Pope St. Paul VI:
Prophet, Peacemaker, and Bridge-Builder
with Karl Schultz
Pope St. Paul VI was arguably the most influential and vilified Catholic of the twentieth century. His imprint can still be seen today, as his successors continue to promote and draw upon his magisterium. Benedict XVI referred to his efforts in implementing Vatican II as “almost superhuman.” Pope Francis called his final apostolic exhortation “the greatest pastoral document written to date.”
Unfortunately, Paul remains narrowly identified with the encyclicals Ecclesiam Suam, Humanae Vitae, and Populorum Progressio, and the mass exodus and upheaval that followed the council. His other superb documents and ground-breaking initiatives have received insufficient recognition, and he has been wrongly blamed for the uneven implementation and turbulent aftermath of Vatican II. We will look at the real root causes and discover that Paul VI actually did much to mitigate the damage. Paul will help us recognize Vatican II as the Spirit-inspired blessing that subsequent popes have called it.
We will survey Paul’s key addresses, writings, and initiatives, and highlight prominent themes and milestones in his papacy. We will draw extensively on the recollections of his secretary, the late Bishop Macchi, and papers provided by the Paul VI Institute in Brescia, Italy. We will learn why this recently canonized saint is regarded by informed observers as one of the greatest popes in history, and a courageous and compassionate prophet who held the Church together during turbulent times.
Most important, we will encounter the man, and discover how learning more about and from him can help us love and understand ourselves and the Church better as well.
Karl A. Schultz is the director of Genesis Personal Development Center in Daytona Beach. He is an author, speaker, and retreat leader on men's spirituality, collaboration, wellness, and biblical study and spirituality. He is known internationally for his application of lectio divina to such topics as: men’s spirituality, St. Joseph, and Theology of the Body, St. Paul VI, suffering, care-giving, potential fulfillment, journaling, lexegesis (prayerful Bible study), Catholic time and stress management.
Schultz has presented programs in church, retreat, corporate, hospital, hospice, and convention environments throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. His teaching series on lectio divina and the Holy Family airs frequently on EWTN. He has recorded CD and DVD dialogues on lectio, spirituality suffering, and sexuality with various bishops, theologians, and scholars.
Coffee and danish are served at 9:00 am. The program begins at 9:30 am followed by lunch. Mass ends the day!
Date: October 10, 2019
Location: St. Francis of Assisi
Time: 9:00am-1:30pm
Cost: $15
**A $3 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for this retreat. Payment is due in full upon check-in at Senior Day.