Aquinas Lecture

Aquinas Institute invites leading theologians and other experts to speak on current topics in theology and ministry at our annual Aquinas Lecture, held in honor of our school’s patron, St. Thomas Aquinas. Invited scholars bring the thought of Thomas Aquinas to bear on contemporary theological questions

Domini Cane

2012 Aquinas Lecture

The Sound of Barking Dogs:
Meister Eckhart and Thomas Aquinas

Presented by
Rev. Michael Demkovich, O.P.

Rev. Michael Demkovich, O.P.A defining moment for the Dominican Order was its defense of Thomas Aquinas. The Order’s backing of Aquinas was not without controversy. Surprisingly, little has been written of Meister Eckhart’s contributions to this critical debate. Eckhart, a renowned preacher, master of Paris, and provincial of Saxony (1303-1311) also served as vicar for three Dominican masters general. This lecture offers a brief survey of the controversy, explores the values Dominicans found in Aquinas’ thought, considers Eckhart’s use of Aquinas and suggests themes still valuable in contemporary Dominican studies.

Fr. Demkovich's presentation of the Aquinas Lecture was given on January 29th, 2012, at St. Francis Xavier College Church in St. Louis.

Video from the 2011 Aquinas Lecture

Per Se Potestativum
The Dimensions of Human Freedom in Thomas Aquinas

Presented by
The Most Reverend Daniel Flores, S.T.D.
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Texas

Bishop Flores' presentation of the Aquinas Lecture was given on January 30th, 2011, at St. Francis Xavier College Church in St. Louis.

Past Aquinas Lecturers

2012 - Rev. Michael Demkovich, O.P.
2011 – The Most Reverend Daniel Flores, S.T.D.
2010 – Matthew Levering, Ph.D
2009 – Elenore Stump, Ph.D.
2007 – Richard Gaillardetz, Ph.D.
2006 – Amy-Jill Levine, Ph.D.
2005 – Susanne M. DeCrane, Ph.D.
2004 – Richard Gula, S.S.
2003 – Kenneth Goodpastor, Ph.D.
2002 – Lisa Cahill, Ph.D.
2001 – Roger Haight, S.J.
2000 – Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J.
1999 – Dianna Bergant, C.S.A.
1998 – Thomas O’Meara, O.P.
1996 – James and Evelyn Whitehead, Ph.D.
1995 – Martin Marty, Ph.D.
1994 – Jean Porter, Ph.D.
1993 – Mary Collins, O.S.B.
1992 – Rev. Michael J. Himes
1991 – John Renard, S.J.
1990 – David Power, O.M.I.
1989 – Gail Ramshaw, Ph.D.
1988 – Arvin Vos, Ph.D.
1987 – Paul J. Philibert, O.P.
1986 – Carla Mae Streeter, O.P.
1985 – Mary Ann Fatula, O.P.
1984 – Donald Goergen, O.P.
1983 – Thomas O’Meara, O.P.
1982 – Walter Principe, C.S.B.