Mission Week’s keynote speaker this year is famed author Colum McCann, who will be visiting campus directly after giving his remarks on the 2025 Jubilee “Pilgrims of Hope” in Vatican City.
McCann has written seven novels, three collections of stories and two pieces of nonfiction, including his newest book, “American Mother,” which tells the story of Diane Foley, the mother of slain journalist and Marquette alumnus James Foley.
McCann’s keynote, “Storytelling, Hope and Healing in a Broken World,” will echo his remarks delivered at the Vatican as part of Pope Francis’ Jubilee 2025. After his keynote, Dr. Leah Flack, professor of English and Marquette’s Narrative 4 faculty adviser, will host a fireside chat with McCann. A short reception will follow afterward.
A Jubilee, as outlined by the Pope every 25 years, is a yearlong, global celebration when the sins of people are forgiven in a commitment to serve God through a common theme.
“We’re excited to have a distinguished scholar and champion of faith like Colum speak as a part of Mission Week this year,” says Rev. John Thiede, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry. “A friend of the university, Colum showcases our theme of ‘Act with Care’ in all that he does, and I cannot wait to hear his keynote speech this February.”
The keynote address will be Feb. 6, at 4:00 p.m. in the Varsity Theatre. The event is being sponsored by the Division of Belonging and Student Affairs and Narrative 4 @ Marquette.
For more information on McCann, visit his website here. See the full slate of Mission Week events here.
