Catherine M. LaCugna (1952-97), resident scholar 1985-86, at work on her path-breaking book, God for Us: The Trinity and Christian Life (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1991)

The Resident Scholars Program is the heart of the Institute's life, and at the core of Father Kilian's original vision. Each resident scholar engages an independent rhythm of reflection and writing, discernment and conversion. With their diverse tranditions, cultures, disciplines, and projects, the scholars form a supportive and prayerful community. For one or two semesters of residency the goal is to balance research and dialogue, to apply the skills of attentive listening, careful speaking, and clear communicating, and to sustain the writing process, so that individual work springs forth in fresh and sometimes surprising conclusions. The Institute intentionally provides, for scholars and their families, an environment conducive to productivity and renewal because we know that the work accomplished here settles elsewhere, promoting understanding and harmony.