Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D., is a leading expert on Christian spirituality. In recognition of his ministry in the Church, Pope John Paul II awarded him the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1999. In 2000, he was awarded the Caritas Centennial Award for his work in lay ministry and the Spirit of RENEW Award for his work in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism. His publications include Everyday Mysticism (Crossroad, 1995), Beauty: A Path to God (Paulist Press, 2013), and Moral Formation in the Parish (Alba House, 1998).Fr. Ciorra holds graduate degrees in psychology, spirituality, and pastoral theology. He earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Fordham University. Currently, he is Assistant Vice President for Mission and Catholic Identity at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Prior to assuming this post, Fr. Ciorra occupied a number of leadership positions in higher education and beyond, including: dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University; director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth; and director of the Center for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York.Fr. Ciorra’s professional experience ranges from parish life and preaching to teaching and administration to retreat work and formation ministries. He gives workshops and retreats throughout the world and is active in creating programs for interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Praise for Anthony Ciorra
“I highly recommend any course by Fr. Anthony Ciorra. His delivery is great, his reflections [are] thoughtful, and [his] questions are challenging. I would have enjoyed having him as a professor. His illustrations are practical.”– Michael Harrison,San Antonio, TX
“Anthony Ciorra—a born teacher—clear and inspiring.”– Sr. Michael,Seaham, County Durham, UK
“Very personable!”– Margaret Gardner,Verona, NJ
Frank –
Extraordinary introduction to Thomas Merton
I was curious to know about Thomas Merton and liked the description of this course. I didn’t understand how I could develop a relationship with him by following the course, but all I can say is that at the very end of the last lecture, when the author refers to the moment of his death, I cried. Then I realized I really appreciated him personally, and recognized the excellent presentation of Father Ciorra. Now I am reading the two books he highly recommended. Thank you for offering this great course!