
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

Professor Peter C. Phan, S.T.D., Ph.D., D.D. is the inaugural holder of the Ignacio Ellacuría Chair of Catholic Social Thought and the founding Director of the Graduate Studies Program in Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University. He has three doctorates: the Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Universitas Pontificia Salesiana in Rome, and the Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctor of Divinity from the University of London. Professor Phan began his teaching career at Don Bosco College in Hong Kong, and he has taught at the University of Dallas, the Catholic University of America, Union Theological Seminary, Elms College, and St. Norbert College. He was the President of the Catholic Theological Society of America, and in 2010 he was awarded its John Courtney Murray Award, the highest honor given for outstanding achievements in theology.
Professor Peter C. Phan has published many books, edited some 20 volumes, and published over 300 essays on wide-ranging theological topics. He is the general editor of the multi-volume series Theology in Global Perspective for Orbis Books and Ethnic American Pastoral Spirituality for Paulist Press. His writings have been translated into multiple languages and have received many awards from learned societies.
Praise for Peter Phan
“With a sure grasp of church tradition and sensitivity to new questions, Peter Phan’s work on a theology of the afterlife is lucid, engaging, and enlightening. One can always learn something more from his explanations.” – Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J., Distinguished Professor of Theology, Fordham University
“Few scholars are better qualified to address questions of death and eternal life as Peter Phan. Though a scholar of broad interests, eschatology has been a central concern since early in his work. With a critical appreciation of the tradition, he… always brings in the best in contemporary theology.” – Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., T. Marie Chilton of Catholic Theology, Loyola Marymount University
“Professor Peter Phan is one of our very best Catholic theologians, whose insights and reflections on the Christian hope in resurrected life have inspired a generation of believers. He is a wonderful guide on a tour of these powerful and moving Catholic beliefs!” – John E. Thiel, Professor of Religious Studies, Fairfield University
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