An immigrant from Germany to Canada and then to the United States, Dr. Fiand has spent 45 years teaching, 26 of which were at the college and graduate level. She completed her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in philosophy at De Paul University. Her dissertation explored the phenomenon of reverence with special reference to Heidegger’s foundational thought. Currently she is on the faculty of the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. She has received a number of awards, including the Celebration of Teaching Award in both 1988 and 1991 (through the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities). She continues to lecture nationally and internationally.
Dr. Fiand is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. She gives retreats, workshops, and courses throughout the country and abroad on issues related to holistic spirituality, prayer, religious life, feminist spirituality, transformation of consciousness, quantum spirituality, and the psychology and spirituality of human maturation. She is the author of eight books and numerous articles as well as recorded lectures.
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 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 lecterers (1985-present), click here .
