Please see the announcements and the important letter in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German about the upcoming Trent (Italy) conference at the homepage: www.catholicethics.com

We wrote:

“In 2007, the European Jesuits in Science and the Jesuit members of the Vatican Observatory proposed a postulatum that the 35th General Congregation act to “enable and foster an improved broad general education in the natural sciences for all its members…”

“Following his election, Father General Nicolás addressed the Vatican Observatory in 2008, requesting the counsel of Jesuit scientists concerning the incorporation of natural science into the formation of young Jesuits. Meeting in 2009, at the International Congress on Darwin’s Impact on Science, Society, and Culture sponsored by the Faculty of Philosophy at the Catholic University of Portugal in Braga, we have considered the topics that we think are essential knowledge for all Jesuits in formation, and the mode in which these topics could be taught.

“We hope that some Jesuits continue to be formed as scientists, and that young Jesuit scientists are encouraged to pursue their scientific work during their years of formation. However, nowadays the majority of young men entering the Society have a background in humanities, not natural sciences. Thus we must encourage Jesuits to become more knowledgeable in the natural sciences in order to be open to receive the scientific developments of our age. This is particularly important for those who are destined to teach, especially teaching other Jesuits.

“We propose that formation be adapted so that that all Jesuits have a basic understanding of the particular topics of Physics, including the basics of relativity, quantum mechanics, and physical cosmology; and Biology, including genetics and evolution, reproduction, neurosciences, anthropology, and mental and physical health.”

This statement is quite short, at the suggestion of Fr. Rostaert, who noted that a shorter statement is more likely to be read. But we are also following up on his suggestion of preparing a longer statement to accompany this one, explaining in some detail the reasoning behind our proposal. I plan to circulate a draft this statement in the upcoming weeks.

–Guy Consolmagno

• A document containing all the general information about the Darwin conference in Braga, mirroring the contents of the website.
• Key information for Jesuit in Science who wish to come to Braga, whether they want to participate in the Jesuits in Science meeting, or the Darwin conference, or both. The issues covered by this document are transport, addresses, accommodation, contacts, and fees.
• A separate table containing the programme of the Darwin conference. Stay tuned for the programme of the Jesuits in Science meeting.

Please note that the Jesuits in Science meeting will use the timeslots dedicated to “parallel sessions” (beginning at 14.30 on 10 and 11 September) as well as a session in the morning of Sunday 13 September. Therefore, please plan on staying until noon, 12.00 a.m., on Sunday 13 September.

– Paul Gabor (p.gabor@jesuit.cz)

– Paul Gabor (p.gabor@jesuit.cz)

The George Van Biesbroeck Prize for 2009 is awarded to Father George Coyne of Specola Vaticana, Vatican City, in recognition of the diversity and scientific richness he has brought to the astronomical community through his visionary leadership of the Vatican Observatory Summer School and its long-term mentoring program, and for the unique role he has played at the juncture of science and religion. The prize is normally awarded annually to a living individual for long-term extraordinary or unselfish service to astronomy, often beyond the requirements of his or her paid position.

What led the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to propose the IYA to the UN? There is the natural need to celebrate astronomy and its achievements over the centuries. But this is not the only goal. In fact, the astronomers are much more ambitious. They chose the IYA motto accordingly, “Universe - Yours to Discover,” wanting to stimulate every and each individual living on this planet to gaze at the stars at least once during 2009, and to think about our place in the Universe. The astronomers wish to share with all fellow Earthlings the sense of awe inspired by the simple exercise of gazing at the heavens. They believe that a moment’s contemplation can lead people to an understanding of how magnificent our Universe is and how petty are our earthly squabbles.

I was privileged to be one of the three representatives of the Vatican, with Fr. Jose Funes SJ (ARG) and Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ (MAR), at the IYA opening ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, together with 800 astronomers from 140 countries. Excellent scientific talks, pleasant meetings with old and new friends and colleagues: all of this was very nice. But the one thing which impressed me the most was the conviction with which many of the speakers subscribed to the ambitious goal of the IYA. Would it not be marvellous if the message of the IYA reached as many people as possible, and they did indulge in the proposed spiritual exercise of contemplating our place in the Universe?

The young manager of the Southern African Large Telescope, Kevin Govender, tells politicians, “If tensions in troubled areas risk escalating into violence, do not send in the troops; send in astronomers.” His conviction is credible because he himself grew up in an underprivileged situation.

The Vatican and its observatory will do its share, participating in many of the projects under IYA, and there will also be some local initiatives. An exhibition on Astronomy will be installed at the Vatican Museum, the Pontifical Academy of Science together with the Vatican Observatory will organise a conference on Astrobiology, the Vatican publishing house will publish a book on Astronomy at the Vatican… The Holy Father was one of the first Heads of State to hail IYA (already on the 21 December 2008, and then on 6 January 2009), bringing it to the attention of millions of Catholics.

I wish you a happy new year of astronomy. The Universe is yours to discover. Clear skies!

Fr. Pavel Gabor SJ (BOH)