Mary Kate Holman, PhD, Receives First-Time Author Award

Mary Kate Holman, PhD, assistant professor of religious studies, received the First-Time Author Award from the University of Notre Dame Press for her book Marie-Dominique Chenu: Catholic Theology for a Changing World (2025). Dr. Holman’s first major publication offers an exploration of theology, history, and the ongoing renewal of the Catholic Church.

The new book presents a comprehensive analysis of the life and thought of Marie-Dominique Chenu (1895–1990), a 20th-century Dominican theologian whose ideas, once condemned by Church authorities, later influenced the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Drawing on extensive archival research in Paris and the Vatican, Dr. Holman brings new light to Chenu’s legacy, arguing that his theology is best understood through his lived experience.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how change and renewal unfold in an institution as long-standing as the Catholic Church,” Dr. Holman said. “Chenu’s life and work help us see how the Church can engage each generation with the Gospel while remaining true to its traditions.”

Her research reveals why Chenu’s theology remains so relevant today. By situating his thought within historical events and his active engagement with social issues, Dr. Holman shows that his ideas offer a model for embracing change without abandoning tradition. They illuminate 20th-century Catholic reform and demonstrate that theology achieves its fullest impact when paired with action.

“There’s a lot of dangerous theology out there that seems to bless destruction, violence, and injustice,” Dr. Holman noted. “Chenu invites us to read the signs of the times and discern where we must denounce injustice and where we can see the presence of God at work.”

For Holman, the process of writing her first book was both challenging and rewarding. “The hardest part was simply learning how to write a book,” she admitted. “But the most fulfilling moments came in the archives, piecing together evidence like a detective and writing about these figures as real, complex human beings.”

Through her scholarship, Dr. Holman not only reexamines a pivotal figure in modern Catholic theology but also invites readers to reflect on how faith communities evolve. As she continues her research and teaching at Fairfield University, her recognition as a first-time author marks not just an academic milestone but a meaningful contribution to how future generations might understand change—not as a break from tradition, but as its ongoing evolution in dialogue with the modern world.

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