American TFP’s boarding school celebrates growth

St. Louis de Montfort Academy, the independent boarding school for boys in Herndon, Pennsylvania, run by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP) on April 25 inaugurated a four-level expansion of its main building, almost doubling its size.

The event, which coincided with the academy’s 30th anniversary, was headlined by Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke along with Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In his remarks on the occasion, Burke noted that the academy’s students often courageously join older TFP members at pro-life and other events that witness to eternal truths that are rejected by many in modern society.

“Millions of Americans have seen, through the videos of TFP Student Action, how the young men formed here go onto university campuses to confront the prevailing ideology,” Burke noted. “They do so not with anger, not with disorder, but with clarity, charity, and courage. They calmly dismantle anti-Christian fallacies. They endure ridicule, threats, and even physical intimidation with dignity. And in every instance, they emerge victorious — not because they shout the loudest, but because they stand with the truth.”

In a nod to the TFP apostolateʼs Brazilian roots, Prince Bertrand of Orleans-Braganza, head of the Imperial House of Brazil, was invited to cut the ribbon at the inauguration of the new school building. Instead of using scissors, he chose to employ a ceremonial sword for the task.

“At this academy, the notion of spiritual combat is at the forefront of daily life,” Prince Bertrand, a direct descendant of French Crusader king St. Louis IX, noted.

“The sacraments, the rosary, and religion classes are complemented by fencing, debate practices, and pro-life campaigns. All of these things give the academy students the training they need to become upright, generous, and brave soldiers of Christ,” he observed.

Nebraska bishop praises university’s creation of ethics panel after ‘drag Mass’

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, expressed gratitude to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, for creating in ethics panel following a “drag Mass” staged by a doctoral student.

“I appreciate the willingness of the university leaders to meet with us to discuss issues of concern to the Catholic community,” Conley said in his April 24 “Bishop’s Column” reacting to the university’s creation of an ethics panel to address the incident, which came after he met with University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold to express his opposition to the performance.

The event was put on in April 2025 by music doctoral student Joseph Willette, who claimed the performance was meant to “bridge the gap between queerness and spirituality.” The demonstration “imitated various parts of the Mass, including the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.”

“President Gold and his team have made good on their promise to keep us updated on their progress so far,” Conley said. “I would like to know more about the membership of the committee that President Gold and [Creighton University President] Father [Daniel] Hendrickson have put together, but I also understand to some degree their reluctance to share more about it given committee members’ request for anonymity.”

“I believe we can all agree there is more work that needs to be done, and my hope and prayer is that we all continue to strive to eliminate unjust discrimination of any kind on our campuses… and in our world,” Conley said. “I am also hopeful that continued engagement with community leaders at the university and elsewhere will help not only to prevent future problems but will also assist in the continued development of a culture that is respectful of religion and of the Catholic presence in and contribution to our state and its universities.”

Christendom College launches master’s for public policy program

Christendom College has expanded its graduate school offerings with the debut of its Center for Public Policy.

Started in partnership with the Heritage Foundation, the new center is “designed to equip leaders with the philosophical, ethical, and practical tools necessary for service in public life, nonprofit leadership, education, and policy-related professions,” according to a college press release.

Classes for the center’s flagship program will start this fall.

“For too long, public leaders and their supporters have led movements, crafted laws, and developed policies that assume presuppositions that are antithetical to human flourishing and the common good,” Christendom College President George A. Harne said in the release.

“By forming a new generation of leaders who understand classical Catholic social teaching and can apply it to the most pressing needs of today, Christendom College will lead in the restoration of the public square in a way that is deeply consistent with the college’s founding principles,” he said. “This unique program — oriented to real political change through the development of wise public policies and the formation of the next generation of leaders — is the next logical step in the fulfillment of Christendom College’s founding mission.”

Catholic Massachusetts college to close after 80 years following ‘financial pressure’

Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, announced “with profound grief” that it will close its doors at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year.

“The decision reflects years of financial pressure that we were ultimately unable to overcome and the honest recognition that continuing would not be responsible to the students, faculty, and staff who depend on us,” the college said in an April 23 statement signed by Anna Maria College President Sean J. Ryan and Board of Trustees Chair David Trainor.

The college cited “months” of attempts by leadership, the board of trustees, and the Sisters of St. Anne to “examine every option.”

“We tried to find a way,” the college said. “We are grateful to everyone who tried alongside us. And we are deeply, genuinely sorry we found no viable path forward.”

The college assured graduating seniors they would receive their degrees and walk in their graduation ceremony and non-graduating students that “clear paths forward are in place.” The college also said it has finalized partnerships with institutions for transfer students.

Anna Maria College was founded in 1946 by the Sisters of St. Anne.

Theology school offers chance to audit summer course free of charge

St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, New York, will allow anyone to audit any one of its summer courses for free via Zoom.

“Thanks to the generous support of the Knights of Columbus Finger Lakes Chapter, St. Bernardʼs is delighted to offer the opportunity of auditing one summer course for free,” the college said on its website. “We are a Catholic graduate school committed to featuring courses that enhance the truths of our faith, and as such, wish to share our offerings with as many people as possible.”

Available courses include “American Saints and Blesseds” and “Tolkien the Artist: Creativity and the Image of God.” Prospective students have the chance to audit courses from either the first session, which runs from May 11 to June 26, or the second session, which runs from June 29 to Aug. 14.