As we wrap up a remarkable season at the Sheen Center, we are filled with gratitude for the vibrant community that joined us in exploring profound themes through powerful conversations and compelling films. This season, our commitment to fostering dialogue, reflection, and cultural enrichment was brought to life through a diverse slate of events. With a focus on leadership, faith, courage, and hope, our discussion and film programming was curated to spark meaningful discussions and deepen understanding, while specifically including artists and subject matter experts in conversation with our audiences. Most of the events below were free to attend, ensuring broad access for students and community members alike.

We hosted a special conversation celebrating the power of character-driven leadership that inspired attendees to cultivate courage and integrity in their own lives. Featuring Robert L. Dilenschneider, acclaimed author and leadership coach, in dialogue with John P. Cahill, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York, this discussion centered on Dilenschneider’s latest book, Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership, exploring the essential traits that have shaped some of history’s most impactful figures and helped these leaders overcome adversity, create lasting change, and shape the future.

Just last week, we welcomed a sold-out audience for Between Two Popes: Reflections on The Conclave with Cardinal Dolan leading a wide-ranging conversation about faith, leadership, and the last two papal conclaves. Joined by Joseph Zwilling, Lino Rulli, Martha MacCallum, and Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, the event was streamed live nationwide, extending the reach of this dynamic dialogue far beyond our Loreto stage, a testament to the Sheen Center’s role as a hub for meaningful, faith-centered discourse.

The event is available to watch on Fox Nation through July 15, and stay tuned for more information about access to this video recording via the Sheen Center website soon!

Building on these rich conversational events, this season’s film screenings offered compelling narratives that touched on leadership, resilience, and social justice. This past February’s Horizons of Hope film series was a highlight, featuring three impactful films—Shelter in Solitude, The Basement Talks, and Blue Baby: The Fight for America’s Youth—each paired with Q&A sessions with filmmakers and experts. This powerful collection of films explored themes of redemption, connection, and the potential for transformation via the lightning-rod topics of incarceration, abortion, and the death penalty. Our curious and empathetic audiences engaged with complex questions and bore witness to the extraordinary resilience and grace that emerges in the pursuit of healing and hope.

In addition to a private advanced screening of the mainstream film The Life of Chuck at the Angelika, we also hosted documentary screenings right here on site, including panel discussions and Q&As with the filmmakers. A major highlight for us included our free screening of Cabrini, a powerful film about  Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini - the first American to be recognized by the Vatican as a saint - and her courageous work in New York City in the late 19th century, which gave us occasion to welcome over 200 high school students from the Archdiocese and their teachers to experience this film at the Sheen Center.

Following our May screening of Defining Moments: The Life and Leadership of Quiet Revolutionary Frances Hesselbein, a panel of Catholic women leaders joined Executive Director MaryLou Pagano to discuss how faith shapes their unique leadership journeys. The event also included Girl Scout Troop 6000, a Troop dedicated to serving families living in temporary housing in the NYC shelter system, who got to experience the film as our guests and sold cookies in the lobby— an inspiring example of community engagement in action.

 

We strive to create an inclusive space, open to all who seek inspiration and connection. Where students, community members, and thought leaders can bring their faith through the door, to come together to learn and grow. And we couldn’t do it without your support!