The University of St. Thomas (UST), in Houston, TX, is launching a new annual tradition that will gather distinguished Catholic authors and scholars to discuss the joy and beauty of the written word. Called the Summer Literary Series, UST promises a “Who’s Who of Catholic literary giants” which this year includes Catholic author Robert Royal and renowned American poet Dana Gioia.
The Summer Literary Season is scheduled to run from June 16 to 28. While the majority of the 13-day event will be held live and in-person, UST has planned to broadcast live streams on June 17, 20, and 21.
James Matthew Wilson, the founding director of the Creative Writing program and chair of the department of English Literature at UST commented on the series in a press release:
Wilson went on to quote philosopher Jacques Maritain, who wrote “to civilize is to spiritualize. In this spirit, Wilson suggested that anyone who wishes to “nourish the intellectual and artistic side of their lives” will benefit from UST’s Summer Literary series.
Livestream
One of the most anticipated days of the series is June 21, when Dana Gioia and Robert Royal will lead a conversation on the topic: “The Future of Catholic Letters.” The two will discuss the intellectual and literary achievements of 20th-century Catholics, as well as the prospects for what has been called “a 21st Century Catholic Literary Renaissance.”
UST President Dr. Richard Ludwick said of the event:
Attendance to the Summer Literary Series is free and open to the public on weekday evenings, from 7:15 to 8:45, in Central Time.
Click here to see a full list of presenters and events, or to learn how to tune in to one of their livestream broadcasts.
