirdre LaNoue (Title: TBD)
• 10:30 AM -12 PM: Call for Papers Breakout session
• 12-2 PM: Lunch (on your own)
• 2-3:15 PM: Plenary Speaker: (TBD)
• 3:30-4:45 PM: Roundtable
• 5:30-7 PM: Social + Dinner

August 23, 2025

• 9-10:15 AM: Plenary Speaker: Sarah Barton (Title: TBD)
• 10:30 AM -12 PM: Roundtable on Emerging Research

Ron Rolheiser, OMI is a Roman Catholic priest, member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and served as president of Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas for the fifteen years before retiring from that position in September 2020. He remains a fulltime faculty member at OST. Rolheiser is a theologian, professor, and award-winning author. Apart from his academic knowledge in systematic theology and philosophy, he has become a popular speaker in contemporary spirituality and religion and the secular world. He writes a weekly column that is carried in many newspapers around the world. He is a popular speaker in the areas of contemporary spirituality and religion and the secular world.

Learn more about Fr. Ron: https://ronrolheiser.com/about-ron/

Deirdre LaNoue is a minister, teacher, and author dedicated to helping people experience a transformative life with God. She has served in worship and spiritual formation roles in churches, taught Church History and Spiritual Formation at universities and seminaries, and lectured at Northeast African Theological Seminary in South Sudan. Author of The Spiritual Legacy of Henri Nouwen, she speaks at retreats and conferences on spiritual growth. Deirdre holds degrees in music, divinity, and religion, along with certifications in spiritual formation and direction. She lives in Dallas with her husband, John, and their cockatiel, Niki.

Learn more about Deidre: https://www.transformedliving.com/about

Dr. Sarah Jean Barton, a theologian and occupational therapist, holds a Doctor of Theology from Duke Divinity School and trained in occupational therapy at Boston University. Her work bridges theology, disability, bioethics, and spirituality in health professions and education. Author of Becoming the Baptized Body (Baylor University Press), she serves as Program Director for Duke's Occupational Therapy Doctorate and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Theological Ethics. A former pediatric occupational therapist, she is active in The Episcopal Church and advocates for disability inclusion in faith communities. Dr. Barton lives in Durham, NC, with her family.

Learn more about Sarah: https://www.sarahjeanbarton.com/#about

Host or Publisher Oblate School of Theology