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Things are hot at the St. Paul Center this summer, and it’s not the temperature on the thermometer that makes it so. It’s the fire of God’s love that you’ve helped to kindle.
As I write, I have just completed the St. Paul Center’s annual Summer Institute, the week when we gather young scholars for an intensive experience of study in a prayerful environment.
Our fellowship was heavenly. Or, as St. Paul might put it: our conversation was in heaven (see Philippians 3:20). These scholars are young and in love with their Catholic faith. Their academic work is not just a job. They have given their lives to theology, and they’re going to be around for a while. They will teach and train the priests who will baptize our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We spent our days with St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, that most sacramental of New Testament texts. Twenty scholars attended, hailing from Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute, Notre Dame University, Catholic University of America, Ave Maria University, Boston College, and the University of Dayton.
What did they think of the Summer Institute? Here’s just a small sampling.
“Not only did we engage the Scriptures at a high academic level, but the spiritual component of the institute helped us to enter more deeply into the mysteries we were studying.”
“One of the great blessings of my doctoral experience. I am both a changed theologian and changed man as a result.”“I loved the opportunity to interact with people from different disciplines, universities, and perspectives.”
“I benefited both spiritually and intellectually. It was a true blessing to come together with likeminded colleagues.”
Living together, we prayed the prayer of the Church, led once again by Father Groeschel’s Friars, we prayed the Mass, and we prayed the Rosary.
We prayed for the people we will teach, and for the Church God has prepared for tomorrow.
And on the morrow we at the Saint Paul Center turned our attention immediately to our annual Applied Biblical Studies conference — and the launch of our new Journey Through Scripture bible study, “The Bible and the Church Fathers.” It’s a genuine thrill for us because this particular study has drawn our highest attendance ever.
I thank you for making all this possible — for responding to God’s grace, and for the role you’ve accepted in God’s providence. Please continue to pray for us at the St. Paul Center. Please continue to contribute in every way you do. I promise you our prayers.