SR. LUCIA MARIE SIEMERING: REFLECTIONS
FROM ROME ON A PFIC EDUCATION
By Matthew Kirby, Communications Manager, Dominican Foundation
How did going through the program
affect your thinking?
In August of 2015, Sr. Lucia Marie
Siemering, O.P., became the first
graduate of the PFIC’s MA in Thomistic
Studies program. She now works for
the Vatican Secretariat of State and
lives in community with other Nashville
Dominican sisters in the village of
Bracciano an hour north of Rome. Her
article “Capital Grace of the Word
Incarnate According to Saint Thomas
Aquinas” was published in the April-June
edition of Studia Gilsoniana.
What is unique about the PFIC’s Thomistic
Studies program?
Thomas rightly deserves the title of
“Universal Doctor” because his teaching is
the patrimony of the whole Church, but
it is fair to say that it is also the special
treasure of the Dominican Order. With
Aquinas, the Friars are recipients of the
charism of Saint Dominic and thus have
unique insight into the thought of their
brother, Thomas. Being taught by Friars
who are excellent theologians themselves
brings Saint Thomas alive for students.
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It made me take time to think things
through more carefully. Theology takes
time, and it is worth the time that it takes.
Saint Thomas also was famously willing
to use the work of pagan philosophers,
specifically that of Aristotle, to advance
his study, because all truth comes from
God. Because the program is so solid, it
made me feel like I have something to
contribute in theological discussions, and
I’m not afraid to engage people who see
things differently.
Does your training at the PFIC bear on