The Immaculata, Humanities Center Events Recognize Protestant Reformation's 500th Anniversary

Most Reverend Robert W. McElroy, Bishop of San Diego, Reverend Monsignor Dennis Mikulanis and other local faith representatives will participate in a service that commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Sunday’s event, beginning at 3 p.m. in The Immaculata Church on the University of San Diego campus, is a joint-sponsored Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic Service of Common Prayer. People of all faiths and denominations are welcome to attend. A light reception will follow on The Immaculata lawn.

The year 2017 marks 500 years since Martin Luther, OSA, published his 95 theses — or complaints — against the Catholic Church and launched the Protestant Reformation, a religious revolution that affects many still today. The Reformation is credited with dividing the Western church and changing millions of people’s understanding of their relationship with God.

The service, according to the Diocese website, “will commemorate a historic movement and celebrate the gift of strong ecumenical relationships that shape Christianity in our modern world, and in particular, San Diego.”

The Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego are co-hosting the event and bishops from all three traditions are expected to participate.

Msgr. Mikulanis, following the lead of Pope Francis’ 2016 visit to Sweden when he called for a Catholic-Lutheran reconciliation, believes Sunday’s event continues this message of bringing people together for the good of the Church. It “calls us to the renewal of Christian unity,” he said. "Christ is the source of unity."

Mikulanis said that the service will include a presentation of matching stoles for each of the faith leaders present “as a sign of reconciliation for unity of the church.”

USD Humanities Center Events Examine 500th Reformation Anniversary

The University of San Diego is examining the 500th anniversary via two talks — the second of which takes place today, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. — hosted by the USD Humanities Center (Serra Hall 200).

Today's event: The USD Humanities Center, which is presenting a series on "dangerous ideas" takes a closer look at what happens when the idea is a change of religion. The Center hosts a talk by Peter Gregersen, Superintendent of Religious Instruction, State of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, home of the reformation. Topics being discussed include Luther’s theological arguments, economic changes during his time, and the history of his writings with emphasis on the historical backgrounds in West Germany and East Germany. Petersen will illuminate the high topicality of Luther’s writings, using national and local examples in Germany.

Earlier this month, Marianne Pfau, PhD, professor of music history in USD’s Department of Music, gave a talk in the Humanities Center titled, “500 Years Protestant Reformation (1517-2017): A Revolution in Music.” The Reformation set in motion a rebellion against the monolithic authority of the Catholic Church. Through a revolution in music, Martin Luther exerted a profound influence on the religious and cultural life of 16th century Europe. The mass distribution of printed hymnbooks for the use at home encouraged musical literacy among all levels of society. He developed new types of religious music, and in particular fostered polyphony as a mirror of a multi-faceted, individualized articulation of belief. Beginning with Luther’s own hymns, Pfau’s talk on Oct. 2 looked at the polyphonic settings based on them, and traced their ultimate transformation in the music of J. S. Bach whose power, beauty, and reach continues today.

— Compiled by USD News Center