Treasures New and Old

Encounter the Catholic Intellectual Tradition

Thinking with the whole Church

The St. Irenaeus Institute offers opportunities for all who are interested—from seasoned scholars to those exploring the faith for the first time—to discover, ponder, and engage deeply with the Catholic intellectual tradition.

The people we serve

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Scholars and students

Cultivating a robust conversation between the university and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

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Lay men and women

Providing forums for Catholics and other Christians to study the great texts and ideas of the Church’s tradition and to explore the fundamental questions of our day.

Priests and deacons

Fostering intellectual life and friendship among the clergy.

News and events

Our upcoming events and ongoing programs

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University Lecture

Patrick Deneen: Plato's Republic and Ours

February 26, 2026

What does ancient Athens have to do with contemporary America? Nationally-renowned political philosopher and public intellectual Patrick Deneen will wrestle with this question in "Plato's Republic and Ours," a lecture that is free and open to the public. Digging deeply into Plato's foundational text, he will extract its key ideas and bring them to bear on the current state of our own American republic. 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 26 in the Golda Meir Conference Center at UW-Milwaukee.

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University Lecture

The St. Irenaeus Lecture in Patristics

January 22, 2026

We are pleased to announce that this year the St. Irenaeus Lecture in Patristics will be delivered by our very own Jeanne-Nicole Saint-Laurent (Syriac Studies, Marquette University) on "The Harp of the Holy Spirit: St. Ephrem the Syrian's Theological Poetics." The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the beautiful Eisenberg Reading Room at Marquette University's Sensenbrenner Hall.

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For-credit seminar

Introduction to Catholic Studies (RELIGST 250)

January 20, 2026

This spring, St. Irenaeus Scholar-in Residence Dr. Joshua Hren will be teaching a for-credit seminar at UW-Milwaukee entitled, "Introduction to Catholic Studies" (RELIGST 250). The course will explore the rich Catholic vision of the world, investigate the interplay of faith and reason, and engage the eternal questions of human and divine life through great works of art, theology, philosophy, and film. Meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:45. Open to non-degree-seeking students.

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Recurring Seminar

Fides Patrum

January 31, 2026

Fides Patrum (“The Faith of the Fathers”) is a seminar dedicated to exploring the theology of the Church Fathers through study and discussion of their key writings. This spring, Fides Patrum will continue its focus on "Nicaea and its Legacy" by exploring the rich theological poetics of St. Ephrem the Syrian. The dates are: January 31, February 21, March 14, April 11, and May 2. Fides Patrum meets at 10:30 AM at the UWM Newman Center, preceded by Mass (9:00 AM) and coffee hour.

Full Schedule and Details

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Our mission

The St. Irenaeus Institute exists to make the Catholic intellectual tradition a vital part of the Church and the university in the greater Milwaukee area. Under the patronage of St. Irenaeus, the early patristic expression of that tradition animates our work even as we reflect upon the entire intellectual patrimony of the Church, from theology and philosophy, to the arts and sciences. We serve students, scholars, priests, and lay Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

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Catholic

Believing in order to understand.

Intellectual

Reasoning in the light of faith.

Tradition

Treasuring the wisdom handed down.

Milwaukee

Handing on the deposit here and now.

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Our Partners

In Lumine Network

The St. Irenaeus Institute is a member of the In Lumine Network, a consortium of select Catholic institutes around the country devoted to the exploration of fundamental questions of human existence in the light of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Through fellowship programs, lectures, and seminars, In Lumine institutes foster intellectual friendships, cultivate a sense of wonder, and equip students with the virtues necessary for flourishing.

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Lux Patrum

Lux Patrum is dedicated to making the wisdom of the Church Fathers and medieval theologians accessible to modern readers by publishing high-quality editions at an affordable price. Help keep our books inexpensive by donating.

Upcoming Publications

Two female students stand in a group and smile

Joshua Miller, founder of the St. Irenaeus Institue, lectures in front of a group of students.

Support Catholic intellectual formation in Milwaukee

“Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.”
‍—Psalm 127:1

First, please pray for our labors, that they bring many yields and fulfill God’s will. Please also consider making a one-time or recurring donation to the St. Irenaeus Institute. Without your generous gifts, our programs would not be possible; our distinctive / unique efforts revitalize the intellectual life, serving the city of Milwaukee from the heart of the Church, would cease.

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