Aquinas College and Diocese of Nashville to Deepen Partnership in Propaedeutic Formation
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026
Aquinas College is pleased to announce the continuation and expansion of its partnership with the Diocese of Nashville in the propaedeutic stage of seminarians’ formation.
For the past three years, seminarians from the Diocese of Nashville have been enrolled as students at Aquinas College while completing the Certificate of Propaedeutic Studies, a foundational year of formation that emphasizes human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral development. This program allows seminarians to remain rooted in the life of the Diocese while beginning their academic preparation prior to entering seminary.
Building on the success of this program, Aquinas College and the Diocese of Nashville have agreed to deepen this collaboration beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. As part of this expanded partnership, seminarians will not only study at Aquinas but will also reside on campus in Siena Hall, accompanied by priest‑formators who will support their ongoing discernment and formation.
This arrangement reflects the Diocese’s commitment to a formation model in which seminarians, particularly in their first year, remain closely connected to the people, parishes, and pastoral life of the local Church. During this time, they continue their academic work at Aquinas while also engaging in diocesan life and building strong bonds with one another before continuing their formation in seminary.
The expanded use of Siena Hall will involve a designated residential space for the seminarians, while the broader operations and programming of the Siena Hall Conference Center will continue as usual.
“We are grateful for the Diocese’s trust in Aquinas College and for the opportunity to assist in the preparation of future priests,” said Sister Cecilia Anne, O.P., President of Aquinas College. “This partnership allows us to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the life of the Church and to the formation of young men who will one day stand at the altar, celebrate the sacraments, preach the Gospel, and shepherd the Church that nurtures all of us.”
Aquinas College and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia are honored to continue this long‑standing collaboration with the Diocese of Nashville in support of a formation process that prepares men for faithful and dedicated service to the Church.
