Escobedo Saint John's Bible Lecture / Felipe de J. Legarreta, Ph.D. / February 16, 2023

At the center of Paul’s most commented letter, Romans, he profoundly expresses his hope for the liberation and redemption of humankind and creation through the Spirit. Framing this presentation between the illuminations of St. John’s Bible in Genesis 1 and Romans 8, we will present and discuss the ethical and social implications of Paul’s argument in this passage, and ethical and social implications to respect and protect our Common Home (Laudato Si 2). 

About the Speaker
Felipe de J. Legarreta earned his doctorate in New Testament and Early Christianity from Loyola University Chicago. His specialty is Paul’s letters and has taught Theology for more than 25 years in a wide range of topics from Bible, Systematic Theology, and Jesuit Higher Education, with a focus on the ethical and social implications of the Scriptures. 

About the Lecture
Thanks to a generous gift from former Board of Trustees Chairman Ruben Escobedo, a 1960 graduate of St. Mary’s, and his wife Veronica Salazar Escobedo, the Escobedo Saint John’s Bible Lecture Series was created and allows St. Mary’s University to share the remarkable illuminated pages with members of the St. Mary’s community, and with faith communities from across Texas and the nation. Each year, outstanding biblical scholars are invited to campus to give public presentations to enhance the interdisciplinary nature of our campus and community learning, while connecting our students and community to the creative, scholarly, and spiritual possibilities of the Saint John’s Bible currently on campus.

In addition to the public lectures, each semester artistic events will take place that will bring together professional artists, scholars, teachers and students to work alongside our campus and local communities to foster the importance of the sacramental imagination as is present in the illuminations and calligraphy of The Saint John’s Bible.