‘Theology Day’ focus on Pope Francis

St. John Vianney Parish in Omaha is offering its annual Theology Day March 5, featuring a professor reflecting on Pope Francis’ call for the church to become a model of compassionate love for the poor and the earth.

Vincent Smiles, theology professor from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., will examine the Scriptures and the science on which the pope relies in pursuit of his vision.

Smiles, who has written extensively about the letters of Paul, has turned his research in recent years to the relationship between theology and science. His most recent book, published in 2011, is "The Bible and Science: Longing for God in a Science-Dominated World."

Father Richard Reiser, pastor, who received his master’s in divinity at Saint John’s seminary, has offered a Theology Day the last four years with professors from the seminary, Saint John’s University and Saint Benedict, all in the Collegeville area, as those institutions reach out to the broader community.