International Workshop on Euro-American Catholicism
Researchers from different countries met to analyze, from a global perspective, the networks and dynamics of Catholicism between the 18th and 20th centuries.
28 | 10 | 2024
The International Workshop "Euro-American Catholicism. A transnational approach. Siglos XVIII-XX", organized by the Center for Latin American Social programs of study (CESAL), the School of Human Sciences of the National University of the Center of the Province of Buenos Aires and the Center of programs of study Josemaría Escrivá of the University of Navarra.
This event, held at modality hybrid, had as goal to encourage reflection and discussion on Catholicism from a transnational perspective. The Workshop included an inaugural lecture , six thematic tables and a closing panel, with the participation of leading specialists in religious history.
The roundtables addressed diverse topics, from evangelization in the 18th century to the dynamics of secularization and secularity, including the sociability between priests and laity, devotions and pilgrimages, and the connections between Catholicism and immigration.
To close the event, Santiago Martínez, director of the Center of programs of study Josemaría Escrivá, presented his discussion paper entitled "Opus Dei (Madrid/Rosario-Buenos Aires), 20th Century," in which he analyzed the transnational networks woven by this institution in the Euro-American context.
The event promoted dialogue and exchange among researchers. It is hoped that new inter-institutional networks and collective projects will emerge from this meeting to strengthen the study of the history of Catholicism from a global perspective.
Much more than a exhibition
The opening of the sample featured the roundtable Women who inspire, moderated by Eliana Fucili (UN), with the participation of Inmaculada Alva (UN), Sergio Barbero (CSIC), Gurutze Pérez (UPNA) and Ana Rouzaut (UN), who discussed the impact of women in science and the bequest of figures such as Piedad de la Cierva.
In addition, a program of school visits has been designed to encourage scientific vocations among young girls, with educational materials available at unav.edu/pdelacierva.
This initiative, supported by the Cosmos 2024 program of the Government of Navarra, is not limited to Navarra: at the close of the sample in Pamplona, it will travel to Madrid, extending Piedad de la Cierva's bequest to a wider audience.
A bridge between the past and the future
Piedad de la Cierva's life is a testament to how perseverance can blaze trails, especially in a context where opportunities for women were limited. Her story remains an inspirational source , not only for her scientific achievements, but for her ability to overcome obstacles in a predominantly male domain.
During the roundtable Women who inspire, Inmaculada Alva highlighted the figure of Piedad as a reference for young women scientists. According to Alva, Piedad's greatest contribution was precisely her own example, as she was one of the pioneers who paved the way for other women in the scientific field. Piedad's determination, her love for science and her deep faith, which allowed her to rediscover the beauty of the natural order, are elements core topic that continue to resonate today.
In her early years, Piedad faced skepticism and the social barriers of her time, but her passion for science and the support of her family and colleagues gave her the strength to move forward. The exhibition not only highlights her research, but also serves as a reminder that, despite the obstacles, the desire to contribute to knowledge and the well-being of humanity can lead to transforming the scientific landscape.
