VERBUM is the official newsletter of St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary. It is a quarterly publication appearing in February, May, August, and November. It is printed on 11" x 17" paper in tabloid format, 2 pages front and back. The primary aim of VERBUM is to provide benefactors and other interested followers of the work of the Seminary an inside look at the formation of young seminarians taking place on Stockton Hill. Having been published for over two decades now, its many issues not only give the fascinating history of St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, but also provides insights into the problems of the modern world and the weapons that young priests must use to combat them.
The masthead that appears at the top of each issue of the VERBUM has a special significance. The word "Verbum" is a Latin noun meaning "word." VERBUM is the official "word" of the Seminary, giving the most current news from Stockton Hill. The Seminary crest appears in the center below the word VERBUM. It is a shield mounted by a cross. Inside the shield is an open book with Latin words inscribed in it, while above it appears a rising sun. The words "Nil hoc verbo veritatis verius" are taken from the second strophe of a Eucharistic hymn by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the Seminary's patron. The hymn is named after its first words, "Adore te devote" (I devoutly adore Thee). Both the words on the shield, which mean "Nothing is truer than the Word of Truth," and the rising sun, represent Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Word, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity (Jn. I, 1-14), and the Sun of Justice risen to redeem the world and shine His light in the darkness.
Below, our readers will find all of the past issues of the VERBUM. They are contained in PDF format. Because the VERBUM contains many images and the summer issues are in full color, some of the PDFs are quite large – dialup users beware. Permission is given to print out and distribute the text contained therein, provided no change is made and reference to the source is provided.
To receive the Rector's letter and the VERBUM by "snail mail," simply send a written request to:
Donations to cover the cost of the mailing are greatly appreciated.