Voices from Rome

Spencer Howe
Semester in Rome: Spring 2008
Majors: Philosophy & Catholic Studies

The Catholic Studies Rome semester was for me the most exhilarating academic term of my experience at the University of St. Thomas, and I came to know the vast importance of Catholic Studies in my formation at St. John Vianney Seminary -- especially in the way that it grounds our studies firmly in the tradition.  To live and study in Rome meant to have drawn near to the source of our civilization, and of our faith.  More than ever before, my studies were broad and deep at the same time, which is the real aim and goal of a liberal arts education, and more particularly of the Catholic intellectual vision that Catholic Studies seeks to impart.  Wandering through the back alleys and tangled streets of Rome was surely analogous to our semester's task of exploring the full expanse of the intellectual heritage of Catholicism at the Pontifical University of the Angelicum, through the disciplines of philosophy, art history, political science and literature.  I am a firm believer that seminary formation should bring men discerning the priesthood into contact with this full splendor of the intersection of the Gospel with every aspect of reality, and I am grateful to Catholic Studies and to the Angelicum for making it possible.

Susan Slattery
Semester in Rome: Spring 2008
Majors: Biochemistry & Catholic Studies

Susan graduated in May 2008 and is attending Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
My time with the Catholic Studies program in Rome provided a unique opportunity for Christian living centered on the pursuit of truth, friendship, knowledge and experience.  The dynamic of living at the Bernardi Residence, studying at the Angelicum, traveling on the weekends, and focusing on the Catholic Church and my faith have provided remarkable growth.  Not only did I broaden my understanding of Italian culture, but I gained insight into the fundamental truths that ground all of humanity.

John Paul Foley
Semester in Rome: Spring 2008
Majors: Business Marketing & Catholic Studies

The Rome program has added a significant dimension to my Catholic Studies major.  The academics were tough at times, but highly rewarding.  Our class on the Philosophy of John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger has been one of the two “life-changing” classes I have had as a Tommie.  I have learned much about the rationale behind being Catholic, in addition to gaining a better understanding of the Church’s thinking on social issues prevalent in our society.