NUI GALWAY IS HOSTING AN EVENT IN THE AULA MAXIMA, QUADRANGLE, ON 25^th OCTOBER AT 5.30 PM.Who was Martin Luther?

What happened in October 1517?

Why is it still relevant after 500 Years?

Myths and legends have been built up over the years surrounding Martin Luther and the time of great upheaval in the world.  What really happened and where lies the true story? Two excellent speakers, the Rev. Brian Kennaway, a Presbyterian Minister from Co. Antrim and Dr P. Fintan Lyons O.S.B., a monk from Glenstal Abbey are coming to NUI Galway to give us the benefit of their knowledge and expertise on the topic.

We are privileged in Galway to have such distinguished guest speakers to address an audience in the Aula Maxima on Wednesday 25^th October at 5.30 pm. This is a once only event at NUIG to mark the 500^th year. It is open to the public with free admission. It is expected to be well attended, as people will want to give our visitors a real West of Ireland cead mile failte.

Rev. Dr. Brian Kennaway, who is giving an illustrated lecture on the evening, was brought up in North Belfast, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and now lives in south Antrim. As a Presbyterian minister since 1976, Community Relations played a large part in his ministry serving on various boards and committees with assignments relating to education, policing and conflict resolution programmes. He has been an active member of the Council (and past President) of The Irish Association which promotes communication, understanding and co-operation between all people of Ireland both North and South. He was appointed a member of the Parades Commission (2011-2013) and also to the Advisory Board of the Institute for British-Irish Studies at University College Dublin in 2012 and serves on the Council of the Presbyterian Historical Society. His book The Orange Order: A Tradition Betrayed  was published in 2006.  Brian continues to write and comment on Northern Ireland Politics, Orangeism and Religion both in the press and on his Website.

 Dr P. Fintan Lyons O.S.B., a monk of Glenstal Abbey will also give a talk. He has a Ph. D. in Reformed Theology and taught Reformation History in the Angelicum University and the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Rome.  Fintan was a member of the International Pentecostal-Roman Catholic Dialogue and has published widely on ecumenical and liturgical topics. This year, sees the publication of his very fine book on Luther, entitled Martin Luther His Challenge Then and Now.

Chaired by Dr. Alison Forrestal of History, School of Humanities, NUIG, will conduct a Q&A session which should offer opportunity for a very interesting and stimulating evening. This is a unique chance to mark the anniversary.

 The evening is sponsored by the University Chaplaincy.  It is supported by Dr.James Browne, President of NUIG and endorsed by The Irish Association, a non-party political and non-sectarian Association with the aim ‘to make reason and goodwill take the place of passion and prejudice in Ireland, North and South’.