Honoring the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade

On January 22, we at the University of Dayton, a Catholic Marianist institution, join Marianist communities worldwide in celebrating the feast of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. As the founder of the Society of Mary, Chaminade’s vision of faith and education continues to inspire our mission.

Born in 1761, Chaminade lived during the upheaval of the French Revolution. Amid this challenging time, he showed remarkable courage, ministering in secret and fostering a spirit of renewal within the Church. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was central to his ministry, leading him to see Mary as a model of faith and a guide for those striving to follow Christ. Through his dedication, Chaminade rebuilt faith communities and laid the foundation for a mission rooted in collaboration and resilience.

At the University of Dayton and the VLCFF, we are proud to carry forward his legacy through faith formation, inclusive learning, and the Marianist commitment to service and justice. May Blessed Chaminade's feast day inspire us all to honor Mary, and live with courage and faith, just as he envisioned.

University of Dayton alumnus
to be made a cardinal

On October 6, Pope Francis named Archbishop Francis Leo of Toronto among 21 new cardinals, highlighting his pivotal role in the Catholic Church. Cardinal-elect Leo, a two-time University of Dayton graduate, earned a Sacred Theological Licentiate (2002) and Doctorate (2004) through UD’s International Marian Research Institute (IMRI). His dissertation focused on Mary’s role in theology, reflecting his lifelong devotion to Marian studies.

Leo co-founded the Canadian Mariological Society and has promoted Marian devotion through initiatives like renewing consecrations to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. His homilies emphasize Mary as a model for faith and community, linking her "yes" to the Incarnation to believers’ daily lives. IMRI colleague Gloria Dodd called him a “wonderful colleague,” and Fr. Johann Roten praised his vision of Mary as both sister and Church model. Leo’s theology celebrates God’s work through Mary’s faith, inspiring believers to embody grace in relationships and communities.

Read more on our University of Dayton blog.

Registration is Open for
Cycle 1, 2025

It's hard to believe 2025 is just around the corner! With that in mind, now is the perfect time to plan and register for a VLCFF course in Cycle 1 of 2025. We are ready to serve you with over 50 courses in English, Spanish, and Arabic, each designed to deepen your faith and understanding of the Catholic Church’s teachings.

Cycle 1 will offer a wide range of topics, from foundational theology to spiritual formation, all delivered in an engaging, interactive, and fully online format. These courses are taught by experienced facilitators who guide your learning and foster community through meaningful discussions. Whether you’re seeking to grow in your role as a catechist or simply enrich your spiritual life, there’s a course for you.

Registration is open now through January 16th, with classes starting on January 20, 2025. Don’t wait to invest in your faith journey. Register today and start 2025 with a commitment to grow spiritually and intellectually through the VLCFF.

Who is Mary of Nazareth,
and Why Should We Care?

Have you ever wondered about the woman behind the nativity scene? Who is Mary of Nazareth, and why is her story still relevant today? The VLCFF is offering an engaging course (part of the Marian Studies certificate program ) that invites you to explore Mary’s role as the Mother of God and her profound influence on our faith and Church tradition.

Through an in-depth look at Mary’s life, virtues, and presence in Scripture, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for her significance. Why should we care about Mary today? Because her example of faith, courage, and discipleship continues to inspire and guide us in our spiritual journey.

Led by knowledgeable facilitators, this course fosters thoughtful discussion and personal reflection, helping you to connect Mary’s story to your own life. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand Mary’s impact and grow closer to her as a model of faith. Join us in Cycle 1, starting January 20 2025, and unveil the many questions about Mary of Nazareth.