Rome, Italy, May 9, 2016 / 15:11 pm
No Catholic who wants to take an in-depth look into the faith and the reality of the Church of our time can skip the works of the "Theologian Pope", Benedict XVI. To really deepen one's knowledge, or to literally become an expert in all things Joseph Ratzinger, one can begin a new master's program which began in February of this year. During two semesters at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome, the program, "Joseph Ratzinger: Studies and Spirituality," teaches in eight parts the works and spirituality of the emeritus Pope. The program is offered in English and Italian, and one of its professors is Monsignor Florian Kolfhaus, who spoke with CNA about the program.
Msgr. Kolfhaus, you teach students in the Master of Ratzinger Studies program. How did that come about?
Since I was a student in Rome, I've known Joseph Ratzinger, and still to this day my contact with him has not broken, but has actually intensified compared to the time of his pontificate, during which I met with him maybe only once a year. I know the person whose theology this master's program presents. Furthermore, I have focused on Mariology for many years, which unfortunately has too few theologians devoted to it in the German-speaking world. I think that both are reasons why the Augustinianum – the institute for patristic studies in Rome – asked me to present Ratzinger's thoughts on Mary. Furthermore another topic is: the Spirit, charisms, and the Church.
For whom is this program intended? Who would enjoy it, or benefit from it?