OSCAR ROMERO SOLIDARITY LECTURE

The Center for Peace and Justice Education hosts an annual lecture inspired by Oscar Romero—archbishop, martyr, and saint. 

The Center for Peace and Justice Education hosts an annual lecture inspired by Oscar Romero—archbishop, martyr, and saint.  Romero came to realize the extent of the Salvadoran people’s suffering and became a voice for the voiceless.  The lecture series brings to campus someone committed to justice for and solidarity with the poor and marginalized. Past speakers have included Carolyn DeWitt (Rock the Vote), Octavio Duran OFM, Sheila Armstrong and Davide Mosenkis (POWER Interfaith), Jim Keady, Hisham Moharram (Good Tree Farm), the Rev. Michael Doyle (Sacred Heart Parish in Camden), and Mary Beth Appel (Catholic Worker House of Grace)

2026 SOLIDARITY SPEAKER SERIES



headshot of Christopher Stephens
headshot of Sarah Baran Fithian
photo of Sr Regina Zoot

How to Change the World ... Really

Christopher Stephens, Sara Baran Fithian, Sr. Regina Zoot, PhD

Wednesday, February 4

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Driscoll 132

What actually works in International Aid and Development? (And how to make a living at them.) Experts share front line, board room, and public policy insights.

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headshot of speaker Sue Toton

When Doing Good Isn't Good Enough

Suzanne Toton, Ed.D

Monday, March 26

4:30 - 5:30 PM

Speakers' Corner, Falvey Library

The event will celebrate Dr. Toton’s book which offers an unprecedented look at the significance of Catholic Social Teaching for transforming CRS in a time of institutional crisis after the Rwanda genocide. It is a powerful case study demonstrating how strategic vision and principled commitment to justice can fundamentally redefine an organization's impact and purpose. The event will also include remarks by Chris Tucker of Catholic Relief Services.

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photograph of speaker Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton (DE)

Stand-Up Comedic Performance and Talk

Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton (DE)

Wednesday, April 8

7:30 PM

Driscoll 132

Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and Delaware elected official whose work blends humor, politics, and social justice. Drawing from her experience as a young, Muslim, Black woman with vitiligo, she uses comedy to explore identity, power, and lived experience while engaging audiences across the country.


2025: Sr Norma Pimentel, MJ

2024: Carolyn Forché

2023: Las Patronas

2022: Roz Pichardo 

2021Monique Gary, PhD, and the Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

2020: Carolyn DeWitt

2019: Brother Octavio Duran

2018Sheila Armstrong and David Mosenkis

2017Jim Keady

2016Hisham Moharram, PhD

2014: The Rev. Michael Doyle

2012Mary Beth Appel '81 FCN

  

The Center often records their events, making them accessible to the wider community. You can watch them on YouTube.

Villanova University
Center for Peace and Justice Education
St. Rita Hall, 106
800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085

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MISSION AND MINISTRY

The Center for Peace and Justice Education is closely integrated with the Office for Mission and Ministry and its departments, programs and initiatives.