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Biography

Michael O’Sullivan is a recognised international leader in the field of the academic study of spirituality. He is the founding Director and the Treasurer of the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education (SpIRE), Emeritus Senior Lecturer at SETU, and founding Programme Leader for the MA in Applied Spirituality. He also currently serves in the following positions:

- Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa; 

- Elected member of the Executive Committee of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality (INSS - spiritualitystudiesnetwork.org), formerly known as the British Association for the Study of Spirituality (BASS);

- Links Coordinator for INSS with organisations engaged in spirituality studies across the world;

- Elected President of the global Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality (SSCS);

- Member of the Leadership Board of the Centre for the Academic Study of Christian Spirituality at the University of Zurich;

-  Member of the editorial board of Spiritus, the leading international journal of its kind

- Member of the editorial board of Journal for the Study of Spirituality.

- Fellow of the European Institute for Spirituality in Economics and Society;

- Research Associate of the Centre for Spirituality, University of Hull;

- Member of the Spirituality in Research and Innovation Group (SRIG), TCD; 

- Member of the European Research Network for Spirituality in Healthcare

- Member of Spiritual Directors International..

He worked as a Jesuit missionary priest in Chile during the reign of General Pinochet and has also worked in Mexico, Central America, and East Africa. The story of his time in Chile has been made into a documentary film by the Corridan Project, New York. It is available at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0BB3D6oB3Q. and via https://vimeo.com/irishjesuits

He lived for thirteen years with Fr Peter McVerry, SJ, the well-known campaigner for homeless young people, and a few other Jesuits, among socio-economically disadvantaged people in a tower block of flats in Ballymun, Dublin before it was demolished. Having worked originally as a specialist in liberation theology he has dedicated himself since the early years of this millennium to the development of spirituality as an applied academic discipline.

He formerly served as a member of the Governing Board of the SSCS, and as a member of its Promotions Committee, and was a founding member of its International Relations Committee. He has also served as a member of the Steering Committee of the Christian Spirituality Study Group of the American Academy of Religion (AAR).  He was a launch member of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality (BASS), and was elected to the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality (INSS) which evolved from BASS. He is the founding director of the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education (SpIRE) and was the founding director of the Spiritual Capital Ireland Centre which preceded SpIRE.  He ran the leading international MA in Applied Spirituality for sixteen years., which he did much to devise, design, and develop, and to gain accreditation for with different third level institutions. This MA became a WIT MA in 2016 and an SETU MA in May 2022..

He has authored one book, co-edited another, and written a considerable number of articles and book chapters. He has been on the planning or organsing committee of international conferences in the field of spirituality studies and was the lead organiser for the most signficant international conference on spirituality studies in higher education and the professions ever held in Ireland. The conference was held at SETU, Waterford in May 2023, and drew participants from 25 countries and 5 continents.given keynotes at international conferences in Ireland and overseasHe has chaired or presided at such conferences and given keynote presentations.

The following references by leading international scholars in the field of spirituality scholars testify to the standing of Dr O'Sullivan in the field:

- “Through his work as a Board member of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, his energetic leadership of the academic study of Christian spirituality in Europe, and his own scholarship, Professor O’Sullivan has proven himself a crucial international leader in the field of Christian spirituality. He has a rare ability to bring the resources of the academic study of spirituality to bear on issues facing human communities around the world”.

Professor Stephanie Paulsell, Houghton Professor of the Practice of Ministry Studies, Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University.

- “Dr. O’Sullivan has made a substantial and notable contribution to the development of the academic field of spirituality in its varied forms, particularly in the English-speaking world”. 

Professor Philip Sheldrake, Senior Research Fellow, Cambridge Theological Federation, and Director of the Institute of Contemporary Spirituality, Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas.

- “Professor Michael O’Sullivan’s career is a model of how to integrate serious scholarship with a grounding life-commitment to making a difference in the world. I have also always been impressed with the kindness, calm, and good humour that he brings to interpersonal and group relations. At the same time he has a practical mind and is skilled in dong the detail work that is necessary to make programs work”.

Professor Mary Frohlich, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

- “Dr. Michael O’Sullivan brings a unique background to his academic work in spirituality. His extensive pastoral experience in Latin America, Africa, and with the urban poor in Ireland contribute to his ability to engage in contextual studies and to mentor and relate to the many students in spirituality, formerly at Milltown Institute (NUI), and All Hallows College (DCU) (and now Waterford Institute of Technology)”.

Professor Janet Ruffing, Professor in the Practice of Spirituality and Ministerial Leadership, Yale Divinity School, Yale University.

- “Dr. Michael O’Sullivan, SJ has established himself as a leading figure in the academic of Christian Spirituality. Through his teaching, writing, public speaking, and administrative service he has inspired colleagues and students not only in Ireland but throughout the world. Tireless in his efforts to build networks of collaboration among people of different nationalities, denominations, and scholarly disciplines, Dr. O’Sullivan is respected for the breadth of knowledge and the depth of his commitment to academic work that makes a positive difference in the lives of people – especially the poor and marginalized.”

Professor Arthur Holder, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and John Dillenberger Professor of Christian Spirituality, Graduate Theological Union Berkeley, CA; and past President of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality and former Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Christian Spirituality Study Group of the American Academy of Religion.

“I have the very highest regard for Professor O’Sullivan as a person, a scholar and a teacher. It is a privilege to be able to work with him and engage him regularly over questions of common concern. It would be difficult for me to overstate just how valuable his presence is to the international effort to promote the rigorous, critical study of spirituality in a way that can contribute to social, cultural and personal renewal. Professor O’Sullivan is one of the real leaders in this important enterprise. He is widely recognized by his North American peers as being one of the most consistently thoughtful and informed European voices on the place and meaning of spirituality in the contemporary world”.

Professor Douglas E. Christie, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.

Thirty-eight years experience in various third level colleges, and overseas, mostly at postgrad level. Years of experience, also, in adult and community education, including with socio-economically challenged groups. A considerable number of publications.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  1. The Academic Study of Spirituality
  2. Spirituality/theology and social justice
  3. Theology/spirituality, and the situation of women
  4. Spirituality and Childhood
  5. Spiritual Care and Health Care
  6. Beyond traditional biosocial-gender dualism
  7. The Writings of Bernard Lonergan
  8. Spiritual Capital

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  1. "Authentic Subjectivity as a Methodology for the Study of Spirituality." In Studies in Spirituality, Supplement 38 - Evolving Methodologies in the Study of Spirituality, ed. Gilberto Cavazos & Rossano Zas Friz De Col, 163-71. Leuven: Peeters, 2023 (peer reviewed).
  2. "The Foundational Influence of early spiritual experiences on adulthood". Acta Theologica 2022. Supp. 33: 190-206.
  3. Jesus' Spirituality of Authentic Subjectivity and COVID-19's Shadow Pandemic". Spiritus (Spring 2021): 80-107 (peer reviewed).
  4. “Authentic Subjectivity as a Methodology for the Study of Spirituality”. Mysterion 12 (2019/2, online publication), edited by Rossano Zas Friz and Gilberto Cavazos, 271-278 (peer reviewed).
  5. "Ignacio Ellacuria, SJ (1932-1989): A Mysticism of Open Eyes". Jesuit Lives at Home in the World, edited by Patrick Carberry, SJ. Vol. 2, 201, 135-1439 (peer reviewed).
  6. "Spirituality and Education", co-authored with Bernadette Flanagan. In the Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions, ed. Laszlo Zsolnai and Bernadette Flanagan. Routledge 2019 (peer reviewed)..
  7. “Serenity Spirituality Sessions: A Descriptive Qualitative Exploration” (with Fiona Timmins, Bernadette Flanagan, Suzanne Kelly, Mary Threadgold). In Integrating Religion and Spirituality into Clinical Practice: Conference Proceedings, edited by Rene Hefti and Arndt Bussing, 299-316. Basel: MDPI Books, 2018 (peer reviewed).
  8. "Rutilio Grande". In Jesuit Lives through the Ages: With Christ in Service, edited by Patrick Carberry, SJ, 103-08. Dublin: Messenger Publications, 2017 (peer reviewed).
  9. “A Review of ‘Relational Ministry: Integrating Ministry and Psychotherapy’”. Pastoral Review (May/June 2017): 32-37 (peer reviewed).
  10. "Spirituality in Contemporary Ireland: Manifesting Indigeneity" (co-authored with Bernadette Flanagan) . Spiritus (Fall 2016, special issue): 55-73. (peer reviewed).
  11. "Authentic Subjectivity and Social Transformation". HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 72(4), a3452.http://dx.doi. org/10.4102/hts.v72i4.3452. http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/article/viewFile/3452/pdf (peer reviewed).
  12. Co-author with various others of a case report. “Developing Agreed and Accepted Understandings of Spirituality and Spiritual Care Concepts among Members of an Innovative Spirituality Interest Group in the Republic of Ireland”. Religions 2016, 7(3), 30; doi:10.3390/rel7030030. Link: http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/7/3/30 (peer reviewed).
  13. “Holistic Health Care and Spiritual Self-Presence”. Religions 2016, 7(1), article no. 10. Link:. http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/7/1/10 (peer reviewed).
  14. “Spiritual Capital and Authentic Subjectivity”. In Sacrality and Materiality, ed. Rebecca Giselbrecht and Ralph Kunz, 45-53. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2016 (peer reviewed).
  15. “Reading John 7:53-8:11 as a Narrative against Male Violence against Women”. Festschrift, Acta Theologica. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies; Vol 71, No 1 (2015), 8 pages. Link: http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/article/view/2939 (peer reviewed).
  16. Co-author with Fiona Timmins, Suzanne Kelly, Mary Threadgold, and Bernadette Flanagan. “Serenity Spirituality Sessions: A Descriptive Qualitative Exploration of a Christian Resource Designed to Foster Spiritual Well-Being among Older People in Nursing Homes in Ireland.” Religions 6/2 (2015): 299-316. Link: http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/6/2/299 (peer reviewed).
  17. “Oscar Romero, Martyr,” Spirituality (March-April 2015) 21/119: 119-23.
  18. “The Jesuit Spirituality of Pope Francis”. Spirituality 20 (September-October 2014): 295-300
  19. “Male Violence Against Women and the Pastoral Response of Jesus”.  In The Bloomsbury Guide to Pastoral Care, edited by Bernadette Flanagan and Sharon Thornton, 80-93. London and NY: Bloomsbury, 2014 (peer reviewed).
  20. “The Spirituality of Authentic Interiority and the Option for the Economically Poor”. Vinayasadhana 5/1 (January 2014): 62-74 (peer reviewed).
  21. Co-editor (with Bernadette Flanagan), Spiritual Capital: The Practice of Spirituality in Christian Perspective, Farnham: Ashgate, 2012. This text has been described by a leading spirituality scholar as “original” and filling “a real gap in the academic literature”.
  22. How Roman Catholic Theology Can Transform Male Violence Against Women: Explaining the Role of Religion in Cultural Assumptions about Gender, Lewiston, New York: Edwin Mellen Press, 2010 – print and e-book. This book has been described as “ground-breaking” by Professor Linda Hogan, Irish School of Ecumenics and Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Trinity College Dublin.
  23. “Spiritual Capital and the Turn to Spirituality.” In Spiritual Capital: The Practice of Spirituality in Christian Perspective, edited by Michael O'Sullivan and Bernadette Flanagan, 43-59. Farnham: Ashgate, 2012.
  24. “Reflexive and Transformative Subjectivity: Authentic Spirituality and a Journey with Incest.” In Sources of Transformation: Revitalising Christian Spirituality, edited by Edward Howells and Peter Tyler, 173-82. London and New York: Continuum, 2010 (peer reviewed).
  25. “30th Anniversary Tribute to Archbishop Romero.” Spirituality (March-April 2010): 103-08.
  26. "Spirituality: A New Academic Discipline." Melita Theologica (Malta) 59/2 (2009): 71-78.
  27. “The Human Spirit and the Option for the Economically Poor.” In With Wisdom Seeking God: The Academic Study of Spirituality, edited by Una Agnew, Bernadette Flanagan and Greg Heylin, 222-33. Leuven: Peeters Press, 2008.
  28. "Reflections on the Notification by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Concerning Writings by Jon Sobrino." AMDG Express: Online no. March (2007).
  29. “Sin and Salvation in Relation to Male Violence Against Women: A Perspective of Liberation and Feminist Theologies.” In Faithful Witness: Glimpses of the Kingdom, edited by Brendan McConvery and Joe Egan, 24-39. Dublin: Kimmage Mission Institute at Milltown Institute, 2005 (peer reviewed). 
  30. “The Human Spirit and the Option for the Economically Poor.” In Lamplighters: Exploring Spirituality in New Contexts, edited by Bernadette Flanagan and David Kelly, 62-72. Dublin: Veritas, 2004.
  31. “The Case of Safiya Hussaini in Nigeria.” America (February 2002), 10-11 (peer reviewed).
  32. “Women, Poverty and Christianity in Relation to Africa.” Milltown Studies (Winter 1999): 103-129 (peer reviewed).
  33. "La Vida Cristiana Y La Situacion De La Mujer." Presencia (Chile) (October 1999).
  34. “Journeying in the Awareness of the Vocation of Women to the Priesthood on the Part of Ordained Men.” In Women: Sharing Fully in the Ministry of Christ?, edited by Clare Freeney, 49-53. Dublin: Blackwater Press, 1995.
  35. “Tribute to a Latin American Martyr - Luis Espinal, S.J.” America (January 7-14, 1989): 8-11 and 20-21 (peer reviewed).
  36. “The Feminist Hermeneutics of Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza.” Milltown Studies (Spring 1988): 40-61 (peer reviewed).
  37. “The Tribes of Yahweh: A Sociology of Liberated Israel.” Milltown Studies (Autumn 1986): 87- 92 (peer revieweed).
  38. Co-Editor. Christian Left Review, Dublin: SCM, 1980-81.
  39. Editor. Liberation Theology and the Irish Context, Dublin: SCM, 1977.
  40. In addition to the books and the chapters in books referred to above, I have had about 80 more articles published in Milltown Studies, The Tablet, The Furrow, Doctrine and Life, Supplement to Doctrine and Life (now Religious Life Review), Spirituality, Reality, Intercom, Presencia (Chile), Céide, The Irish Times, The Sunday Independent, and elsewhere.
  41. Book reviews in Studies, Milltown Studies, and Alpha.
  42. Translations in The Month, The Tablet, The Pioneer, and Doctrine and Life.
  43. Poem in LADOC, Lima, Peru, 1995.

ACADEMIC ROLES

  1. Assistant Lecturer / Lecturer / Senior Lecturer, 1986f; Emeritus 2021
  2. Coordinator of MA Research Dissertations in Applied Spirituality, Milltown Institute, Dublin (National University of Ireland), 2004-2005 
  3. Director of the HDip and MA in Applied Spirituality, Milltown Institute (NUI), and the Spirituality Summer School, 2005-11
  4. Head of Theological Studies, All Hallows College (DCU), 2009-11
  5. Head of the Depts of Systematic Theology and Moral Theology, All Hallows College (DCU), 2009-11
  6. Member of the BA Board, All Hallows College, 2009-11
  7. Founding Director of the MA in Applied Christian Spirituality, and the Spirituality Summer School, All Hallows College (DCU), 2010-15.
  8. Moderator of final year PhD students, All Hallows College (Dublin City University), 2009-2010
  9. Cluster Leader, PhD and MA by research in spirituality, 2012-15
  10. Founding Programme Leader, MA in Applied Spirituality, WIT, 2016-2021
  11. Founding member of the Research Group Spirituality in Society and the Professions, 2021-present

SELECTED LECTURING

  1. Lecturing for WIT and SETU in Dublin, 2016-present.
  2. Lecturing at All Hallows College (Dublin City University), 2010-15.
  3. Lecturing in Theology, Spirituality, and Philosophy, Milltown Institute of Theology, Philosophy and Spirituality, Dublin (National University of Ireland), 1986-2011.
  4. Lecturing in the MA in Chaplaincy Studies at Mater Dei Institute of Education, Dublin (Dublin City University), 2011 and 2012.
  5. Lecturing in Theology, Kimmage Mission Institute, Dublin, 1993, and 1998-2002.
  6. Lecturing in the School of Continuing Education, University College Dublin, 1987-1988, and 1993-1996.
  7. Lecturing in the Marianella summer school of theology, Dublin, 1996.
  8. Lecturing in the Conference of Religious of Ireland international formators programme, 1999.
  9. Lecturing in the Loreto House Formation Programme, 1989 and 1996.
  10. Lecturing in the Dublin Adult Education Institute, 1992-93
  11. Lectures in Arica, Chile, 1999 and 2006.
  12. Visiting Lecturer to the Jesuit Theologate, Mexico, 1992.
  13. Visiting Lecturer to the Jesuit University, Nicaragua, 1992.
  14. Visiting Lecturer to the Jesuit University, San Salvador, 1992.
  15. Lecturing in Sociology, National College of Industrial Relations, 1976-77, and in the Diploma in the Psychology of Criminal Behaviour, 1996.
  16. Numerous lectures and talks to additional diverse groups and organizations in Ireland since 1975.

SELECTED ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES, excluding appointments to academic posts of employment

  1. External Examiner for a PhD, University of St Andrews, Scotland, 2021
  2. Co-Founder, Director, and Treasurer of the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education (SpIRE), 2015-present
  3. Co-Founder and Director of the Spiritual Capital Centre Ireland, 2010-2015
  4. Member of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality
  5. Links Coordinator for INNS with organisations engaged in spiritualitty studies across the world
  6. Member of the Editorial Board of Spiritus: International Journal for the Study of Christian Spirituality
  7. Member of the Editorial Board of Journal for the Study of Spirituality
  8. Member of the Academic Council, All Hallows College, Dublin, 2010-2015.
  9. Member of the Postgraduate Studies Coordinating Committee, All Hallows College, 2010-2015.
  10. Member of the Research Studies Board, All Hallows College, Dublin, 2012-2015.
  11. Progression interviews with PhD and MA by research candidates, All Hallows College, 2012-2015.
  12. External examiner for a PhD, Waterford Institute of Technology, December 2012.
  13. Internal examiner for a PhD, All Hallows College (Dublin City University), 2010 and 2011.
  14. Chairperson of PhD Vivas, All Hallows College (Dublin City University), 2010-16. 
  15. Co-author of the MA in Applied Christian Spirituality programme document for the purpose of having the programme accredited by Dublin City University and delivered at All Hallows College, 2009.
  16. Principal author of the MA in Applied Spirituality programme document for the purpose of having the programme accredited by Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), 2015.
  17. Organiser of a series of Spirituality Matters lectures with international speakers, 2010.
  18. Organiser of an annual William Johnston, SJ Memorial Lecture in Spirituality with international speakers funded by the Irish Jesuits, 2011-13.
  19. Elected staff representative on the Academic Council, Milltown Institute, Dublin (National University of Ireland) 2007-11.
  20. Member of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Milltown Institute, 2004-2011.
  21. Examiner for MA and STL (Licence in Sacred Theology) dissertations and final comprehensives at Milltown Institute, Dublin, 2002-09.
  22. Curriculum development of the MA in Christian Spirituality and of the Higher Diploma and MA in Applied Christian Spirituality, Milltown Institute (National University of Ireland), 2007-08 and 2004-05, and preparation of programmes for accreditation by the National University of Ireland, 2006, by the National Council for Education Awards, 2001 and the Higher Education and Training Accreditation Council, 2005.
  23. A member of the accreditation process team for awards by Milltown Institute for programmes run in New Jersey, Myanmar, England, Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, An Chroi, Co Meath, Galway, Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Dublin, and Milltown Institute, Dublin.
  24. Member of the Dept. of Spirituality, Milltown Institute, 2000-11.
  25. Member of the Faculty of Theology and Spirituality, Milltown Institute, 1986-2011.
  26. Member of the Systematic Theology Dept., Milltown Institute, 1986-2000.
  27. Member of the Academic Council of Milltown Institute, 2006-2010
  28. Chairperson of many public lectures, events, and book launches, 1987-present.

SELECTED INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

  1. Conference Chair, lead organiser, and member of the academic committee for the 7th biennial conference of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality, South East Technological University, May 16-18, 2023
  2. Member of the organising committee and the Scientific Committee of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality, for its sixth biennial international conference on the theme of 'Spiritualtiy in Research, Professional Practice, and Education,' online, in associiation with York St John University, 7-8 June 2021.
  3. Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal for the Study of Spirituality, 2021-present.
  4. A lead organiser, member of the Scientific Committee, and chair of a panel of presentations at the international conference on ‘Spirituality in Society and the Professions’, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland, 16-18 May 2019.
  5. A member of the preparatory committee for the international conference on 'Evolving Methodologies in Spirituality and Spiritual Theology,' Rome, 25-28 September 2019.
  6. A member of the planning and organising committee, and of the scientific committee, for the international conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality on 'Spirituality in Research, Professional Practice, and Education,' York St John University, England, 1-3 June 2020. The conference had to be postponed because of the pandemic. It will now take place online in JUne, 2021.
  7. Presider at a panel of peer-reviewed papers at the American Acdemy of Religion, Denver, USA, '7 November 2018.
  8.  Member of the conference committee for the 5th International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, and the 6th International Conference of the European Network for Research in Religion, Spirituality, and Health, University of Coventry, May 17-19, 2018.
  9. Chairperson of a panel of peer reviewed papers, 5th International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, and 6th International Conference of the , European Network for Research in Religion, Spirituality, and Health, University of Coventry, May 17-19, 2018.
  10. Lead organiser and conference chair of the first international conference on 'Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism', WIT, 9 March 2018.
  11. Chairperson of a panel of peer reviewed paper presentations, 4th International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, Manchester, May 2016
  12. Member of the Planning Committee for the first international conference of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality outside North America, and in South Africa, 2014-15.
  13. Founding member of the International Relations Committee, international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, the premier international society of its kind, 2015-present.
  14. Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa, 2014-present.
  15. Fellow, European Institute for Spirituality in Economics and Society, 2014-present.
  16. Founding Board of Directors member of the European Network for the Study of Christian Spirituality hosted by the University of Zurich, 2014-present
  17. Associate member of the Centre for the Study of Spirituality, University of Hull, 2014-present
  18. Peer Reviewer of the journal Modern Theology, 2014-present.
  19. Member of the Editorial Board of Spiritus, the premier international journal for the study of Christian spirituality, 2011-present.
  20. Member of the Promotions Committee of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, 2009-present.
  21. Elected member of the Governing Board of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, 2006 – 2009, the premier society of its kind.
  22. Member of the Steering Committee of the Christian Spirituality Study Group of the American Academy of Religion, 2006-2009.
  23. Peer Reviewer for 120 international paper proposals for the American Academy of Religion (2006-09).
  24. International Referee for the appointment of a Professor of Spirituality at Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University, Boston, 2009.
  25. Chairperson of a plenary session and of a panel of paper presentations, at the international conference on ‘Mindfulness, Spirituality, and Education,’ Dublin City University and All Hallows College, July 2013.
  26. Chairperson at the international round-table of the Spiritual Capital Ireland Centre on ‘The Spirit of the Child,’ Waterford Institute of Technology, May 2011.
  27. Chairperson of an international panel of presentations at the international conference on ‘Spirituality and Education,’ Dublin City University, June 2010.
  28. Chairperson of an international panel of presentations on ‘Spirituality, Psychology and Counselling,’ at the British Association for the Study of Spirituality (BASS) Conference, London, May 2010.
  29. Co-organiser and chairperson of an international panel on ‘Pedagogical Engagements: The Arts and Spiritual Transformation,’ the opening event of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in Montreal, Canada, November 2009.
  30. Invited participant in an expert group think-in on teaching spirituality as an academic discipline today, organised by the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, Chicago, November 2008.
  31. Co-organiser and chairperson of an international panel on “How does our scholarship and practice encourage ‘teaching for justice’ within institutions of higher education?”, the opening event of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in San Diego, USA, November 2007.
  32. Chairperson of an international panel of presentations at the First European Conference on the academic study of spirituality, Milltown Institute, Dublin, 2004.
  33. Co-organiser and chairperson of the first international conference in Ireland on Liberation theology, Drogheda, December 1977.

SELECTED INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS

Lectures/seminars on ‘Theological and Spiritual Aspects of Christianity and the Option for the Poor’ and ‘Theological and Spiritual Aspects of Christianity and the Option against Violence against Women,’ in

Chile (1999 and 2006),
Ethiopia (1997 and 1998),
Tanzania (1997-1999),
Kenya (1997-1999),
Mexico (1992),
Guatemala (1992) and
Canada (1985).

Many lectures, conferences, courses, talks and seminars to a diversity of groups including members of religious congregations, priests, formators, pastoral workers, teachers, and theology students, in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Chile, to African ambassadors, United Nations employees, and employees of the Organisation of African States in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mental health professionals in Arusha, Tanzania, to African women refugees in Kenya, and to university students in Canada.

MASS MEDIA

Numerous contributions since 1977- present, on television, radio, in national and international newspapers, podcasts, and YouTube communications, about issues of faith and justice, including liberation theology, violence against women, the study of spirituality, spiritual capital, and Pope Francis. 

Podcasts with Michael: e.g., 

http://spiritualityinstitute.ie/resources/podcasts-michael-osullivan/

Rev Dr Michael O'Sullivan SJ - Spirit-duality by Life Passion & Business (heysummit.com)

http://www.jesuit.ie/?s=michael+o%27sullivan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o15pWLgQ1gM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyOv9oi245s

Other:

http://www.jesuit.ie/?s=michael+o%27sullivan

‘A Jesuit with the People’, 54 mins YouTube video made by the Corridan Project in New York about my story in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship. https://www.youtube.com/watch v=H0BB3D6oB3Q&t=7s and https://vimeo.com/260957801  It is a teaching aid for my MA modules on Spirituality, Authenticity, and Method and Spirituality, Social Concern and Gender: And it is used as a teaching aid in Harvard University.

SELECTED PARTICIPANT PRACTICE

  1. Participant practice of the Spiritual Exercises since 1970.
  2. Participant practice of psychoanalysis, 1988-1990.
  3. Participant practice of psychotherapy, 1979-81.
  4. Training in the theory of spirituality and the spiritual practices of Fr Tony De Mello, SJ by Fr de Mello, 1977.
  5. Community development practice, 1977-78 and 1980-81
  6. Practice-based learning training in Group Counselling, 1975-77.
  7. Counsellor for many years.
  8. Participant practice of spiritual direction over many years.
  9. Spiritual director.   
  10. 19 years of experience living and working among economically disadvantaged people in Ireland and overseas

SELECTED PAPERS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, WEBINARS, or PUBLIC LECTURES

  1. "Authentic Subjectivity and Spirituality as a University Discipline, kseynote at the International Network for the Study of Spiritualtity Conference, SETU, 18 May 2023
  2. "Authentic Subjectivity and Spiritual Capital", November 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3D_x_lS_Vs
  3. Spirituality in Childhood as Foundational in a Life“, International Network for the Study of Spirituality, international conference online with York St John University, 7-8 June 2021.
  4. Authentic Spirituality as a Methodology for the Study of Spirituality,” international conference on Evolving Methodologies in Spirituality and Spiritual Theology, Pontifical University Antonianum, Rome, 26 September 2019.
  5. “Ignacio Ellacuria: Martyr of Liberation,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego, November 2019.
  6. "Spiritual Capital for Social and Planetary Wellbeing. Plenary speaker, international conference on 'Spirituality in Society and the Professions", WIT, 17 May 2019.
  7. "Authentic Interiority and Studying Spirituality". Invited international speaker to give a public Seminar, University of Durham, 15 February 2018.
  8. "Praying without Ceasing and the Ignatian Tradition, Zurich, June 2017 (peer reviewed)
  9. “Authentic Subjectivity and Social Transformation,” Campion Hall, Oxford, 4 June 2016 (peer reviewed).
  10. “Spirituality of Authenticity and Social Transformation,” 4th international conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, Manchester, 24 May 2016 (peer reviewed).
  11. “Holistic Healthcare and Spiritual Self-Presence,” opening keynote address, international conference on Spirituality and Healthcare, Trinity College Dublin, 25 June 2015.
  12. “Authentic Subjectivity and Social Transformation”, keynote paper, international conference on ‘Holiness’, University of the Free State, Johannesburg, South Africa, May 2015 (peer reviewed)
  13. “On Pope Francis”, invited paper at the Colloquium on Pope Francis, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, 16 April 2014.
  14. “Spiritual Capital and Authentic Subjectivity,” keynote paper at the international conference on ‘Materiality and Sacrality,’ the first international conference of the European Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, January 2014.
  15. ‘Spirituality, Religious Socialisation, Power, and Childhood – A Narrative Approach’, opening keynote paper at the international conference on Spirituality and Childhood, Catholic University of Leuven, 10 July 2013.
  16. ‘The Mystagogical Practice of Authentic Interiority’, peer reviewed paper at the international conference on Mindfulness, Spirituality, and Education, Dublin City University, 5 July 2013.
  17. ‘The Spiritual Practice of Authentic Interiority,’ peer reviewed paper at the international conference, St. Mary’s University College, London, 30 June 2012.
  18. ‘Spirituality and Social Concern,’ keynote paper, international conference on the study of Vincentian spirituality, All Hallows College, Dublin, 3 February 2012.
  19. ‘Spirituality and Theology,’ keynote paper, international conference on the study of Vincentian spirituality, All Hallows College, Dublin, 11 February 2012.
  20. ‘Embodied Transformation and the Hermeneutics of the Imagination,’ peer reviewed paper at the European Catholic Theology Congress, University of Vienna, August 2011.
  21. ‘Incest and Spiritual Journey,’ peer reviewed paper at the international conference on Mental Health, Practical Theology and Spirituality, All Hallows College, Dublin, June 2011.
  22. ‘Spiritual Experience in Childhood as Foundational in a Life,’ keynote paper, Spiritual Capital Ireland International Round-Table, Waterford Institute of Technology, May 2011.
  23. Invited Presentation to the first Evangelical Christian international conference on ‘Contemporary Research in Spirituality,’ Zurich, May 2011.
  24. ‘Spirituality and Incest: Negotiating Boundaries,’ peer reviewed paper at the international conference on ‘Spirituality and Education,’ Dublin City University, June 2010.
  25. ‘Spirituality and Social Justice,’ peer reviewed paper at the inaugural international conference on ‘Spirituality in a Changing World,’ organised by the British Association for the Study of Spirituality (BASS) in Windsor, England, May 2010.
  26. ‘Authentic Spirituality and a Journey with Incest,’ peer reviewed paper at the Second European Conference on the academic study of spirituality, in St. Mary’s University College, London, July 2009.
  27. “A Theological Perspective on the ‘Male’ Jesus and Violence Against ‘Women’,” keynote paper to the Theological Consultation, British and Irish Council of Churches, Birmingham, May 2001.
  28. ‘The Situation of Women: A Theological Challenge to Christianity’, keynote paper to the Medical Missionaries of Mary International Renewal Programme, Dublin, 11 May 2000.
  29. ‘Sin and Liberation,’ keynote paper to the British and Irish Jesuit theologians, Dublin, November, 1997.
  30. ‘Lonergan and Liberation Theology,’ keynote paper to the Friends of the Lonergan Centre, Milltown Institute, Dublin, 1989.