Dr. Cecilia Titizano, Associate Professor of Theology at Barry University, was invited to the Vatican to continue her work on The Church of the Sheaves: Equipping the Saints for Mission as Gift Exchange in the Catholic Church. The initiative brings together Catholic scholars from around the world to explore how local Churches can strengthen their relationships through shared knowledge, cultural exchange, and mutual support.

The Dicastery for Evangelization launched the initiative in collaboration with selected Catholic universities, ecclesial institutions, and mission partners across five continents. Its goal is to help pastoral leaders prepare for missionary work through a renewed understanding of gift exchange, interculturality, and reciprocity among local Churches.

Dr. Titizano was one of a select group of theologians invited to help develop a module for Gift Exchange: The Church of the Sheaves, a Global Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) directed to bishops, priests, religious, catechists, lay ecclesial ministers, and faith educators. Her contribution is part of a wider effort to encourage dialogue and collaboration among Catholic communities with different cultural experiences and perspectives.

Due to his recovery, Pope Leo XIV was unable to meet with the group as previously scheduled. Barry University is proud of Dr. Titizano’s contributions and the opportunity to bring these important global perspectives into the classroom.