Fall 2023 Dahlgren Chapel Sacred Lecture:
Come Forth: How the Story of Lazarus Invites Us to Experience New Life
Fr. James Martin, S.J. | Mon., Nov. 6, 2023 | Dahlgren Chapel

The Gospel story of the Raising of Lazarus, often called "Jesus's greatest miracle," can seem far removed from our own lives. What can an event that happened 2,000 years ago teach us? Father Martin will show you how this story invites you to leave behind anything that keeps you unfree and experience new life.

James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America media, consultor to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, and author of several New York Times bestsellers, including The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Jesus: A Pilgrimage and Learning to Pray.


The Dahlgren Chapel Sacred Lecture Series
The early Jesuits instituted a practice called sacred lectures, popularizing and significantly amplifying a tradition that existed before the founding of the Society of Jesus. Sacred lectures were distinct from their ministry of preaching within the context of a liturgy. The lecturer sat in a chair or bench in the main body of the church, and did not stand at a pulpit as if preaching a sermon. Sacred lectures were not strictly academic exercises. Seeking to instruct, edify, and challenge, the Jesuit lecturer applied the content of the lecture to the daily life of lay people who usually composed the audience. In purpose and style, the sacred lectures today would be called adult education or adult faith formation. We have adapted this tradition for the current times seeking out diverse voices of wisdom in our midst.