perceptions of abortion, euthanasia, and
the role of Faith in society. At the same
time, we see the people’s profound thirst
for God and His peace.
You both have been studying for the M.A.
in Theology at the PFIC. How have your
studies at the PFIC affected your ministry?
With Sr. Maris Stella, O.P., and Sr. Theresa Anne, O.P.
PFIC EQUIPS SISTERS FOR EVANGELIZING MISSION
it more earnestly. Our time at the PFIC
strengthened our Dominican identity as
we prepared for our new mission to the
Netherlands.
How have the Dutch responded to your
presence?
Our studies and experiences at the PFIC
are impacting our ministry in countless
ways because they draw us personally
deeper into the Truth. Through the
beauty and unity of what we studied at
the PFIC, as well as through the witness
of professors committed to the pursuit
of wisdom, we have come to desire the
Truth more passionately and to seek after
The Dutch people have welcomed us
with warmth and a bit of curiosity. On
our daily bike rides through town or trips
to the local shops, we meet people who
want to know who these American sisters
are who already speak a bit of their native
language. God is very present to us here
in the Netherlands. We are relying on the
support of each prayer offered for us and
for our new mission.
Br. Luke Hoyt, O.P.
800 years after St. Dominic brought people back to the Faith in the very heart
of Europe, two Nashville Dominican sisters who studied at the PFIC, Sr. Maris
Stella Vaughan, O.P., and Sr. Theresa Anne Knuth, O.P., are embarking on a
mission to win hearts for Christ in a region of the Netherlands where 99%
do not attend church. Despite the dismal statistics, they have discovered that
hearts are alive for Christ, yearning for his love, and a little curious to find out
“just who are these American sisters struggling to speak Dutch?”
Where in the Netherlands are you based?
What will be the main focus of your ministry?
We are living in Sittard, located on the
southernmost tip of the Netherlands.
Our ministry here will focus on the
evangelization and catechesis of children
and teenagers as well as their parents.
Many in the United States are concerned
about the secularization of our culture and
Faith & Reason - Fall 2014
increasing governmental limitations on
our religious liberty. Church attendance
rates in the Netherlands are hovering
around 1%. What are the consequences of
this for the people there?
Through the beauty and unity of
what we studied at the PFIC, as well
as through the witness of professors
committed to the pursuit of wisdom,
we have come to desire the truth
more passionately and to seek after
it more earnestly.
The Church in the Netherlands is facing
a culture of radical secularization,
relativism, and distorted ideas about
God and the Church.
This climate
has a tremendous impact on people’s
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