In a moment of historic convergence—the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the election of a new Pope Leo, and the Jubilee Year of Hope—we gather for a day of reflection on the heart of Catholic-Jewish relations.
Called to Friendship invites Catholic and Jewish leaders, scholars, and the faithful to move beyond dialogue and rediscover the sacred bonds of covenant, conscience, and communion. Rooted in Scripture and history, this friendship is urgently needed in our divided age.
Highlights include a keynote from George Weigel on the theology of John Paul II’s pilgrimage, Dr. Russell Hittinger on Catholic social teaching, and Dr. Gavin D’Costa on “Catholic Zionism,” followed by audience Q&A.
A candid panel—featuring Rabbi Joshua Stanton, Yael Freimann, Peter Wolfgang, and Simone Rizkallah, moderated by Phil Dolitsky—will explore identity, mission, and mutual responsibility.The day concludes with a spiritual reflection from Sr. Maris Stella, S.V., on the legacy of Cardinal John O’Connor: “We are spiritual Semites. If we forget our Jewish brothers and sisters, we forget who we are.”Kathryn Jean Lopez will serve as emcee, with final thoughts and remarks from Mary Eberstadt.
This program will be offered both in-person and virtually through a YouTube livestream.
For more details, including the conference agenda and the speakers' bio, please visit Nostra Aetate at 60.
