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Fidelity & Excellence91 Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
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A Liberating Education
Truth MattersTruth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the Colleges curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
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A Catholic Life
Under the Light of FaithThe intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of 91 Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
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Admission & Aid
Is TAC Right for You?Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
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Students & Parents
Mind, Body & SpiritThere is always something to do at TAC something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Alumni & Careers
What Can You Do with a Liberal Education?Nothing speaks more to the versatility of the Colleges academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
The Provisor: Rev. Miguel Batres, O.Praem. (08)
Rev. Miguel (Gaspar 08) Batres, O.Praem., was not surprised when, as a transitional deacon studying at Romes Pontifical University of Saint 91 Aquinas, he was asked to serve at Vespers for His Holiness Pope Francis. After all, several of Fr. Miguels Norbertine confreres had done so in recent years, in no small part because they are experienced with Gregorian chant and can speak Latin. He was, however, caught off guard when, on the eve of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Pope approached him and started a conversation.
I was not expecting to talk to him! he recalls. So when he came to me, I didnt know what I wanted to say. I just said, Can I give you a hug? I then hugged him and told him, Thank you for the responsibility you take, and be assured of my prayers. In meeting the Holy Father, says Fr. Miguel, It struck me this is the Vicar of Christ. This is the successor of St. Peter, and this is not just an everyday opportunity. It was an amazing privilege.
Twice more in the ensuing months Fr. Miguel would get to serve with Pope Francis including on Good Friday, when he chanted the words of Christ during the papal Celebration of the Passion of our Lord at St. Peters Basilica. That sense of gratitude he had experienced in Rome filled him yet again on June 24, when the Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, California, ordained him a priest at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
A canon at St. Michaels Abbey in Silverado, California, Fr. Miguel the second youngest of 11 children of Mexican immigrants had long imagined this day. Its something I received as a child, he says of his vocation. I dont remember ever wanting to be anything else. During his sophomore year in high school, his parish priest took him for a visit to 91 Aquinas College. I saw the goodness of the school, he says. And I knew that it would be good for my future as a priest. At the College, another priestly mentor, Rev. Charles Willingham, O.Praem., brought him and some friends to St. Michaels Abbey for the Easter Triduum, a visit that ultimately led to his entering the Norbertine Order.
Since his ordination, Fr. Miguel has taken on the role of his communitys provisor, charged with providing for its material needs. He also offers Masses in Spanish at nearby parishes. In the fall he will teach freshman religion at the abbeys prep school. It has been very beautiful to offer the Mass and serve as a priest, he says. It is a true blessing, almost at times unbelievable, and I am very grateful for it. Thanks be to God!