Featuring: Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, Archbishop of Washington In Conversation With: Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., University President In a political landscape where many Americans believe political discourse has become unproductive, stressful, and disrespectful, where do we find reason for hope? Join us for a timely conversation that will explore the roots of our societal divides and offer strategies to move forward together toward a more unified future. The livestream feed will be posted to this page prior to the event. About Cardinal Robert W. McElroy Robert Cardinal McElroy is the eighth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. Upon graduation from high school, Cardinal McElroy was committed to seeking a life in the priesthood but concluded that it would be best to pursue his vocation in a college outside the seminary system. He received a bachelor’s degree in American history from Harvard College and received a master’s degree in American history and a doctorate in political science from Stanford University. He also earned a master’s degree in divinity (M.Div.) at St. Patrick’s Seminary, a licentiate in sacred theology (STL) from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California, and a doctorate in moral theology (STD) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco on April 12, 1980. His first assignment was St. Cecilia Parish in San Francisco, which was the parish where both of his parents had grown up, attended grammar school, and were later married. Parish work has always been his first love. In 1989, Cardinal McElroy served as parochial vicar at St. Pius Parish in Redwood City. In 1995, Archbishop Quinn appointed then-Father McElroy vicar general of the Archdiocese, a post he continued to hold under Cardinal William Levada, who succeeded Archbishop Quinn. The following year, then-Father McElroy was made a prelate of honor by St. John Paul II and appointed pastor of St. Gregory Parish in San Mateo by Cardinal Levada. He had the immense happiness of serving in this same parish for more than 15 years. Then-Bishop McElroy was appointed auxiliary bishop of San Francisco by Pope Benedict XVI on July 6, 2010, and was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral on September 7, 2010. He became the Archdiocesan Vicar for Parish Life and Development and served in that role until his appointment to be the sixth bishop of San Diego in March 2015. Pope Francis appointed then-Bishop McElroy to the College of Cardinals on May 29, 2022. He was installed in a consistory on August 27, 2022, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope Francis appointed Cardinal McElroy the eighth Archbishop of Washington on January 6, 2025. Cardinal McElroy is a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. Originally published at forum2025.nd.edu.

New at the BrowningDirected by Jiao ZiWith Michelle Yeoh, Crystal Lee, Vincent Rodriguez IIIRated PG-13, 144 minutesWhen Xu Zhonglin wrote the novel Investiture of the Gods in the 1500s, he didn't expect one, let alone two, animated adaptations to sweep China (and then the world). In particular with Ne Zha 2, this direct sequel has become both the highest-grossing animated film and the highest-grossing non-English language film of all time by raking in over $2,000,000,000. While the results are staggering, the story's roots still hold well to the 16th-century source material: A rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, is feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers. Now that he's faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs. GET TICKETS

New at the BrowningDirected by Jiao ZiWith Michelle Yeoh, Crystal Lee, Vincent Rodriguez IIIRated PG-13, 144 minutesWhen Xu Zhonglin wrote the novel Investiture of the Gods in the 1500s, he didn't expect one, let alone two, animated adaptations to sweep China (and then the world). In particular with Ne Zha 2, this direct sequel has become both the highest-grossing animated film and the highest-grossing non-English language film of all time by raking in over $2,000,000,000. While the results are staggering, the story's roots still hold well to the 16th-century source material: A rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, is feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers. Now that he's faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs. GET TICKETS

Fall break (Oct. 18–26)Review the academic year schedule. No classes in session.

Saturdays with the Saints has established itself as a popular Notre Dame football pregame ritual that combines the University’s rich traditions of Catholic faith and spirited game days. In this lecture, Michael Baxter, associate professor of the practice, McGrath Institute for Church Life, will present on "Julia Greeley of Denver: A Black Woman, A White Angel, and a Red Wagon for the Works of Mercy on Wheels." The lectures take place in the Andrews Auditorium, located on the lower level of Geddes Hall, adjacent to the Hesburgh Library. The talks are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as the events tend to fill to capacity.Originally published at mcgrath.nd.edu.

Join the Medieval Institute for another exciting tailgate before our Fighting Irish take on the USC Trojans! This Gameday, we welcome back David DelaGardelle of Cedarlore Forge, who will be demonstrating the amazing art of early medieval swordsmithing. David will be joined by musical guests Bell Book and Canto, who are sure to delight with performances of wonderful medieval melodies.Complimentary food and drink will be provided. This event is free and open to the public—all people of all ages are welcome!Originally published at medieval.nd.edu.