Fr. John’s Peru Visit: A Week of Teaching and Book Presentations

LIMA, Peru — Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A., recently concluded a visit to Peru, where he taught a weeklong class at the international novitiate in Lima and presented his latest book, published by the University Press of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP). Doctrina Social de la Iglesia, su Historia y Enseñanza, translated “Catholic Social Doctrine, Its History and Teachings,” examines over 130 years of Catholic Social Teaching. It provides historical contexts and guiding principles for each document that shapes modern Catholic social thought.

At a presentation in Lima, the Augustinian Bishop of Chiclayo, Bishop Edinson Farfan, O.S.A., reviewed the book’s content. Notably, the prologue was written by Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A.

Following the event in Lima, Fr. John traveled to Trujillo, where he held similar presentations at two locations. The morning session took place at the Catholic University of Trujillo, where Fr. John previously served as president before returning to the United States. This session also featured the formal presentation of his earlier book on Latin American Pastoral Theology, published at the end of last year by the University Press of the Catholic University of Trujillo. The afternoon session was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Trujillo, highlighting themes from Catholic Social Teaching.

During his stay in Trujillo, Fr. John visited the office of an NGO named for Servant of God John McKniff, O.S.A. The NGO, established earlier this year with support from benefactors in the Philippines, is dedicated to promoting human integral development.

Fr. John’s visit to Peru was marked by significant academic contributions and engagements with local communities, underscoring his ongoing commitment to education and social justice.