Photo by Matthew Barrick
PFIC WELCOMES RECORD NUMBER OF NEW STUDENTS
By Br . Stephen Mary Ruhl , O . P .
This year the PFIC welcomes a record number of new students . With 14 new friars and 19 new students from other religious congregations and the laity , the student body has reached 114 .
This increase “ demonstrates that our school has achieved a high profile not only in academic but also in ecclesial circles ,” says Academic Dean Fr . Thomas Petri , O . P . He believes that “ the appeal of Thomism in the Church is certainly on the rise , and the PFIC is increasingly recognized as the place to learn the thought of Aquinas and engage with the difficult times in which we live .”
Four of the new students , seminarians from the Saint John Society , are here for precisely that reason . The Society , founded in Argentina to promote the New Evangelization , has moved their seminary formation to the PFIC to receive a more robust formation program in the philosophy and theology of St . Thomas .
Two of the new lay students discovered the PFIC at their respective undergraduate institutions . Daniel Gordon learned about the PFIC through the Thomistic Institute at Yale , and was attracted to the school because , “ it approaches theology as both wisdom and science , providing a compelling and rational account of reality .” Anna Langley met Fr . John Langlois , O . P ., when he visited Thomas Aquinas College . She sought a place “ to study theology in the context of discipleship and docility to the authority of the Church : the same spirit which guided St . Thomas in his extremely fruitful theological studies .”
Equally exciting , though , are the 14 new friars who began studies this year . The largest profession class at the House of Studies , these newly minted friars are just starting their education at the PFIC . Looking forward to the years to come , these men are preparing to preach for the salvation of souls .
“ The appeal of Thomism in the Church is certainly on the rise , and the PFIC is increasingly recognized as the place to learn the thought of Aquinas and engage with the difficult times in which we live .”
Faith & Reason - Volume IV , Issue III 7