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Intellectual Formation
2021–2022 Annual Report INTELLECTUAL FORMATION:
Crossroads of Culture
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Intellectual formation at The Pontifical North American College places us at a crossroads of culture. We learn constantly from experiences of newness and unfamiliarity: the bustling city of Rome, the global perspectives of our university classmates, and the myriad conferences and reading groups available both in-house and in the city. Our lectures are enlivened by dialogue between different cultures and theological disciplines, equipping us to communicate thoughtfully with a broad range of people.
Our intellectual formation integrates rigorous study with pastoral practice. In formation, we must regularly translate the content of our faith into concrete, accessible language. In preparing homilies, for example, we often speak of complex theological topics (like the Trinity, or the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ) in a way that highlights their relevance within everyday life. Far from staying “up in the clouds,” our coursework, formation conferences, and liturgical practica challenge us to keep our “feet on the ground.” We anchor our thinking to the real challenges faced by those we serve.
Ex Latere Christi, the College's academic journal, was founded under the leadership of (seated) Academic Dean, Rev. John P. Cush '98, C'15 (Brooklyn) and Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, Rev. Randall Soto C'98, C'02 (New York). Pictured standing is the editorial board with Andrew Westerman ‘24 (Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter), editor-in-chief Rev. Mr. Alexander Wyvill '22 (Washington), and Matthew Ludwig '24 (Washington).
Our intellectual formation is lively and self-motivated. I can testify that my peers study far beyond the “bare minimum.” They form reading groups, take extra classes, and dive into foreign languages—not just Italian, but Spanish, Greek, Hebrew, and Latin! They study not just theology, but art, architecture, philosophy, and literature. There is plenty of research, too: at the pranzo table, it is not uncommon to hear students in license (Master’s-level) programs discussing their latest discovery in writing their thesis.
This vibrant academic life is displayed in the College’s academic journal, Ex Latere Christi. The journal was founded over two years ago under the collective leadership of our Academic Dean, Fr. John P. Cush ‘98, C’15 (Brooklyn), and the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, Fr. Randall Soto C’98, C’02 (New York). Edited by a team of seminarian volunteers, the journal showcases high-quality written work from students, faculty, and friends of the College. With four issues published, the journal testifies to the level of academic interest present in our community.
Intellectual formation at the College is unique, to say the least. It places us at a crossroads of culture, in the heart of the universal Church. It integrates rigorous study with pastoral practice, challenging us to connect theological concepts to everyday life. It is lively, marked by a readiness to go above and beyond what is required. Most importantly, however, our intellectual formation is motivated by love. Behind all the lectures, books, and essays, we study because we desire to communicate the love of God, with clarity and charity, to a world that deeply longs for him.
