Vision and Mission
The Center for the Study of Catholic Social Thought is founded on the vision and mission of Duquesne University as a Catholic University in the Spiritan Tradition.
Intellectual and Social Solidarity
Through research, scholarly publications, conferences, and lectures on Catholic Social Thought, the Center serves as the locus of the University’s participation in both intellectual solidarity and social solidarity within the tradition of the Catholic Church’s commitment to the common good, particularly in relation to issues of poverty, racism, and inter-religious dialogue.
The Center’s work in these two dimensions of solidarity gives witness to the five pillars of the University’s vision and mission:
- Academic Excellence
- Moral and Spiritual Values
- Ecumenism
- Spirit of Service
- World Concerns
Founding Director: Dr. Ma.Christina A. Astorga
Continuing the Spirit and Mission of Duquesne
Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University, through the Center for the Study of Catholic Social Thought, continues the Congregation’s spirit and mission, as expressed by one of its founding fathers, Fr. Francis Mary Paul (Jacob) Libermann in his Spiritan Rule of Life of 1849, when he mandated that Spiritans must make themselves, “the advocates, supporters, and the defenders of the weak and the little ones against all who oppress them.”
Inspired and sustained by this spirit and mission, the Spiritans, over the centuries, have brought their ministry of presence and hope to seventy-two countries across five continents, as well as beyond economic, social, cultural, racial, and ethnic boundaries. The Center provides the intellectual resource for this global Spiritan work and mission within the framework of the Catholic Social Thought. |
