Fr. Anthony Ciorra

Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D., is a leading expert on Christian spirituality. In recognition of his ministry in the Church, Pope John Paul II awarded him the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1999. In 2000, he was awarded the Caritas Centennial Award for his work in lay ministry and the Spirit of RENEW Award for his work in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism. His publications include Everyday Mysticism (Crossroad, 1995), Beauty: A Path to God (Paulist Press, 2013), and Moral Formation in the Parish (Alba House, 1998).Fr. Ciorra holds graduate degrees in psychology, spirituality, and pastoral theology. He earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Fordham University. Currently, he is Vice President for Integration, Ministry and Multi-Cultural Affairs and Professor of Theology and Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Prior to assuming this post, Fr. Ciorra occupied a number of leadership positions in higher education and beyond, including: dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University; director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth; and director of the Center for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York.Fr. Ciorra’s professional experience ranges from parish life and preaching to teaching and administration to retreat work and formation ministries. He gives workshops and retreats throughout the world and is active in creating programs for interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.