91�����

On Saturday members of the Ventura Chapter of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) gathered at 91����� Aquinas College to contemplate the words of Bl. John Henry Newman, the example of St. Monica, and the role of intellect and virtue in the life of the Christian. �It was a blessed day,� says Robert Bagdazian, the College�s director of development. �Some 16 members of CALL and their guests joined us in prayer, fellowship, and discussion. It was like a small retreat, a chance to be spiritually recharged and fortified in our lives and vocations.�

The event began with Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, followed by a seminar in St. Bernardine of Siena Library. Two members of the College�s faculty, David Appleby and Tom Susanka, led the discussion, which centered on �Intellect, the Instrument of Religious Training,� an 1856 sermon by Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman. �Bl. John Henry delivered that sermon to the faculty of the University of Dublin on the Feast of St. Monica,� explains Mr. Bagdazian. �So he drew upon the example of St. Monica to urge these men of letters to develop virtue alongside intellect in the lives of their students. It was, after all, St. Augustine�s virtue � the product of his conversion, brought about through his mother�s prayers and sacrifice � that gave proper order, and thus greatness, to his intellectual pursuits.�

Attendees continued the conversation over lunch in St. Joseph Commons, after which they enjoyed a tour of the campus. �It was such a privilege to bring this group of great folks to the College, introducing many of them for the first time,� says Justin Alvarez (�97), a graduate and Regent of the College, an attorney, and head of CALL�s Ventura Chapter. A national organization, CALL offers spiritual formation and education for Latino leaders, while also serving as a Catholic voice on issues of cultural, social, and political importance.

�We were delighted to welcome CALL to our campus, to learn more about its mission, and to give its members an insight into our program of Catholic liberal education,� says Mr. Bagdazian. �The whole day seemed to be an embodiment of Bl. John Henry�s prayer that we �may excel in intellect as we excel in virtue.��