Library at the Pontifical Oriental Institute

17 Nov THE G.U.F INSTRUMENTAL IN RENOVATIONS AT THE PONTIFICAL ORIENTAL INSTITUTE

Posted at 10:22h in Gregorian University, Pontifical Oriental Institute by gregorian

In the renovations to the Pontifical Oriental Institute over the past year, the library has become a centre point for modernizing and improving the learning experience at the Institute. Not only has the historic structure received structural and cosmetic updates, it also now boasts new modern digital equipment to help the Orientale broadcast events to a global audience.

With 180,000 volumes, the Orientale hosts the greatest collection of literature on Eastern Christianity. The library specializes in Ecclesiastical History, Theology, Patristics, Spirituality, Hagiography, Liturgy, Eastern Canon Law, and Eastern Christian Art. Beyond these theologically centred fields, the Orientale also houses diverse and important collections on the peoples and countries of the Christian East, including history, languages, literatures, archeology, civil law, politics, non-Christian religions and ecumenism.

This past weekend, the Pontifical Oriental Institute hosted an international conference: “Damascus: Prism of Hope.” The conference arose out of two concerns that have emerged from the Jesuit Province of the Near East. The first concern is the importance of identity and belonging as the primary ground for reconstruction. The second is how to inspire a realizable future after years of conflict in a place where it seems impossible to even speak of hope. The conference touched upon these challenges, and those of the Church’s mission in providing formation and education in the churches and communities of the Christian East.

For the first time in it’s history, the Orientale live streamed to Youtube using the new tools installed in the Library. To watch the conference follow the links below. Be aware that most of the talks are in Italian. 

Day 1 – The boundaries of the cohabitation and coexistence of borders

Day 2 – The education of resources and culture: is this the way of renewal?

Day 3 – Education and Service: testimonies and statements.

The renovations and advancements at the Pontifical Oriental Institute would not be possible without the financial support of the Gregorian University Foundation. The funds raised by the G.U.F. are critical to advancing the mission entrusted by the Holy See to the Consortium: the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute by conducting the renovations and improvements that allow for an educational experience that matches the world class education they receive.