We told our Bible study students at the end of last year that we had decided to study Dante's Divine Comedy this year since Pope Francis has requested everyone read the trilogy during this Year of Mercy.
Here's an article by Bishop Robert Barron on the importance of reading The Divine Comedy: The Spiritual Master Pope Francis Wants You to Read.
We will be using Catholic Courses' 3-part study with Professor Anthony Esolen as instructor. Each book study is made up of eight 30-minute DVD lessons with a few questions for discussion after each segment. We will be doubling up the classes, so that will mean you'll have more reading to do at home beforehand.
We recommend you purchase Anthony Esolen's translations of the books: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso (covers may vary). Of course if you've already got your own set at home, you can use it, but Joseph Pearce tells us a Catholic commentary makes all the difference.
As soon as you get Inferno, read Cantos 1-8 for the first two lessons taking place on May 19.
Here is the schedule:
Inferno: May 19, 26, June 2, 9
Purgatory: June 30, July 7, 14, 21
Paradise: August 4, 11, 18, 25
Let us know if you plan to join us! Invite your friends too.
Mark and Celine McCoy
EpiphanyStudies@gmail.com
