APRA Alumnus Renée Pomarico testimony
I received a degree in Religious Sciences from the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum in 2011. My consecration to God in Regnum Christi brought me to the university. I started off with a BA in Education and Development from the Anahuac University in Mexico. Then, I sought to obtain a licentiate in Religious Sciences at Regina Apostolorum by participating in their distance program. I toiled my way through the material, one class at a time, over a period of four years, while working full-time in the apostolate. It was definitely worth it! My degree in Religious Sciences has served me amply in the academic, catechetic, spiritual and pastoral fields.
Academically, the material I studied in Religious Sciences provided a firm foundation for my teaching career. I was a high school teacher of Apologetics, Faith and Revelation, Public Speaking and Drama at Immaculate Conception Academy for five years. Later on, I became a professor of Catechism for the candidates to consecrated life in Regnum Christi, as well as serving as their dean of academics in Monterrey, México.
In the catechetical realm, my studies at Regina Apostolrum enabled me to volunteer time as a catechist in numerous parishes and other school programs over the years. I was also hired as the Director of Religious Education at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Providence, RI.
Spiritually, the content has enriched my own journey in the faith, knowledge of the scriptures and theological concepts. It has served as the basis for retreats that I have preached for adolescents, youth, and adults.
I consider the degree in Religious Sciences as essential to my pastoral ministry, as well. A solid foundation in philosophy, theology and spirituality are necessary in a life dedicated to evangelization. The degree enabled me to later achieve certification in Spiritual Direction at Divine Mercy University and vocational accompaniment in the archdiocese of Monterrey, México.
Some elements of the Religious Sciences program that I enjoyed were:
- Choosing 8 books, one from each academic discipline to read and write an essay on. Two of my favorite pieces, which I often refer back to are:
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla
- The classes on the Old and New Testament were fascinating and enriching for my spiritual life and pastoral ministry.
- Metaphysics is essential to understanding being and order of essential/accidental properties. Thanks to that material, I am much the richer.