Romanus Cessario, O.P., will speak at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at 7:30 P.M. on November 11, 2013, exploring the relation between culture and contemplation in the practice and theory of twentieth-century Catholicism, on the occasion of Fr. Romanus’ receipt of the highest intellectual award of the Dominican Order, the Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.). The Constitutions of the Order of Preachers states that the “mastership in sacred theology is conferred on those brothers who are considered eminent in promoting the sciences, especially the sacred sciences… To be promoted a master in sacred theology, it is required that a brother be commendable for his life and prudence,” in addition to a record of total dedication to intellectual work (LCO 96, 97). As part of this honor, the Constitutions requires the newly promoted Master to give a public lecture. It is the PFIC’s high privilege to be both the site of Fr. Romanus’ initial philosophical and theological formation (S.T.B ’70, S.T.L. ’72), and the site of Fr. Romanus’ official inaugural lecture as a Master of Sacred Theology. The lecture will be held in Aquin Hall in the PFIC, 487 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C., at 7:30 P.M., and will be followed by a reception. No reservation is required. See here for more information about the lecture.