Dominican House of Studies | Washington, DC

Lodging at the nearby Washington Retreat House

Schedule:

• Begins with Vespers at 5:30pm on Friday, May 7th

• Concludes with check-out at 1:30pm on Sunday, May 9th (Mother’s Day)

Presenters:

• Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies)

• Prof. Thomas Clemmons (The Catholic University of America)

• Fr. Ephrem Reese, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies)

Conference Titles: 1. St. Augustine as Spiritual Master ||| 2. St. Monica: Vessel of Grace ||| 3. Anxiety and Peace in St. Augustine’s Confessions ||| 4. The Grace of the Whole Christ ||| 5. St. Augustine’s Preaching on Heaven and Its Peace

Description:

“Grace and Peace” – St. Thomas Aquinas says that these simple words, with which the Apostle Paul would often greet Christians, are the first and last of God’s gifts. What can we really know about grace, our participation in the divine life? And how can peace, “which surpasses all understanding,” become intelligible to us in this life?

St. Augustine was called the Doctor of Grace. In his writings and disputes, he developed a teaching, or doctrine, of grace that has determined much of the Western intellectual tradition. Moreover, his theology of peace—both the peace of this world, and the peace that will only be found in heaven—has an equally massive impact on us. We find, in his incomparable City of God, the possibility of peace among men, angels, and God; and in his Confessions, the quest for peace through personal union with God and in holy friendships.

In this retreat, we will consider St. Augustine as a spiritual master and a friend of God, who teaches not only where grace and peace are to be found, but what they are, and why it matters.

This retreat will have lectures and discussions framed by the traditional elements of a retreat (Mass, adoration, Divine Office, etc.). This event is primarily for students and young professionals in the Washington, DC area, but is open to other students and young adults who express interest.

For more information, contact Fr. Ephrem Reese, O.P., at emreese@dhs.edu.