This has just come in from the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies, which holds a delightful summer program each year in Norcia, Italy, benefiting from the presence and the liturgies of the Benedictine monks who reside there at the birthplace of SS. Benedict and Scholastica. I highly recommend checking it out -- the academic programs are always very solid and worthwhile, the participants have a jolly time of it, the monastery is a taste of heaven on earth, and the town of Norcia just glorious at that time of year. So, without further ado, here's the announcement:
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The theme for the 2015 Summer Program is St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians. We will be undertaking a thorough reading of the Letter, following St. Thomas's commentary upon the epistle as our guide. The Epistle offers the opportunity to explore in depth the subject of grace as it is found principally in the sacraments. In particular, St. Paul's letter focuses on the sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, and the Eucharist, and so participants will gain a greater understanding not only of these sacraments, but also an understanding of how grace works through the sacraments so as to order man to his end.
In accordance with the particular mission of the Saint Albert the Great Center for Scholastic Studies, which seeks to promote the study of theology according to the mind and method of the great scholastics, the core of every Summer Program lies in the attentive reading and thoughtful discussion of the great texts of the Catholic theological tradition. After Scripture itself, pride of place belongs to the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and especially to St. Thomas Aquinas. ...
Throughout the two weeks of the program there will also be ample opportunities for spiritual activities. Holy Mass is available in Norcia several times per day. Our schedule is constructed in such a way as to encourage participation in the daily Conventual Mass of the Benedictine monks, which is offered in Latin (usus antiquior) in the Basilica of St. Benedict. Participants are also invited to join the monks in praying the divine office: Lauds, Vespers, Compline, or even Matins at 4:00 A.M.! The priests of the monastery will of course be available for spiritual counseling, guidance, and/or confessions.
Finally, the enrichment of mind and spirit fostered by attentive reading of the Gospels and participation in the prayers and liturgical celebrations of the monastery will be complemented by moments of relaxation and cultural activities. The picturesque medieval town of Norcia is located right at the edge of the beautiful Mount Sibilini National Park. Optional excursions will be organized to nearby towns (places to be announced) - in the past, we have traveled to Assisi and Cascia. In addition, we will plan a longer weekend trip to Rome at the end of the program in order to have a relaxing but formative experience in the Eternal City, the glorious foundation seat of the Church – optional, but highly recommended!
Calendar of the program:
July 12. Sun. Arrival Day.
July 13. Mon. Normal Program Schedule.
July 14. Tues. Normal Program Schedule.
July 15. Wed. Normal Program Schedule.
July 16. Thur. Optional Excursion (Location to be announced).
July 17. Fri. Normal Program Schedule.
July 18. Sat. Normal Program Schedule.
July 19. Sun. Optional Excursion to Cascia.
July 20. Mon. Normal Program Schedule.
July 21. Tues. Normal Program Schedule.
July 22. Wed. Modified Program Schedule.
July 23. Thur. Modified Program Schedule.
July 24. Fri. Optional Excursion to Rome.
July 25. Sat. Optional Excursion to Rome.
July 26. Sun. Departure Day.
Cost: 675 Euro. As of December 29, 2014, this was roughly $825 (exchange rate 1.121). This covers tuition, room, and half-board in Norcia. Half-board includes a light breakfast and a multi-course Italian style dinner, leaving the midday meal to be arranged individually by the participants. It does not cover the cost of our trip to Rome.
For more details, see the full announcement here.
