New Dean of Theology: Captivated by the Beauty of Truth
“We have to teach beauty, as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI stated. We have to present the beauty to the world today, because many often won’t listen to merely logical arguments. As a university, that’s what we’re doing: we’re forming other theologians who have been captivated by the beauty of truth and who can share it with others.” Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, OP a member of the Dominican Sisters of the Congregation of St. Cecilia in Nashville, Tennessee, stated these words when asked about her new position as Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum).
Sr. Catherine Joseph and the New Master General of the Order
A native of Iowa, Sister studied theology at the Angelicum and several years later, after having served in various capacities in the Congregation’s schools and college in the United States of America, returned to teach. Since 2011 she has served as a Professor of Theology as well as Vice Dean of the Faculty.
Sr. Catherine, as her students call her, stresses that her primary role as the new Dean is to serve the students and to support the faculty as they collaborate in strengthening the Theology program. She is keenly aware that she has been entrusted with a venerable history. She is also conscious that the Angelicum is helping to form future leaders and theologians in the Church. One of the challenges of being a theologian in the modern world is that teachers and preachers must not only be experts in the content of the faith, but also skilled in presenting the faith to others in a way that is compassionate and engaging.
Sr. Catherine Joseph is known for her strong passion and dedication. When asked to share her insights on the role of the University, she answered with simplicity and clarity, “We love Saint Thomas and we love the Dominican Order. It is with this as a foundation that we serve the Church. I think the greatest contribution the Angelicum can give to the Church today is to be what it was founded to be.”