Who We Are

A centre for Lonergan studies, practical self-understanding, and public-facing theological and philosophical research.

The Lonergan Centre at Saint Paul University is a research, communications, and events centre devoted to the study, promotion, and practical application of the work of Bernard Lonergan, S.J. Since its inception in May 2007, the Centre has maintained an active and visible presence at Saint Paul University and in the wider Ottawa, Gatineau, Eastern Ontario, and Western Quebec regions, long recognized as important places for Lonergan scholarship and activity.

Our location is especially fitting. Lonergan was born in Buckingham, Quebec, and spent significant years of his early life, study, and teaching in the region. The Centre therefore works from a natural home for Lonergan studies, while remaining internationally oriented and open to collaboration with scholars, students, practitioners, and institutions around the world.

Our passion is to amplify and promote research into Lonergan’s theological achievements, his ground-breaking work in philosophy and ethics, and his enduring contribution to method, hermeneutics, philosophies of consciousness, self-understanding, systematic theology, and responsible action.

The Centre builds on the work of Professor Emeritus Kenneth R. Melchin, his students, colleagues, and collaborators. It continues to serve as a hub for research, publications, events, and interdisciplinary applications of Lonergan’s thought. We are especially interested in showing how Lonergan’s methods of self-understanding can illuminate concrete practices of learning, discernment, communication, healing, ethical decision-making, conflict transformation, public responsibility, and intellectual conversion.

The Lonergan Centre is grateful for the annual support provided by Saint Paul University, which helps sustain its regular activities, communications, events, reading groups, collaborative projects, and support for research and publication.