Summer Bible Institute announces speakers

ROCK HILL — Megan McKenna and Father Eugene LaVerdiere are the featured presenters for the 1998 Summer Bible Institute at the Rock Hill Oratory, scheduled for Aug. 2 to 7.

“Spirituality of the Prophet” is the topic McKenna chose for the morning sessions, beginning Monday, Aug. 3. According to McKenna, “this course will be a look at the spirituality of the prophet with emphasis on Elijah, as founder of Carmel, Amos, the prophet to the home nation (United States) and Isaiah the prophet of the hope to come and how it comes to those who suffer innocently. This course will include some of the jubilee year material, especially from Exodus and Deuteronomy.”

McKenna is originally from New York and now lives in New Mexico. She has “visited through North and Central America, Europe and a collection of islands: Celtic, Japanese and the Philippines.” She has worked with base communities as well as justice groups, such as Pax Christi. Among her many books and recorded titles are: Not Counting Women and Children, Parables: Arrows of God and Mary: Shadow of Grace.

Father LaVerdiere has been a frequent speaker at this summer series and selected “Mary in the New Testament for his topic in the evening sessions, beginning Sunday, Aug. 2.

Father LaVerdiere is a priest of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. He is senior editor of Emmanuel magazine and Scripture professor for both Catholic Theological Union and Fordham University. His titles include most recently: Dining in the Kingdom of God, The Origins of the Eucharist According to Luke and The Eucharist in the New Testament and the Early Church.

He offered this description of this topic: “Mary has a big role in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John. The course will explore her role in the entire New Testament in relation to Christ, to the Church and the People of God.”

The Summer Bible Institute serves as an update for teachers and clergy, an introduction for newcomers to Scripture and a spiritual renewal. Tuition for both courses is $110 or $60 for single courses. Room and board at The Oratory is available for an additional fee.

For further information, contact The Oratory: Center for Spirituality, P.O. Box 11586, Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586; or call (803) 327-2097.