The Thomistic Institute

This lecture was given on June 30th, 2023, at the Thomistic Institute Student Leadership Conference at the Dominican House of Studies. For more information about upcoming events, please visit our website: thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events Speaker Bio: Dr. Paige Hochschild is a professor of historical and systematic theology at Mount St. Mary's University (MD), specializing in Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and the early Church. She also teaches philosophy courses at the Seminary at Mount St. Mary's. She has written a book on the place of memory in Augustine's theological anthropology and publishes on the Church, education, tradition, 20th c. theological debates within the Church (Scripture, history; marriage).

Fr. James Dominic Brent, O.P., discusses the essence of the contemplative life and the primary object of contemplation: God. He explores the acts of contemplative prayer and the pursuit of divine intimacy, as well as the challenges of distractions and temptations. The virtue of study and the vice of curiositas are also discussed, highlighting the importance of developing the virtue of study and incorporating prayer into academic pursuits. The struggle of a wandering mind and the path to contemplation are explored as well.

Fr. James Brent, O.P. discusses the purpose of the contemplative life and its relationship to knowing God. They emphasize the importance of integrating relationality and rationality in the Church. The chapter also explores the process of developing inner freedom and becoming more contemplative, as well as the subjective nature of religious experiences.

Explore the concept of prayer as personal contact with God and its accessibility to all individuals. Learn about Augustine's journey towards finding happiness and meaning in life. Discover the power of humility through the story of Macarias the Great. Explore the concept of supplication in prayer and its role in seeking help, protection, and purification. Learn about the importance of prayer in renewing all aspects of life. Discover the relationship between compunction and the heart.

Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Andrew Hofer discuss St. Thomas Aquinas' views on love in the incarnation of God. They explore the distinction between human love and divine love, the concepts of redemption and recreation, an image involving a father physician and the incarnation of God, the notions of being and doing in the incarnation, the transformative power of divine love, and the doctoral program at the Dominican House of Studies.

Fr. Gabriel O'Donnell discusses the power of the Word of God in prayer, the transformative power of grace, the importance of discipline and commitment, finding moments of intimacy amidst busyness, understanding the evolution of the spiritual life, and reflecting on personal prayer experiences.

Sr. Maria Kiely, OSB discusses the significance of the Liturgy of the Hours and its connection to the Eucharist. She explores joy and consolation in the spiritual life, the resilience found in the Psalms, and the development and structure of the Divine Office. The compatibility of joy and suffering is examined through the story of Blondina. Additionally, she offers insights on finding joy in difficult circumstances and engaging with Scripture.

Fr. Gabriel O'Donnell discusses the longing for true self and acceptance, the role of peace in prayer, different forms of prayer, the immaturity of seeking validation, self-examination and humility, and the meaning of prayer in the heart and integration of different aspects of life.

Prof. Robin Jensen discusses the origins and influences of Christian baptism, the ritual gift of the Holy Spirit, the symbolism of baptism in early Christianity, early Christian baptism practices, the significance of baptism in Christianity, and early Christian baptismal architecture designs.

Prof. Joshua Hochschild discusses the role of philosophy in liberal education, including integrated learning, fostering critical thinking, and the importance of genuine conversation. The chapter also explores indoctrination in education, positivism's influence on sociology, and the purpose of college education.