Dr. Joshua Schulz Delivers Kraft Lecture as DeSales Honors Legacy of Joan and Wayne Kraft

Standing in the Connolly Chapel of the Sacred Heart near an artful, Lenten sculpture of ash, sand, and candles tangled with liturgical purple, DeSales University’s Dr. Joshua Schulz delivered an hour-long lecture exploring the call to honor death as part of our commitment to the dignity of the human person. 

As part of The Kraft Lecture, honoring the legacies of Joan A. and Deacon R. Wayne Kraft, on February 24, Dr. Schulz highlighted that 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Ivan Illich’s provocative work, Medical Nemesis, which famously asserts that “the medical establishment has become a major threat to health.” He also drew attention to Illich’s less-discussed prediction that this threat would lead to an increasing demand for euthanasia and assisted suicide, a topic that remains highly relevant in contemporary ethical discussions.

Dr. Schulz referred to Illich’s account of cultural iatrogenesis, which is the loss of moral culture due to healthcare and argued that the modern loss of the ars moriendi, the art of dying well, has contributed to what philosopher John Vervaeke describes as a contemporary “meaning crisis.” Schulz further discussed Illich warning that this threat would eventually lead to increasing calls for euthanasia and assisted suicide. He concluded by identifying specific Christian resources for recovering the ars moriendi as a response to current end-of-life dilemmas.

Commencing in 1995, this event marked the latest segment in a continuing series honoring the Krafts’ lifetime of achievement and enduring connection to the DeSales community.

The evening began with a welcome and prayer service led by Fr. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, vice president for mission, who warmly greeted the Kraft family and attendees, both present and online. This year’s lecture marked a notable shift from tradition. In previous years, speakers focused on the theology and spirituality of Jesuit priest and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, reflecting Wayne Kraft’s longtime admiration for his work. This year, however, the program moved toward themes of ethics in healthcare, inspired by Joan Kraft’s dedication to her vocation as a Catholic chaplain.

“Inspired by their parents, the Kraft Family continues their strong and rich commitment to advancing the University’s core values, especially wisdom and gratitude.  This year’s pivot to end-of-life issues illustrates their wise understanding of their parents’ great minds and capacious hearts,” Fr. Nadolski, said.

Wayne Kraft, a prominent full professor of philosophy, made notable strides in the study of Teilhard de Chardin, authoring four influential books on the topic. His scholarly accomplishments earned him an honorary doctorate in humanities in 1984, followed by the prestigious DeSales Medal in 1988, which recognized his significant contributions as a Catholic layman. Joan Kraft, a pioneering figure, was the first Catholic woman to serve as a volunteer associate chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital after obtaining a degree in pastoral care. Her community involvement was extensive, as she took on roles such as leader of song, one of the first female lectors, and a Eucharistic Minister, while also actively engaging in church and civic activities in Bethlehem. In acknowledgment of her dedication, she received an honorary doctorate from the University in 1980 and the DeSales Medal in 2004.

The lecture featured Dr. Joshua Schulz, an associate professor of philosophy at DeSales and the first director of the Tony and Norene Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program, who addressed a full house of guests that included Kraft’s children and his own family members. Dr. Schulz is recognized for his extensive research in philosophical ethics, particularly in the realms of Catholic medical ethics and artificial intelligence ethics, and he serves as a clinical ethicist, working alongside healthcare professionals to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.

“I’ve been feeling very touched by all the people who have reached out to share their stories about death and dying. It’s a formative experience in their lives, and they were grateful for the opportunity to talk about their pride and their regrets around the dying process,” remarked Dr. Schulz.

The event signified a renewed appreciation for Kraft’s enduring legacy, emphasizing how their commitment to faith, service, and ethical reflection continues to shape meaningful dialogue at DeSales University.