FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2018  
 

JESUITS AND JEDI: SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE AGE OF STAR WARS AT THE SHEEN CENTER FOR THOUGHT & CULTURE APRIL 10 AT 7PM

Director of the Vatican Observatory and American Jesuit, Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J. will take the stage, on Tuesday, April 10 at 7 PM in The Sheen Center's Loreto Theater, for an uncharted journey into science fictions' most enduring archetypes in popular culture. In the age of technological innovation and artificial intelligence, reality is beginning to mirror science fiction more than ever previously imagined; Brother Consolmagno will be joined by Fordham University's Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics, Dr. Charles Camosy in exploring this compelling trend and its ethical implications. The evening's talk will touch upon familiar spiritual themes in the popular imagination, opening a dialogue between faith and science, their overlapping cosmologies, and shared metaphors.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, who is sometimes referred to as the "Pope's Astronomer," is at the helm of one of the world's oldest and most distinguished astronomical institutes, the Vatican Observatory. He is also the co-author of the book, Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?

Members of the press interested in covering the event or interviewing the speakers are asked to kindly contact Mercedes Anderson at [email protected]. For listing and ticket information, please refer to the following link: https://sheencenter.org/shows/jedi/

Upcoming events at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture:n

Art Exhibition:n
BACKDOOR TO EASTER: THE ART OF ALFONSE BORYSEWICZ
Showing through May 4th at The Sheen Center Galleryn
This collection of old and new paintings makes its first appearance in over 30 years "bathed in faith." Admission is free and open the public

Talk Event:n
JESUITS AND JEDI: SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE AGE OF STAR WARS
Tuesday, April 10 at 7 PM in The Loreto Theatern
Blast off with Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., Director of the Vatican Observatory, as he takes us through the cosmos and some of his favorite (and least favorite) science fiction stories and movies. Joining him is Dr. Charles Camosy of Fordham University. Tickets: $15, $10 Students

Film:n
MY ITALIAN SECRET
Monday, April 23, 2018 at 7 PM in The Loreto Theatern
This film tells the story of courageous Italians and Tour de France cycling champion Gino Bartali who rescued Jews from Nazi-occupied Italy during World War II. There will be a Panel discussion after the film. Tickets: $12

Poetry Series:n
IN LOVE WITH THEE: MYSTICAL POETRY IN PERFORMANCE FROM THE JEWISH, CHRISTIAN, AND SUFI TRADITIONS
Monday, April 16, 2018 at 7:30 PM in The Loreto Theatern
This innovative, dialogical performance of three timeless works of mystical poetry comes together under the direction of Fr. George Drance, artistic director for the Magis Theatre Company, who draws on the rich cultural heritage of each poem, infusing the allegory of the lover and the beloved with the unique intonations of each text's original language, bringing to the stage a blend of traditional music and sacred dance that captures the inexpressible longing of the mystical experience. Tickets: $20

Talk Event:n
HOLY ENTREPRENEURS: GAME CHANGERS WHO ARE REVITALIZING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 7PM in Studios A & Bn
Join author Chris Lowney as he talks with people who use creativity and commitment to the Church to invigorate parish life through innovative leadership. Tickets: $10

Theater:n
THE RAINMAKER by N. Richard Nashn
Produced by Blackfriars Repertory Theatren
April 27 – May 20 in the Black Box Theatern
A stage classic by N. Richard Nash from the golden age of American theater, The Rainmaker is the story of a charismatic stranger who arrives in town on a hot summer day, bringing hope to a drought-stricken town as well as a lonely spinster in this deeply romantic fable of love, longing, hope and fulfillment set in the American West of the 1920's. Tickets: $25

Talk Event:n
TV BARES SOUL: AN INTIMATE EVENING OF CONVERSATION WITH MEGYN KELLY
Hosted by Fr. Edward L. Beck, C.P
Saturday, April 28 at 7PM in The Loreto Theatern
Fr. Edward L. Beck, C.P. hosts an intimate conversation with NBC Today Show host Megyn Kelly about her career, faith, life choices, struggles and high points. She will also address topics from her #1 New York Times bestselling book, Settle For More: Experiences with Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, her experience with Donald Trump, the state of the media today, and how her faith has helped her weather the storms. Tickets: $45

Talk Event:n
THE ERASMUS OPTION: A FAITH FOR ALL SEASONS by Gregory Wolfe, founder of Image Journaln
Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 7PM in Studios A & Bn
In an era of fierce culture wars, many Christians believe that the best way to preserve their faith and way of life is through withdrawing from the public sphere, using the analogy of the monastic life. Gregory Wolfe argues that a better model for these times is that of Christian Humanism, exemplified in the person of the great Renaissance scholar, Erasmus. Tickets: $10

Talk Event:n
CIVILITY IN AMERICA: PART 2—THE MEDIA: CHRIS MATTHEWS & LARRY KUDLOW, moderated by Fr. Matt Malone, S.J
Wednesday, May 2 at 7PM in The Loreto Theatern
Part 2 of this new series will feature Larry Kudlow, Director of the National Economic Council, former host of CNBC's The Larry Kudlow Show, and Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews. In a dialogue moderated by Fr. Matt Malone, S.J., editor-in-chief of America Media, the conversation focuses on the polarization of American society, the importance of a free press, and the power of the media to build both walls and bridges between communities. Tickets: $20, $15 Students

Fashion Talk:n
INSIDE "HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION
Monday, May 21 in The Loreto Theatern
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, the largest exhibition The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art has ever done, opening May 10, 2018 in both The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. The Costume Institute's spring 2018 exhibition will feature a dialogue between fashion and religious artworks from The Met collection to examine the relationship between creativity and the religious imagination. Fr. James Martin, S.J. discusses this groundbreaking exhibition with Andrew Bolton, Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute. Tickets: $20n

Theater:n
TOLKIEN AND LEWIS: OF WARDROBES AND RINGS
New York premiere of a new play by David Paynen
May 23 – June 14 in the Black Box Theatern
J .R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were giants of 20th century British fantasy, innovators of a literary genre that reached millions of readers, young and old alike, with mystifying adventures that entertain and profound truths about the human condition. C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings) were also distinguished faculty members at Oxford University and members of a literary group known
as The Inklings. Their robust philosophical discourse served an uncommon friendship that was not without its differences. Life's circumstances and sometimes unresolved disagreements forced an uncomfortable season of estrangement. In Wardrobes and Rings we join "Jack" and "Tollers," as they knew each other, at Oxford's historic Eagle and Child pub for one last visit, tempered by thawing humor, confession, and reconciliation. Remarkable lives. Memorable theatre. David Payne and Gordon Tett star as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Tickets: $39.95n

The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture ( www.sheencenter.org) is a New York City arts center located in NoHo that presents a vibrant mix of theater, film, music, art and talk events. An initiative of the Archdiocese of New York, The Sheen Center serves all New Yorkers by presenting performances and artists that reflect the true, the good, and the beautiful. Named for the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, best remembered as an inspirational author, radio host and two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality, The Sheen Center reflects his modern-day approach to contemporary topics. The Sheen Center is a state-of-the-art theater complex that includes the 270-seat off-Broadway Loreto Theater, equipped with five-camera high-definition TV and live-stream capability and a multi-track recording studio; the 80-seat off-off-Broadway Black Box Theater; four rehearsal studios; and an art gallery.