Andre Plackis

Master of Divinity Student

Andre Plackis studied industrial engineering and cello performance at Northwestern University in Chicago before he felt a calling to engage more intentionally with his faith. “There was this yearning to get to know in a more intentional way the Person who is my Beloved and who calls me Beloved.” He had a powerful experience praying the rosary for the first time, and soon began to pray it daily. Getting an intimate perspective on the life of Jesus put his own life in perspective. “It was through the rosary that [Mary] guided me into the Church. and where I experienced a lot of healing.” He was also encouraged and supported in faith through the community at the Newman Center on campus. 

It is no wonder that he found himself drawn to the Order of Preachers, who have a special devotion to Mary. While at Aquinas Institute of Theology, the Dominican emphasis on study has been especially encouraging for him. “I am growing into the Dominican charism…I came [to Aquinas Institute] with an understanding of the pillars of prayer and community, [but] the Dominican order is making me stretch my idea of study, loving God with all my mind.” With his degree he hopes to help parish communities support young adults in the ways he experienced as an undergraduate.