FCS convention: Day One report

This weekend, in addition to covering the ongoing controversy surrounding the statement of the Connecticut Catholic Conference on Plan B, I've also been attending the '07 Fellowship for Catholic Scholars convention here in Washington DC. The first day was very fruitful.

Personal highlights:

• Dr. John F. Crosby's presentation on Newman's Idea of the University, and particularly on the Catholic University's criterion for appropriating scattered seeds of truth in culture.
• Spotting James V. Schall at dinner (which was generously provided by the Franciscan University of Steubenville). He gave my undergraduate commencement address and I've had the opportunity to review several of his books. He currently teaches at Georgetown.
• Meeting Bill May and E. Christian Brugger for the first time.
• CUA President David O'Connell's response to a presentation on Catholic identity (more on that here).
• Singing Compline at the close of the day's events with the gathered FCS membership.

Tomorrow's planned activities include Mass celebrated with and a presentation by Archbishop Donald Wuerl, lunch sponsored by the Ave Maria School of Law and several good presentation topics. Much fun!