Wendy M. Wright is currently Professor of Theology at Creighton University and holds the John C. Kenefick Faculty Chair in the Humanities. She also teaches regularly in several graduate ministerial programs including Creighton’s Christian Spirituality Master’s program and the National Methodist Academy for Spiritual Formation. Wright is co-host with Dr. J. O’Keefe of the Creighton University podcast “Catholic Comments.” She has a Ph.D. from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Wright’s expertise falls in the areas of history of spirituality, family spirituality, spiritual direction and the Catholic devotional tradition. Her academic work has focused on the Salesian spiritual tradition founded by Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. Wright is the author of numerous books and is currently working on editing the writings of Caryll Houselander.
Named after the legendary Sister Madeleva Wolff, CSC, president of Saint Mary's College from 1934 to 1961, the series is well known both nationally and internationally. Some of the most influential women scholars of the past twenty-five years are past-Madeleva Lecturers. In 2000 the lecturers collaborated as a group to write the now famous “Madeleva Manifesto: A Message of Hope and Courage.” In part, it says
To young women looking for models of prophetic leadership, we say: walk with us as we seek to follow the way of Jesus Christ, who inspires our hope and guides our concerns. The Spirit calls us to a gospel feminism that respects the human dignity of all, and who inspires us to be faithful disciples, to stay in the struggle to overcome oppression of all kinds whether based on gender, sexual orientation, race or class.
To the young women of the church we say: carry forward the cause of gospel feminism. We will be with you along the way, sharing what we have learned about the freedom, joy and power of contemplative intimacy with God. We ask you to join us in a commitment to far-reaching transformation of church and society in non-violent ways.
For a list of past Madeleva lecturers (1985-present), click here.
