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The official language of the Catholic Church as well as the medium of countless sacred and profane works of Western civilization, Latin is an integral component of the curriculum at Saint Mary’s College. In classical models of Liberal Arts formation, Latin figures prominently, putting students in touch with scholars and saints via enduring texts. The Latin curriculum aims in the beginning to impart to the students a functional mastery over the essential linguistic elements of the Latin language, and then to guide them in engaging with the enduring monuments of Latinity that transcend the ages.
The study of Latin facilitates a deeper understanding of and engagement with the other pillars of Liberal Arts education, most notably in Theology and Philosophy, but also in English Literature, Rhetoric and Music. Knowledge of Latin provides myriad opportunities for interdisciplinary conversation, extending even to the realm of Mathematics and Science.
Studying Latin affords a life-long reward that will benefit the student long after leaving Saint Mary’s, as it is a language that both permeates Catholic culture and allows access to some of the greatest works of Western literature.
Emilie Jordan Jackson grew up in northern Virginia, in the shadow of the nation’s capital. A proud alumna of Saint Mary’s College, Emilie graduated as her class’s valedictorian in 2005. She has taught at Saint Mary’s College since 2008.
Fr. Wood entered St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary of the Society of St. Pius X in Winona, MN, where he remained after his ordination in 2009 to teach English grammar, Latin, and liturgy. Encouraged by the seminary Rector, Fr. Yves le Roux, he spent several summers in France learning French in different regions and schools, including the Sorbonne in Paris, as well as two summers in Milwaukee, WI perfecting his Latin at Latinitatis Schola Aestiva Milvauchiensis under the guidance of former Papal Latinist, Fr. Reginald Foster.
Fr. Paul Franks teaches courses in the philosophy of nature and Apologetics. He studied for the priesthood at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Minnesota, taking courses in Philosophy and Theology, and was ordained in 2016. After his ordination he was appointed to St. Mary’s College and has been there ever since. During his time in seminary, he directed the polyphonic choir and oversaw the organ department for four years each.
Over the last 36 years, Father has been a professor at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in the United States, at St. Cure d’Ars Seminary in France, and at Holy Cross Seminary in Australia. Father now shares his knowledge and experience as a professor at St. Mary’s College.