Theology Day to Explore Christian Hope in Collegeville

Event features lectures by Professor William Orbih at Saint John's University and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota is hosting a series of Theology Day events focused on the theme of Christian hope. The featured speaker is Professor William Orbih, who will deliver lectures exploring how the person of Jesus Christ serves as the 'ark that shelters us' and the 'anchor that steadies our souls' amid life's uncertainties. The events will take place at Emmaus Hall on the Saint John's campus as well as at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

The Theology Day events aim to deepen understanding of Christian hope and its transformative power in people's lives. As a leading Catholic institution, Saint John's plays an important role in providing theological education and spiritual formation for the broader community.

The details

Professor William Orbih, an expert in theology and African literature, will lead the Theology Day lectures. He will discuss how Christian hope is centered on the person of Jesus Christ, who provides shelter, security, and a sense of purpose, even in the face of life's challenges. The events will feature both in-person and online participation options to make the content accessible to a wider audience.

  • The first Theology Day event will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Emmaus Hall on the Saint John's University campus.
  • A second event will be held on the same day, February 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. as an online webinar.
  • A third event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. at Emmaus Hall, Saint John's University.
  • The final event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The players

Fr. William Orbih

An Assistant Professor of Theology and Rector of the Seminary at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota. He has a doctorate in theology from the University of Notre Dame and his research focuses on intercultural and comparative theology, the history and mission of the church, African literature, and political thought.

Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary

A leading Catholic institution in Collegeville, Minnesota that provides theological education and spiritual formation for the broader community.

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church

A Catholic church located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that will host one of the Theology Day events.

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What they’re saying

“The essence of Christian hope is not an idea, however powerful, nor is it an event, whether in the past, present, or even future. Instead, what the New Testament identifies as our hope is a person. Jesus Christ is our living and blessed hope.”

— Fr. William Orbih, Assistant Professor of Theology and Rector of the Seminary (The Central Minnesota Catholic)

The takeaway

These Theology Day events provide an opportunity for the community to deepen their understanding of Christian hope and its transformative power in people's lives. By exploring how Jesus Christ serves as the 'ark' and 'anchor' of our faith, attendees can gain insights to strengthen their own spiritual lives and sense of purpose.