The Role of the Body in Christian Spirituality
Leading academics from across the globe gathered in Dublin earlier this month for a major international symposium examining the growing role of embodiment in Christian spirituality.
The symposium, Engaging the Body in Narratives of the Soul’s Unfolding, was jointly hosted by the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education (SpIRE) » and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality (SSCS) » from 8–11 June 2026 at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.
Participants reflected on both the opportunities and challenges that the turn to the body in narratives of the soul’s unfolding presents for Christian spirituality and its understanding of the soul’s development and transformation.
Dr Michael O’Sullivan SJ says there has been “an explosion of research” into the embodied dimensions of spirituality which includes the healing of trauma through pastoral and spiritual care, ancient and contemporary pilgrimage traditions, ecological conversion through gardening, spiritual injury, and the journey to martyrdom and dance as a spiritual practice.
Scholars travelled to Dublin from universities and higher education institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Representatives came from cities including Johannesburg, Windhoek, Hong Kong, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, Munich, Madrid, Rome, Oxford, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, New York, Boston, Washington, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.
A notable feature of the gathering was the strong Jesuit presence among presenters. (See photo beginning with the back row). The seven Jesuit academics participating in the symposium were Frank McAloon SJ (Fordham University, New York), Eckhard Frick SJ (University of Munich), Peter Nguwen SJ (Holy Cross College, Worcester), Rossano Zas Friz SJ (Pontifical University, Madrid), André Brouillette SJ (Boston College), Michael O’Sullivan SJ (SpIRE and SETU), and Robert McChesney SJ (Georgetown University).
The conference received enthusiastic feedback from participants. One attendee from Africa described the event as “a rich and inspiring experience” and praised the organisers for creating “a welcoming space where everyone felt included and valued.”
A participant from the United States noted that “the papers and conversations were so rich and stimulating” and expressed his appreciation for the hospitality that made the gathering both fruitful and enjoyable.
Reflecting the international reach of both SpIRE and SSCS, the symposium provided a significant forum for dialogue among scholars engaged in contemporary research on spirituality, embodiment, and human flourishing, while strengthening relationships and fostering future collaboration across continents.
