By Civitas Dei Alumnus Rupesh Kotte
This past June, I had the privilege to attend the 2024 Civitas Dei Fellowship, hosted by the Institute for Human Ecology and the Thomistic Institute. My experience significantly deepened and reshaped my understanding of the moral complexities of just war and the virtues. At first glance, it seemed paradoxical to me to connect war with charity. However, the fellowship illustrated that the concept of charity is essential in the context of just war.
The intellectual content of the seminars was illuminating. The fellowship emphasized that the principles of just war theory also elucidate human rights concerns and other important political issues. It highlighted the need to address various contemporary conflicts and bring order to the world, motivated by charity. Establishing peace, which is defined as the tranquility of order and not just an absence of violence, requires recognition of the importance of order itself. Because charity must order all other virtues, it plays a role, alongside prudence and justice, both in the decision to go to war and during the war itself. This holistic approach to comprehending and applying the principles of just war theory has profoundly challenged my preconceived notions and broadened my academic and personal perspective, reinforcing the necessity of integrating charity into all aspects of justice and conflict resolution.
The lecturers — Father Andrew Hofer, O.P., Father Catejan Cuddy, O.P., and Dr. Gregory M. Reichberg from the Peace Research Institute, Oslo — were phenomenal. Their sessions on Augustinian, Thomistic, and contemporary perspectives on just war were incredibly insightful. Moreover, their erudition, intellectual humility, and charity deepened my personal understanding of the virtues.
One of the most impactful experiences of the fellowship was a visit to the Supreme Court of the United States, including private remarks with Chief Justice Samuel Alito. This opportunity to discuss various legal and life issues with a sitting justice was both inspiring and educational.The brilliant remarks by Catholic University President Peter Kilpatrick and George Weigel, along with the dynamic interactions and debates during the two quodlibetal sessions, significantly enhanced my learning experience. The participants’ questions and discussions were thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating. The learning did not stop at the conclusion of sessions, as discussions would continue in the dining hall or on walks around campus. Finally, attending Mass, praying Compline, and adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament provided spiritual nourishment throughout the fellowship — a reminder that charity, the greatest of virtues, will never pass away.
