Faith & Reason Winter Issue, 2015 | Page 4

ALUM HIGHLIGHT: VICTORIA STEVENS (MA ’14) I first met the Dominicans while studying at Vanderbilt University. From the beginning, I found that the Dominican charism deeply resonated with me. I shared their devotion to contemplation and study and their zeal for spreading the light of Christ through preaching. After discerning a possible religious vocation to the Order, I felt a strong desire to serve the Church in a lay capacity through theological study. This desire led me to pursue a master’s degree at the PFIC. The program’s emphasis on the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas provided me with a theological foundation marked with solidity, clarity, and fidelity. During my studies, I held an internship with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Since graduation, I have been serving as full-time staff to the Subcommittee on the Catechism for the USCCB as the Catechism Specialist. The theological training I received at the PFIC was invaluable preparation for my current work. I developed a richer understanding of the doctrinal foundations of our Faith and the marvelous organic unity between them, which is a vital tool in the effort to improve our nation’s catechesis. What is more, the PFIC has been a second home for me as a place for prayer, study, and wonderful friendships. I am also excited to be preparing to make first promises as a lay Dominican. From the beginning, I found that the Dominican charism deeply resonated with me. I shared their devotion to contemplation and study and their zeal for spreading the light of Christ through preaching. MUSIC AS PREACHING: An Interview with Br. Justin Bolger, O.P. By Br. Luke Hoyt, O.P. As a singer-songwriter, Br. Justin Bolger, O.P, wrote, recorded, and performed music before entering the Order of Preachers in 2012. He is currently in his second year of studying at the PFIC. What role has music played in your life? I come from a musical family and have been playing, singing, and writing songs from a young age. In high school and college I played in a lot of bands. My sister, Maggie, and I started playing after coll Y