Conversion and the Life of the Mind
June 30 - July 4, 2021 | Washington D.C.

For many Catholics in the contemporary secular culture, how to evangelize best is a pressing question. But the best way is not clear. Many react negatively to the tenor of popular apologetics or insist that only an emotional encounter with the God of love can ever truly convince a sinner to start out on the road to sanctity. Do we need to convince others of the reasonableness and truth of the Gospel? Or do all arguments fall short of an experience of grace? The Thomistic tradition emphasizes that we do not need to dichotomize love and knowledge. Human beings are creatures endowed with intellect and will as our highest powers. Love and knowledge go hand in hand, both in turning hearts and minds to God and in ongoing conversion to ever deeper relationship with God. In this conference, we will consider the role of the intellect in the spiritual life, especially in conversion and the operation of grace.

This conference will gather students who will be Campus Chapter leaders in the 2021-2022 academic year, for a time of formation in philosophy, theology, and the practical aspects of running a Thomistic Institute Chapter. There will be ample time for learning more about St. Thomas Aquinas and the proper place of the mind in the spiritual life, as well as time for prayer, sacraments, meals, socializing, and outings in Washington, D.C.

PRESENTERS:

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. (Angelicum)
Prof. Jennifer Frey (University of South Carolina)

All registration costs, food, lodging, and activities are covered by the Thomistic Institute. The deadline for registration is April 30th. Participants who submit travel receipts by May 30th will be reimbursed for travel. Check-in will be from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30. Check-out will be 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4.

Please contact your campus chapter coordinator or Katie Brizek (kbrizek@dhs.edu) for application information.