| Who is Thomas Aquinas? |
|---|
| St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was a Dominican friar, Catholic priest, and one of the greatest theologians and philosophers in the history of the Church. Known as the Angelic Doctor, he united faith and reason in a profound way, showing how the truths of divine revelation and the discoveries of human reason work together in harmony. His most famous work, the Summa Theologiae, remains a cornerstone of Catholic theology and philosophy. Aquinas’ thought continues to guide the Church’s teaching and provides a powerful foundation for exploring truth, morality, and the nature of God. The Thomistic Institute takes its name from him and seeks to carry forward his legacy of intellectual and spiritual wisdom. |
| Who is Welcome? |
| Everyone is welcome at the Thomistic Institute, regardless of background, beliefs, or field of study. Whether you’re Catholic, of another faith, or simply curious, you are warmly invited to attend our events, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations about truth, reason, and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Our events are open to all students, faculty, and members of the wider community who are interested in exploring life’s deepest questions through philosophy, theology, and culture. |
| What is the Thomistic Institute? |
| The Thomistic Institute at Maynooth University is part of an international network of university chapters that promote Catholic truth and intellectual formation in the tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas. Founded by the Dominican friars of the Province of St. Joseph, the Institute brings the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition into dialogue with contemporary university life. Through lectures, discussions, and special events, the Maynooth chapter invites students and faculty to explore the deepest questions of philosophy, theology, ethics, science, and culture in the light of faith and reason. Inspired by the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, the Institute seeks to cultivate a love for truth and the pursuit of wisdom, especially as it is found in the person of Jesus Christ. All are welcome to attend events, regardless of background or beliefs. |
| Starts | Thu 16th Apr 2026 at 19:30 |
| Ends | at 21:30 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Max | 60 attendees |
| Type | IN-PERSON Event |
Join us for our final lecture of the year with Fr. Chris Gault O.P. of the Irish Dominican Province on "Why You Need St. Thomas Aquinas in Your Life"!
| Starts | Sat 11th Apr 2026 at 11:00 |
| Ends | at 23:00 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Max | 100 attendees |
| Type | IN-PERSON Event |
Every year the Thomistic Institute host their grand Symposium, a yearly, all-day event filled with lectures, meals and mass, last year having it held all the way in their headquarters in Washington DC, United States. This year however, we are extremely excited to announce that the Symposium will be held right here in Maynooth University! In collaboration with the other Thomistic Institute chapters across Ireland including, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, University of Galway and University of Cork. Please see below more details, note free registration is required, for more information and registration follow this link here.
Lecture Schedule:
More schedule details given upon registration and confirmation.
| Starts | Wed 1st Apr 2026 at 11:00 |
| Ends | at 12:00 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Max | 60 attendees |
| Type | IN-PERSON Event |
Join us for our official AGM! Where an overview of the year will be given and discussed, what went well and what we can do even better next year! Alongside the election of any members that wish to put themselves forward for either the Treasurer or PRO roles. Taking place in Pugin Hall at a booked table at 11am on Wednesday the 1st of April.
| Starts | Thu 26th Mar 2026 at 19:30 |
| Ends | at 21:30 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Max | 60 attendees |
| Type | IN-PERSON Event |
The Thomistic Institute at the University of Maynooth presents “Aquinas and Catholic Theology” with Prof. Gaven Kerr.
Join us for an accessible, intellectually rich lecture on how St. Thomas Aquinas helps us understand the heart of Catholic theology.
Thurs, 3/26 at 7:30 PM in First Divinity, St Patrick’s Pontifical University.
| Starts | Thu 5th Feb 2026 at 19:30 |
| Ends | at 21:00 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Max | 75 attendees |
| Type | IN-PERSON Event |
Join the Thomistic Institute at Maynooth University for an evening lecture on “St. Thomas Aquinas on the Beatitudes: Reading, Disputing, & Preaching.” Discover how St. Thomas approaches the Beatitudes not only as beautiful Gospel promises, but as a living path of Christian wisdom, studied in the classroom, tested in serious disputation, and proclaimed in preaching.
?? Lecture by Fr. Anton ten Klooster (Tilburg University)
? Thursday, 5th Feb
? 19:30
? First Divinity, St Patrick’s Pontifical University
Free and open to the public, all are warmly welcome.
| Starts | Thu 6th Nov 2025 at 19:30 |
| Ends | at 21:00 |
| Cost | FREE |
| Max | 60 attendees |
| Type | IN-PERSON Event |
Discover how Christianity transformed entire civilizations!
Join the MU Thomistic Institute for an illuminating lecture by Fr. Terence Crotty, O.P. of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, as he explores “What Difference Did Christianity Make? Why the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Irish Converted.”
This lecture will delve into how the Gospel reshaped culture, philosophy, and faith across the ancient world.
Thursday, 6 November at 7:30 p.m. in Sacred Scripture Hall, St. Patrick’s Pontifical University.
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