Patron Saints

The ITI is blessed with three patron saints, each bearing different gifts for us to emulate.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, is a Doctor of the Church and famous for her “Little Way”. The ITI always seems to work best in following this way; doing things quietly and later, seeing great fruit.

Reflection by Fr. John Saward "St. Thérèse as a Model for Our Institute"

St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas, is a holy theologian and Doctor of the Church. The Popes have urged us to “go to Thomas” and so he is our “guide and model for theological studies” (Pope John Paul II).

Sermon given by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn for the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas during the first academic year of the ITI.

St. Zdislava of Lemberk
St. Zdislava of Lemberk was born in Moravia in the twelfth century and lived in northern Bohemia. She was a wife and mother of four who was an example of “marital fidelity, a support of domestic spirituality and moral integrity (Paul VI)”. She is a perfect Patroness for the ITI which seeks to make it possible for families to study here, has a community life of which families are an essential part, and has the Masters in Marriage and Family degree program.