On April 17, 2008, faculty, staff and students at Aquinas Institute of Theology gathered at Mass to pray for God’s protection for the school’s representatives who will be traveling to Saint Joseph Seminary in Yonkers NY to attend events with Pope Benedict XVI.

Seven Dominican student brothers and four Resurrectionist seminarians have joined Father Richard Peddicord, O.P., President of Aquinas Institute of Theology, on this historic journey to see and hear the Pope at a gathering for youth and seminarians.

The Aquinas group will travel all night Thursday and arrive in Yonkers late Friday evening. When asked about the journey, Father Peddicord said he was very excited and thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a momentous event. “All papal events require tickets for admission,” Father Peddicord said, “and for Saturday’s gathering, Aquinas Institute has received tickets numbered 1 through 12. I don’t know if this means that we all have front row seats or not, but it has led to some good natured speculation about that possibility.”

In addition to meeting with young people, Pope Benedict will also be addressing seminary rectors and presidents of schools of theology; Father Peddicord will attend this meeting.