On Oct. 5th, 2010, OLSWA was blessed with the wisdom and eloquence of Father Denis Lemieux of Madonna House, who delivered a rousing talk on "God and the iPod".  The address, which centred on the place of technology in our lives as Catholics, was the first of an ongoing series of talks on formation offered by the Board of Directors and organized by the Board Subcommittees on Spiritual Life and Student Life.  As President Dr. Keith Cassidy observed, it was difficult to think of a better speaker to start the series than Father Lemieux.  By the end of the evening, it was clear that everyone in attendance agreed.

No one could have said that there was anything dry about the presentation.  Father Lemieux's penetrating insight and frequent bursts of humour kept his listeners rapt as he expounded on technology.  "[It]  is not a bad thing in itself, but neither is it a good thing," Father Lemieux explained. Rather, he went on, technology is a tool to be used wisely.  It is only harmful when we allow it to diminish our humanity, that is, when we fail to use our intellects and wills when using it.  While one can use machines such as computers and cell phones as part of a fully integrated life, they can also  easily become our masters.  He encouraged the audience to make use of technology in a manner that affirms their human powers of reason and choice, and that connects them in charity to other people.  We are called to live in community with those around us, he reminded the group, not to live in a virtual world consisting only of what interests us.  At the same time, he went on, we must maintain a healthy sense of what is public and what is private,  what should be revealed and what should be kept unknown—a sense that is often forgotten today in our electronic social worlds.

Father Lemieux's talk provoked a great number of comments and thoughts in the question and answer session that followed.  The questions continued into the reception afterward, as those in attendance discussed Father's points over coffee and snacks.  The evening had given the audience much to ponder.

For a transcript of Fr. Lemieux's talk, click here.