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
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
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