3-7 August, 2025
The Académie Cor Iesu hosted a group of scholars for an academic colloquium in Paray-le-Monial to discuss the relevance of the thought of St Thomas Aquinas in 21st Century. The colloquium was organized in partnership with the Dominican Province of Toulouse and the scholarly journal Revue Thomiste as part of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St Thomas Aquinas.
Scholars from several Catholic colleges and universities from across the United States explored how Thomas’ writings can be used to pursue the quest for truth and analyze how his thought can be instrumental in engaging and facilitating the intellectual pursuits of our own day and age. Their papers examined how Thomas’ thought can promote scholarship as we ask meaningful questions and draw credible conclusions about the self, our communities and the world/universe, the pursuit of scientific truth and the meaning of life in a pluralist society. Most importantly, scholars were able to test the strength of their arguments by informally debating the points made by those who prepared and presented research papers on a variety of themes.
Each participating scholar’s contribution is meant to demonstrate how St Thomas Aquinas is just as relevant today as ever, and how his thought can help us as we engage in the great intellectual debates of our own day and age in the 21st century. Their papers will subsequently be published in a special issue of the Revue Thomiste.
“The academic programs organized by the Académie Cor Iesu are fantastic, and they provide a powerful antidote to the spiritual sickness currently plaguing many institutions of higher learning throughout world. Dr. White is able to bring together an international cadre of scholars in a beautiful and peaceful setting rich in Catholic history and culture. This integration of scholarly excellence, historical depth, and cultural brilliance facilitates the development of intellectual and spiritual friendship in pursuit of the highest truths in the Catholic tradition, uplifting the mind and the soul, all while feeding the body with rather delightful French food and wine.” - Dr. Scott Roniger, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)
“Ideally, a Catholic colloquium should satisfy head and heart, body and soul. Through stimulating discussions, cultural outings, daily mass and prayer, and convivial meals, the Académie Cor Iesu did all that and more. By the end of my stay in Paray-le-Monial, I was reminded that the best fruit of contemplation is friendship. I hope to return soon and often.” – Dr. Giuseppe Butera, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Providence College (Rhode Island)
"This was a most enjoyable, stimulating academic conference. With logistics impeccably cared for, the scholars were able to discuss at a high level, engage with and appreciate the local culture, and develop deep friendship. Reinvigorating." Dr. Christopher J. Malloy, Chair and Professor, Theology, University of Dallas (Texas)
