Angelicum

It would take me 100 pages to explain why I came to the Angelicum, how I got to the Angelicum, and what it has been like to study theology here for the past 5 years. Chapters of that story would include Ron's elaborate and gracious way of getting our whole family from Dallas to Rome, in large part for the purpose of me doing pontifical studies in theology; why an education from the U.S. in the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas is radically incomplete even though I earned a Ph.D. for it; the joy of pursuing the intellectual life in the heart of Rome; the predictable awkwardness that came with returning to the "other side" of the classroom; the marvelous priests, monks, nuns and friars from whom I have learned so much, some of whom Ron and I have had the joy of befriending; walking down the halls and hearing Thomas Joseph White strumming on his banjo. 

I have written an "Ode to the Angelicum" but I am not sure about releasing it to the public. 

Only the Lord knows what He has in store for me when I complete the STB, God willing, this week. Mainly I look forward to resuming my scholarly activity, getting back to the "other side" of the classroom, and giving what I now have to give to the Church and world--which has become sharpened, deepened, clarified and augmented because of my time in this anointed place.