Prof. Darleen Pryds, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and History at the Franciscan School of Theology, where she has taught since 2001. She earned her doctorate in Medieval Religious History from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and an M.A. in Medieval History from the University of Southern California. Previously, she served as Associate Director of the Newberry Library Center for Renaissance Studies in Chicago from 1994–1996, and as Assistant Professor of Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Virginia Tech from 1996–2001.
Prof. Pryds is the author of the books Women of the Streets: Early Franciscan Women and Their Mendicant Vocation (Franciscan Institute, 2010) and The King Embodies the Word: Robert d’Anjou and the Politics of Preaching (Brill, 2000), as well as numerous articles on Franciscan history and the spirituality of death and dying. She has received a Fulbright Fellowship to Italy, a Research Fellowship at the Medieval Institute at the University of Notre Dame, and a National Endowment for the Humanities research grant to research at the Vatican Film Library at Saint Louis University. She also offers lectures and retreats around the country and has been a hospice volunteer since 2009.
Praise for Darleen Pryds
“Dr. Pryds, a recognized specialist in the history of medieval women, demonstrates a great ability to bring the medieval world into the present. A committed practitioner supportive of both women’s preaching and care for the sick, her previous work . . . exemplifies the transformative nature of Franciscan spirituality.”– Joseph P. Chinnici, O.F.M., Franciscan School of Theology
“The scholarly work of Prof. Darleen Pryds has provided a contemporary voice for the ancient Franciscan tradition. . . . Her engagement with today’s social questions brings medieval spirituality into dialogue with issues of vital importance for our contemporaries. A rare combination of academic rigor and personal engagement makes her teaching lively and thought-provoking.”– Br. William J. Short, O.F.M., Graduate Theological Union
“She brings [her] rich background to bear on contemporary issues of pastoral theology. Her students appreciate the clarity and depth of her courses as well as her ability to engage them in the scholarly process.”– Professor Michael Guinan, O.F.M., Professor Emeritus, Franciscan School of Theology
“Darleen Pryds is an exceptionally gifted scholar-storyteller. A passionate medieval historian and compelling guide into lay Franciscan spirituality, her challenging insights are increasingly discussed across the country.” – David Elliott, author of Following Francis: A Faithful Fool’s Guide to Perfect Joy
“Prof. Darleen Pryds is a voice of insight, honesty, dedication, inclusion, and challenge to the practice of spirituality… Darleen’s presentations bring a fresh depth to all of those on the spiritual journey.” – Michael Minton, OFM, Director of San Damiano Retreat, Danville, California
“Dr. Darleen Pryds explores and lifts up the many aspects of lay spiritual practice for her graduate theology students. Her lectures combine serious historical scholarship with an astute grasp of current spiritual conditions, making for presentations that are dynamic and thought-provoking.” – Donna Foley, Associate Dean of Students, Franciscan School of Theology
Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R., D.Theol., S.T.D., D.Min., holds an A.B. in English Literature from Dartmouth College, and M.R.E. and M.Div. degrees from Mt. St. Alphonsus Seminary. After his seminary training, he went on to earn a Doctor of Theology in Church History from Harvard University Divinity School, a Doctor of Sacred Theology in Spirituality from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas, a D.Min. in Spiritual Direction from the Graduate Theological Foundation, an M.A. in Medieval History from the University of Toronto, and an M.M.R.Sc. in Moral Theology from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. From 1988–2008, Fr. Billy was Professor of the History of Moral Theology and Christian Spirituality at the Alphonsian Academy of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. From 2008–2016, he was scholar-in-residence, professor, and holder of the John Cardinal Krol Chair of Moral Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Praise for Rev. Dennis Billy
“Fr. Dennis Billy is an inspiring writer who communicates the Good News in a way that touches the heart. Over the years, he has consistently shown a capacity to make important classical Christian writings accessible to a wider audience. If you want to delve deeply into Christian spirituality, Fr. Billy is a trustworthy guide.” – Dr. Donna Orsuto, Director, The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas Institute
“Dennis Billy has spent years bridging the gap between spirituality and morality in academic settings ranging from undergraduate to doctoral students and in retreats to a broad spectrum of audiences. Author of numerous books and widely sought as lecturer and retreat director, Dennis will enrich and encourage any listener’s own pursuit of the good life with his informative, inspirational, and engaging presentations.” – Fr. Kevin O’Neil, C.Ss.R., Washington Theological Union
“Father Dennis Billy is a master teacher and expert in both the Catholic moral life and the ways of prayerful contemplation. He is a leader in the integration of theology and spirituality and speaks from a heart which abides in profound love for the Trinity and the Church. Sit at his feet for a while and be refreshed, consoled, inspired.” – Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., Creighton University
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