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The Shock of Holiness

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

6:00 pm EDT - 8:00 pm EDT

Catholic Information Center

1501 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005 United States

Description

Is holiness actually shocking? What is romantic about the everyday life of a holy person?  Philosopher and author Michael Pakaluk seeks to answer those questions and challenge readers to pursue both holiness and romance in his new book, The Shock of Holiness: Finding the Romance of Everyday Life.

The CIC invites you to join Dr. Michael Pakaluk for the launch of his new book here on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT.

In The Shock of Holiness, Dr. Pakaluk invites readers to ponder not only the extraordinary witnesses of the saints but also the smaller instances of grace in everyday life — from the holiness of mothers at daily Mass to thoughts on a crucifix versus a cross to a concise reasoning of Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist.

He will discuss some of the most basic challenges in life — marriage and sex, contraception, sacrifice, raising children, and emulating the saints — and how holiness in those places can be achieved.

August 27th Schedule:

  • 5:40 pm EDT: Doors open for registrant check-in
  • 6:00 pm EDT: Michael Pakaluk’s presentation (this portion will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream)
  • 7:00 pm EDT: Booksigning by Dr. Pakaluk and a light happy hour
  • 8:00 pm EDT: Conclusion

The Shock of Holiness will be available to purchase at the CIC bookstore. RSVP today!

About the Speaker

Michael Pakaluk is a professor of ethics and social philosophy in the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas.

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