In order to proclaim the fullness of the Faith especially in Catholic schools, the Sisters immerse themselves in the pursuit of Truth through periods of spiritual reading, catechetical training, and theological coursework.
At the heart of a St. Mary Sister’s vocation is a commitment to study, being “of utmost necessity to [the Order’s] end,” (Humbert of Romans, Exposito super Constitutiones, XII), undertaken at the service of preaching and for the salvation of souls. Rejoicing in the truth as one who finds a treasure (Matthew 13:44), each Sister assumes the personal obligation of devoting herself unceasingly to assiduous study, aware that “truth is the real object of [her] reason” (Newman, Apologia, Ch. 5). In this way, she discovers the fruits it provides for both prayer and the apostolate.
In accordance with the directives of the Order of Preachers, which insisted that the friars do everything they could to ensure “commendable preaching” (Humbert of Romans, Esposito super Constitutiones, XII), the study program’s spiritual and human dimensions should be a priority for each Sister. She should view study as a means to feed her contemplation and encounter God who is manifested in created realities (Dei Verbum, 3). The Sister also sees study as an essential duty, as she has been bequeathed a great spiritual and cultural heritage, and is called to be, by God’s grace and her own gifts, an outstanding religious, educator, and evangelist.