The Melantonini of the 2024-25 academic year have collected their impressions of various theological faculties and are happy to pass them on.
Alfonsiana
The atmosphere at the Pontifical Academy Alfonsiana is open, interested, cordial, small and informal. There is a clear conservative-Catholic orientation among the students, but with authoritarian/hierarchical criticism and enquiries. The academic profile has a clear moral theological orientation, i.e. moral standards are measured and discussed on the basis of divine revelation.
What makes the university special is the international atmosphere, the directly affiliated church, in which regular masses are held (also officially by the academy, e.g. for the opening of the academic year) and which is always open, as well as the uncomplicated enrolment (providing personal data and course selection; no copy of the school-leaving certificate or similar required) and a very courteous office.
Unfortunately, English communication is not always possible (but exams in English usually are). As the vast majority of students and a significant number of professors are not native speakers of Italian, the language level is rather moderate. A little tip: At the top left, when you walk into the courtyard of the academy, there is a Portiere who will ask any unknown person about their request and, if necessary, turn them away. So it’s best to make an appointment with the secretary’s office first so that you can be let in when you get there for the first time. Most of the rooms are open all the time – you will always find an empty room if you want to work for yourself but don’t want to go to the library.
Augustinianum
The Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum is located in the immediate vicinity of St Peter’s Basilica and offers a pleasant academic environment with a view of the world-famous basilica. The university is small and specialises in patristics, which enables a close and personal exchange between teachers and students. The academic quality of the courses is high and the excellently equipped library offers extensive patristic literature in several languages, including German, English, French and Italian. Of particular interest are the regular conferences on changing topics, which offer additional specialist impulses. For anyone interested in patristics, the Augustinianum is a clear recommendation.
Facoltà Valdese
The Facoltà Valdese is something like the ‘academic base’ of the Centro Melantone. It is the only place in Rome where Protestant theology can be studied. A team of professors awaits the Melantone students here, most of whom come from the Waldensian, Methodist or Baptist churches in Italy and are therefore very familiar with Italian Protestantism. At the same time, many of them have studied and taught in Germany or Switzerland, meaning that examinations can also be taken in German or English on request. Here students can choose from the traditional range of subjects and take exams or write term papers that are also recognised depending on their home university. Anyone who would like to write a sermon in Italian, for example, is always welcome in Prof Francesca Nuzzolese’s main homiletics seminar, and anyone who would like to delve into Karl Barth or Bonhoeffer from a dogmatic perspective will find an expert at the Facoltà in Prof Fulvio Ferrario.
Anyone who fears that they will learn less about ecumenism here than at Catholic universities, or believes that they will find a context here that we already know, may be convinced otherwise at the Facoltà. The history of minority and persecution of the Waldensians has created a very unique character of Reformed Christianity, which is definitely worth an ecumenical encounter. So what should future Melantonine/i definitely bear in mind with regard to the Facoltà? They should definitely attend the events generously and with interest and participation. Of course, it pays to be reasonably confident in the Italian language.
Students should not be put off by the small group sizes and the informal atmosphere, as these conditions can also prove to be a great advantage academically if personal interests can be taken into account or examinations can be customised to suit the context of the home university. The office staff and the professors are always available and happy to help with questions or personal concerns.
Last but not least, the Facoltà is the place in Rome to make friends with Italian Protestant theologians and, with its library and terrace, offers a unique place to live, study and drink coffee.
Gregoriana
The Gregoriana of the Jesuits is the oldest and one of the largest Pontifical universities. With six faculties, it offers countless opportunities, an international atmosphere and professional organisation in an impressive building. It forms a unit with the Orientale (Eastern Church Studies) and Biblicum (Biblical Studies). Although lay people make up only about 20% of the students alongside priests and religious, they are made to feel welcome.
The Gregoriana offers countless opportunities – for some courses it is necessary to discuss whether it is possible to attend. Otherwise, the atmosphere in most courses is very friendly. The size of the courses depends on which area you are looking for – exegetical lectures are usually relatively large, while courses in the area of spirituality are usually more personal and dialogue-based. The internationality is a great opportunity for exchange – some fellow students have never come into contact with representatives of the Protestant Church.
Marianum
As the name suggests, the Marianum offers a wide variety of courses in the field of Mariology. Most of the courses here are designed for a licentiate or doctoral programme, but as Mariology is not necessarily part of the baccalaureate studies, no major prior knowledge is required to participate in the courses. Mariology is also a specialised field in Catholic theology, which is why the courses at the Marianum are organised in small groups. The community is warm and open and often shows a genuine interest in discussing their degree programme and other theological topics. Many are international students themselves. The staff at the faculty are also very friendly. Due to the small number of students here, they usually know you personally and are very helpful when it comes to enrolment and course selection. In addition to its own permanent teaching staff, the Marianum also frequently invites guest lecturers from other faculties in Rome, for example from Sant’Anselmo, with whom they share a baccalaureate programme, or from the Facoltà Valdese, in order to be able to hold ecumenical seminars.
Sant’Anselmo
The ‘Pontificio Ateneo Sant’Anselmo’ – or simply Anselmianum or Sant’Anselmo – is a small oasis of peace surrounded by greenery and trees on the Aventine Hill above the Tiber. Here, where a refreshing breeze blows even in summer, you are a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city and yet right in the centre of it all.
Sant’Anselmo is the university of the Benedictine order and has a special focus on liturgical science, which is affiliated here as a separate faculty. There is also the Faculty of Theology (with a special focus on monasticism) and the Faculty of Philosophy. If you are passionate about liturgy – or want to be passionate about it -, want to deepen your knowledge of monasticism or take a closer look at the Rule of St Benedict, this is the right place for you. There is something for everyone – even if it’s a course in liturgical flower arranging.
The ‘Ordo Anni Academici’ (i.e. the course catalogue) can be picked up from the secretary’s office or downloaded online. The course descriptions usually contain no more than the title of the course – but this should not put you off.
Enrolment takes place on site at the secretariat (note opening hours and if in doubt, it is better to go in the morning), where the Centro Melantone programme is also known. As a rule, all courses can be attended and enrolments are often still possible after the enrolment deadline (although it is better to mark them in your diary beforehand) if you make a friendly enquiry.
The prices of the courses are very reasonable and average. There is no enrolment fee. Information about the rooms and other events (e.g. evening lectures organised by the Forum Sant’Anselmo) can be found on the notice board next to the secretary’s office.
The atmosphere at Sant’Anselmo is open and helpful – both among the professors and the students. People from all over the world characterise university life. Some German-speaking students and professors are also present and are happy to help or invite you to lunch or dinner in the refectory. Midday prayer and vespers in the evening in the adjoining church of Sant’Anselmo all’Aventino are open to the public and can be attended.