The assembly hall of the Diocesan Seminary of Urgell, in La Seu d'Urgell, is the venue for a new edition of the Theology Conference. Organized by the teaching delegation of the Diocese of Urgell, this year's conference is titled "Two Extraordinary Women: Simone Weil and Edith Stein«.
For the first time, the conference focuses on the figures of two 20th-century referents. Francesc Torralba, doctor of philosophy and coordinator of the event, highlighted their strength against Nazi totalitarianism and their capacity to be witnesses of hope in a context marked by wars and human rights violations. According to Torralba, these figures "spur us on. They give us energy, they give us strength" in the face of general disillusionment.
The first day of the conference was dedicated to the French philosopher Simone Weil. Josep Otón, doctor of History, explained her work experience in a factory, comparing it to Charles Chaplin's film "Modern Times." Otón pointed out that Weil saw in assembly-line production a reflection of totalitarianism, where human beings become mere cogs. Her work seeks the recovery of dignity, freedom, and transcendence.
The conference has achieved a record attendance, with 170 registered participants, including religion teachers, priests, deacons, religious individuals, and catechists.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Urgell and Co-Prince of Andorra, Josep-Lluís Serrano. The sessions will continue on Friday with lectures by Dr. Francesc Torralba on the life of Edith Stein and her vision of the human person.
