Cyril O’Regan recognized for contributions to academic theology

Cyril O’Regan, the Catherine F. Huisking Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, will be awarded the 2024 Ratzinger Prize, according to a September 18 press release from the Ratzinger Foundation. This prestigious award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Theology,” is conferred annually by the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation and honors O’Regan’s achievements in academic theology.

O’Regan has distinguished himself over decades as an expert in systematic theology, particularly through his work on the relationship between theology and philosophy, the nature of Christian mysticism, and his studies on figures including Newman, Ratzinger, Hegel, and von Balthasar. He has been a member of the Notre Dame Department of Theology since 1999.

The Ratzinger Prize, first awarded in 2011, honors scholars whose work embodies the intellectual legacy of Pope Benedict XVI—Joseph Ratzinger—who was deeply committed to bridging faith and reason through academic scholarship. The foundation seeks to promote “research, studies and publications on the works and thoughts of Professor Joseph Ratzinger,” which it does through conferences and the awarding of prizes. Past recipients include a range of scholars known for their groundbreaking work in theology and philosophy, among them former Notre Dame professor Reverend Brian E. Daley, S.J.  

“I am delighted and also feel incredibly honored given the caliber of scholars and thinkers who have received it before me,” O’Regan commented in a Department of Theology announcement.

In an interview with the Rover, Colin Bowers, a senior with a supplemental major in theology, noted O’Regan’s ability to make difficult course content accessible to his students. “Professor O’Regan is as remarkable a teacher as he is a theologian. He is able to distill complex theological concepts into easily understandable terms, which is a testament to the depth of his knowledge,” Bowers said. “Whenever students pose questions in class, his impromptu responses consistently sound as though he has already authored a paper on that very question.”

Bowers concluded, “It comes as no surprise that he is being honored with the prestigious Ratzinger Award, a recognition that is truly fitting for his many theological contributions.”

Alexander Lytle, a graduate student and postulant in the Congregation of Holy Cross, reflected on the impact O’Regan had on his studies. “Professor O’Regan opened our class about John Henry Newman by describing him as ‘prolific.’ It only took about five more minutes for me to realize that Newman wasn’t the only ‘prolific’ mind we’d be hearing from in this course.”

Lytle also noted the unique environment O’Regan creates in his classroom. “Professor O’Regan combines an encyclopedia-like intellect with a reverence for prayer and a dry sense of humor you could only ever hope for from a professor. He creates an impactful student experience for every subject he teaches. He is also quite welcoming of guests auditing or sitting in on his classroom, which is reflective of his attitude of fostering knowledge and advancement for all.”

Jacob Koestner, a theology graduate of the class of 2024, told the Rover, “The course was absolutely foundational to my theological studies and a central contribution to my sense of truly having received a liberal arts education.” 

O’Regan’s achievement is a reflection of the distinction of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology, which has been consistently ranked as one of the top theology programs in the world. It was recently ranked number one globally by the QS World University Rankings. 

The recognition further cements the university’s reputation as a leading institution in theological education and research. The Department of Theology has reported that the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, will present the Ratzinger Prize to O’Regan during a ceremony at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on November 22. As an honoree, O’Regan will have the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis.

Marcelle Couto is a senior majoring in theology and the Program of Liberal Studies. She can be reached at mcouto@nd.edu. 

Photo credit: University of Notre Dame

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