Steeped in the rich intellectual tradition which the College received in large part from the Dominican Order, students recognized a connection to the visiting Dominicans in their shared discipleship to St. Thomas Aquinas. “It’s so fun having Dominicans visit, because they really speak our language!” said Monica Weinkopf (’25). “It’s inspiring to see these men and women who are so clearly at peace and fulfilled in their vocations and who give us hope for the same in our own lives.”
On Saturday morning, students gathered to listen to the brothers and priests share the stories of how God led them to the Dominican Order. Although the friars come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, their stories all shared the same core message: God’s plan for them was designed to meet the desires of their heart, although in a way they never expected.
“It’s inspiring to see these men and women who are so clearly at peace and fulfilled in their vocations and who give us hope for the same in our own lives.”
After sharing their vocation stories in the morning, the Dominicans gave talks in St. Gladys Hall in the afternoon. For three of the brothers, it was a return to the classrooms where they were once students, although this time they were in the position of teacher. Br. Michael Thomas discussed the topic of “Faith, Doubt, and Mental Illness,” while Fr. Augustine gave a talk, “On Devotion to the Holy Name,” and Br. Athanasius spoke on “God’s Battle with Chaos in the Book of Job.”
In addition to offering intellectual enrichment, the visiting priests ministered to the students spiritually, offering Holy Mass, preaching the Gospel, and administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the evening, students joined the Dominicans for Compline, also known as Night Prayer.
Whether in the Chapel, in the classroom, or sharing meals at the table, students were grateful to spend a weekend of fellowship with men and women who share their love of Christ, truth, and St. Thomas Aquinas.