Mission Events and Programs Archive

A film presentation: Maxo Vanka's Masterpiece: The Murals at St. Nicholas Church - January 19, 2012

A new documentary film from director/producer Kenneth Love. This extraordinary, 55-minute documentary film follows the world-renowned Croatian artist Maxo Vanka and the masterpiece he created on the walls and vaults of St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, a steel-worker's church in the industrial town of Millvale, near Pittsburgh. Vanka filled the church with colorful murals on historical, spiritual, and social themes. Though universal in meaning, Vanka drew on Croatian folk art traditions for the murals' design. As the ravages of World War II engulfed Europe and devastated his homeland, Vanka incorporated scenes that captured the history of the tragedy that beset family members abroad and immigrant families in Pittsburgh. Vanka completed the work in 1941, and the murals gained international attention.

Disability Awareness Luncheon - Oct. 13, 2010

Chaz Kellem, manager of diversity initiatives for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was the keynote speaker for the fifth annual Disability Awareness luncheon. Kellem was diagnosed at birth with a rare bone disorder, osteogenesis imperfecta, he has sustained more than 40 broken bones and undergone 12 operations. Yet, Kellem lives life to the fullest and motivates others with disabilities to set and achieve their goals.

In his professional role as diversity initiatives manager, Kellem assists the Pirates with various community and diversity efforts, providing leadership and knowledge on topics concerning disability advocacy, work place transitions, ethical decision-making and marketing. He also conducts inspirational presentations for colleges, young groups and business leaders.

“I want to make an impact on this region in a positive way, and right now I try to do that through encouraging interactions and helpful messages,” Kellem said.

Founders Week 2010 - The Spiritans and Islam - Feb. 1-4, 2010

Duquesne University commemorates the values and vision of its founders, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, through the annual Founders Week observance.  Sponsored by the Office of Mission and Identity, the 2010 celebration included two special presentations that explored the history and ongoing commitment to interreligious dialogue among the Spiritan and Muslim communities.

Tanzanian Bishop Augustine Ndeliakyama Shao, C.S.Sp. addressed the University community on the work of the Spiritans in his diocese of Zanzibar and Pemba, where the Congregation has had a presence for 150 years.  Following his presentation, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Pastoral Leadership from Duquesne University.

Dr. Scott C. Alexander, director of Catholic Muslim Studies and department chair of Intercultural Studies and Ministries at Catholic Theological Union explored shared values and collaborations from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions in his presentation titled, "To Treat the Stranger as Neighbor: An Interreligious Imperative for Our Time."