Jean Duchesne to Deliver Thomas Lecture on 20th-Century French Catholicism March 26

Jean Duchesne will present the annual Thomas Lecture on Philosophy and Theology at St. Bede Theater, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, IN. The lecture, titled "The Bumpy Ride of 20th-Century French Catholicism," will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. Central Time, and the event is free and open to the public.

In his lecture, Duchesne will explore the challenges and developments faced by the Catholic Church in France during the 20th century. The Saint Meinrad event description says he "will examine how new spiritual movements, renewed attention to Scripture, and influential Catholic thinkers helped shape the Church’s response to social change and informed the work of the Second Vatican Council." Organizers add that he "will also reflect on why these theological and spiritual advances did not prevent widespread secularization in Western Europe and what this history reveals about current challenges facing the Church."

The Thomas Lecture is made possible by an endowment established in honor of the late George and Mary Thomas and the late Fr. Kieran Conley, OSB. Saint Meinrad lists the lecture among its regular academic programming, noting the series "provides an opportunity for students and faculty at Saint Meinrad to explore issues in philosophy and theology." For Dubois County residents, the event offers a rare, in-person opportunity to hear scholarly analysis of faith, society, and regional church history without an admission charge.

Practical details for attendees follow the Saint Meinrad listing: parking is available at the St. Bede, Guest House, and student parking lots. Saint Meinrad operates on Central Time. For more information, call Krista Hall at 812-357-6501 during business hours.

The lecture is likely to draw a mix of students, faculty, local parishioners, and visitors from surrounding counties, reinforcing Saint Meinrad’s role as a cultural and educational anchor in southern Indiana. While the announcement does not provide a speaker biography, registration link, or streaming details, the open-admission format makes the program accessible for residents seeking local intellectual and spiritual programming.

Attendance could benefit downtown St. Meinrad commerce modestly by bringing evening visitors to nearby restaurants and services, and the lecture continues a long-standing pattern of Saint Meinrad-hosted events that connect campus scholarship with community life. Those planning to attend should note the Central Time start and use the designated parking lots. For further questions or to confirm event details, contact Krista Hall at 812-357-6501 during business hours.