Featuring: William G. Lehrman *89
The Aquinas Institute, and in particular the Sunday 4:45pm Mass, was vital nutrition for the soul and spirit on my long sojourn through graduate school in the 1980s. At first timidly, and in time actively, I was awakened to the deep wealth of Catholic thought, practice, solemnity and hymnody that had largely been absent in the parishes of my upbringing. I still recall the intellectually challenging homilies, reverential music, brilliantly illuminated windows, shadowy recesses, biblical inscriptions, and redolent incense of those Chapel Masses. I came to more fully understand and appreciate our ancient, universal and yet timeless faith.
Fr. Weiser and the associate and visiting clergy were perfectly suited to this mission. Over time I became friends with other students and participated in religious and social activities the ministry sponsored. Highlights for me include “The Dumb Ox,” the mansion on Mercer Street, the dinners, “The Seven Storey Mountain,” Holy Week, Easter Vigil, the guest speakers, and the retreats. Aquinas made being Catholic and believing in Christ more important to me than it ever had been.
It would have never occurred to me then, but I later reflected that I was the unknown but fortunate beneficiary of what earlier generations of Catholic students, faculty and friends had built and sustained. I am ever grateful for it.
The journey through grad school is long, the tasks difficult, and the route can seem less clear each mounting year. Aquinas provided sustenance and support, challenge and solace, introspection and community all along the way. It was, and is, a blessing. I am happy to support its mission for the benefit of current and future generations of Princetonians.