Workshop at the Specola Vaticana (Vatican Observatory)

Spirituality and astronomy

“Spirituality and Astronomy 2024 -- ‘When They Saw the Star, They Rejoiced with Great Joy’” is the theme of a workshop that takes place from 30 August to 1 September at the Vatican Observatory headquarters. The workshop will include introductory lessons, moments of prayer and sharing, visits to telescopes and evenings dedicated to observing the skies. Participants will be accompanied by members of the Jesuit community, Vatican Observatory researchers, professors and amateur astronomers.

The workshop begins on Friday, 30 August with a general introduction from Jesuit Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, Director of the Vatican Observatory, followed by a presentation by Father Gabriele Gionti, Vice Director of the Observatory of Castel Gandolfo, who will deliver a talk on “Scientific Apostolate of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit scientists from Clavius to Coyne”. Participants will then attend Holy Mass at Castel Gandolfo, which will be followed by a guided tour of the telescopes at the Pontifical Palace. At around 9:00 p.m., amateur astronomer Claudio Costa will introduce participants to the Visitors’ Centre and lead a skywatching session.

On Saturday, 31 August, Msgr. Tomasz Trafny of the General Secretariat of the Synod, will deliver a talk on “spirituality and Astronomy”, followed by a presentation by Sister Irene Tranquillini, of the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate, titled “Look Up at the Sky and Count the Stars”. Participants will then break into groups for discussions, after which they will observe the sun from the Observatory courtyard. In the afternoon, Msgr. Carlo Maria Polvani, Adjunct Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, will deliver a talk on “The impact of scientific culture on contemporary thought”. Father Matteo Galaverni of the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, astronomer at the Observatory, will explore the theme “Open-ended questions in cosmology, what we (don’t) know”. The day will end with Holy Mass.

Sunday, 1 September, will begin with a one-hour skywatching session at 4:00 a.m., in the Observatory courtyard, after which Father Guidalberto Bormolini will lead a moment of prayer. Philosopher and physicist, Jesuit father Robert Janusz, will deliver a talk on “Christian spirituality and creation”, followed by another talk by Father Guidalberto Bormolini  on “Cosmology, from Ancient People to Church Fathers”. The workshop will conclude with a final review and Holy Mass.

For further details, please visit: https://www.vaticanobservatory.va