Salesianum Religion Instructor Neil Kane To Present Catholic Perspective On C.S. Lewis

Saturday, March 25, 3 p.m., St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish

If asked the questions who is C. S. Lewis and why is he famous, many would say they never heard the name. Or perhaps they know about Lewis because they read his enchanting novels The Chronicles of Narnia as children or because they saw the recent film The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

However, the novels and the film only begin to tell what is needed to know about Lewis and what his works can offer during the holy season of Lent.

Born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898, Lewis struggled with atheism for many years. He eventually joined the Anglican Church after a conversion experience so profound that he became one of the 20th centuryÕs most prolific Christian writers. He taught Medieval and Renaissance Literature at both Oxford and Cambridge universities. He continued writing until his death in 1963.

Lewis understood the constant struggle faced by all Christians in the journey through life. His ideas about God, humanity, nature, sin, and redemption found expression in challenging works of theology and philosophy as well as in science fiction novels and fairy tales deeply rooted in Christian theology.

In addition to The Chronicles of Narnia, LewisÕs other popular works include The Screwtape Letters, a novel in the form of letters written by the devil to his nephew; Mere Christianity, a book originally presented as a series of talks on the radio; and Surprised by Joy, an account of his conversion. His best-known works about morality and religion include The Problem of Pain and The Four Loves.

This week, St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish welcomes Salesianum religion instructor Neil Kane to their parish for his presentation on Lewis entitled Grace and Nature in C. S. Lewis: A Catholic Perspective. KaneÕs presentation will offer insights and reflections on ChristÕs transforming grace in human life and creation. He will explain how LewisÕs writings and spirituality can help Christians recognize and understand GodÕs redeeming interaction with our world.

Salesianum School is a Roman Catholic independent secondary school that teaches young men to "Live Jesus", guided by the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, through a college preparatory education, enabling them to take their place in the world as Salesian gentlemen.

Please contact Jon Allison '97, alumni & communications director, at (302) 654-2495 ext. 143 with any questions.