Studies

"Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a scepter but a hoe." (St. Bernard)

As St. Pius X insists, this learning must be predominantly the science of God, so that when the little ones ask the bread of doctrine there may be someone to break it for them. During the first year, the year of Humanities, the young man augments his knowledge of History, Grammar, Latin, and Religion, while familiarizing himself with Seminary life and silence. 

This year quickly passes and is followed by the year of Spirituality. During this second year, the seminarian immerses himself in the study of the spiritual life, of the Magisterium of the Church, and of the Liturgy. With the aid of grace, he obtains a deep understanding of the solemn office to which he aspires, and incorporates this knowledge into every aspect of his life in order to prepare himself to grasp the more difficult studies of Philosophy and Theology.

It goes without saying that the goal, a well-trained intellect and rightly formed conscience capable of penetrating more deeply the mysteries of God, is worth every effort necessary to obtain it. But, as the young man gazes up at the towering obstacle of this two-fold study and struggles to grasp each new axiom and syllogism, he must take courage in the words of Archbishop Lefebvre, “[the seminarian] will acquire a perfect knowledge of the writings of the Angelic Doctor and notably of the Summa Theologica,” knowing that the reward is well worth the sacrifice. The routine may tire him, but he presses on, certain that he cannot love a God he does not know. Equally important, he cannot pass this love on to his flock without first possessing it himself.


Seminary Curriculum

 

Year of Humanities  
Introduction to Philosophy 1h
Introduction to Humanities 3h
Acts of the Magisterium I 3h
Latin I                                                                                               5h
Methodology 1h
Chant 1h
Music History 1h
Bible History 2h
Total 17h


 

Year of Spirituality  
Patrology                                                                                                   2h
Ascetical & Mystical Theology 5h
Liturgy I 2h
Acts of the Magisterium II 2h
Latin II 4h
Solfege 1h
Total 16h


 

First Philosophy  
Scripture I  2h
Cosmology and Psychology 3h
Apologetics 3h
Logic 2h
Church History                                                                                  2h
Latin  4h
Liturgy II 1h
Total   17h


 

Second Philosophy  
Scripture II 2h
Metaphysics 5h
Ethics 2h
Apologetics                                                                                          3h
Church History 2h
Latin 2h
Total 16h


 

First Theology  
Scripture II                                                                                             2h
Dogmatic Theology                                            6h
Moral Theology 4h
Pastoral Theology 1h
Church History 2h
Canon Law 2h
Total 17h


 

Second Theology  
Dogmatic Theology                                                                              6h
Moral Theology 4h
Pastoral Theology 1h
Church History 2h
Canon Law 2h
Total 15h


 

Third Theology  
Dogmatic Theology                                                                             6h
Moral Theology                                   4h
Pastoral Theology 1h
Total 11h

 

"We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can - namely, surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us."  (St. Theresa of Avila)