Call for Papers: The Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Conference (at Villanova)!

From our friends over in Humanities and Theology & Religious Studies:

The Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Conference (PMR) at Villanova University invites you to participate in its 50th International PMR Conference October 24-26, 2025 at the Inn at Villanova University.

As always, the PMR makes an OPEN CALL to scholars, institutions, and societies to propose Papers, Panels, or Sponsored Sessions in all areas and topics in LATE ANTIQUITY/PATRISTICS, BYZANTINE STUDIES, MEDIEVAL STUDIES, ISLAMIC STUDIES, JEWISH STUDIES, and RENAISSANCE & REFORMATION STUDIES.

The PMR committee this year makes a special invitation to scholars from all disciplines in these fields to address our plenary theme:

In the Abyss of this Darkness … In the Deep Quiet of the Godhead:

Mysticism, Mystery, and Trinitarian Life in Times of Crisis

For the 50th gathering of the Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Conference at Villanova University.

Featuring

Sarah Coakley, FBA

McDonald Visiting Professor, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Professorial Fellow, Australian Catholic University

Author of The Broken Body: Israel, Christ, and Fragmentation

And

Niklaus Largier

Sidney and Margaret Ancker Professor of German and Comparative Literature

University of California, Berkeley

Author of Figures of Possibility: Aesthetic Experience, Mysticism, and the Play of the Senses

This year’s PMR conference will have an open call, as always, welcoming proposals from across our fields of study. But we will call special attention to these three themes: Mysticism. Trinity. Crisis. Crisis, as a way of considering what light we may shed on past crises, and what reparative possibilities our traditions offer. Trinity, commemorating Nicaea, but also pondering the long legacy of this conundrum of thought and vibrant spirituality in the Christian tradition. And Mysticism, as deepening our examination of this fundamental dimension of our religious life, that intimate universal, the God who is interior intimo meo. Papers or panels that address the intersection of two or more of these pillar themes are especially encouraged.

Deadline for submissions: June 30, 2025

Notice of acceptance will be made by August 1, 2025

For more information, please visit www.villanova.edu/pmr2025.