NOTE: Due to inclement weather, this lecture will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Daura Museum of Art.
The Roger and Janie Dowdy Endowment for Initiatives in Peacebuilding through Spirituality and the Arts will present a lecture by Dr. Patrick Beldio on Thursday, Feb. 20.
The lecture, “Following the Road of the Heart’s Desire through Words and Images,” will begin at 7 p.m. in the University of Lynchburg’s Daura Museum of Art. Admission is free and the public is invited.
At the event, Beldio will discuss his sculpture “The New Being” and its connection to his latest book, “The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Co-Creator of the Integral Yoga.” The book explores the contributions of Mirra Alfassa, a French-Indian, Jewish spiritual guru who lived from 1878-1973.
Beldio is a scholar and teacher of comparative theology with a focus on Hinduism, Sufism, and Christian spirituality. He currently teaches in the theology/religion department at the University of Scranton.
He is a professional sacred sculptor and has a studio at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C. His artwork is in private and public collections in the U.S., Europe, and India.
“We are grateful for the support of The Roger and Janie Dowdy Endowment for Initiatives in Peacebuilding through Spirituality and the Arts, as it supports this opportunity of bringing Dr. Patrick Beldio to our campus,” said Jer Bryant ’03, ’10 MA, associate chaplain and associate professor of English.
“[He] truly epitomizes what this endowment promotes — peace, spirituality, and art. Beldio’s diverse interests in Sufism, Hinduism, and Christian spirituality, coupled with his brilliant artistry, establishes him as a unique guest for our campus community to enjoy.
“Whether you are interested in religious studies, sculpture, or spiritual living, you will find a friend in Beldio.”
For more information, contact Bryant at [email protected] or 434.544.8355.
