Academic Education and women's promotion
The Female Theological College 'S. Cecilia,' affiliated with the Conservatory of the Holy Conception, was established in 1974 to respond to the significant proclamation of the Second Vatican Council, which acknowledged, among the most prominent signs of our times, the new role of women in contemporary society (Pope Paul VI, Message to Women, at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, December 8, 1965).
"The purpose of CTF is to promote the spiritual and theological education of young women sent by local churches to study at the Pontifical Roman Universities. This education equips them to effectively engage in qualified apostolic work within their local churches, including teaching theology and philosophy, working in ecclesiastical tribunals, and participating in the fields of social communications and education.
In particular, the College aims to integrate the academic education acquired at the Pontifical Universities and Institutes with human, spiritual, and pastoral formation, enabling young women to integrate themselves into their respective dioceses with ecclesial and lay maturity.
At CTF, they also discover and nurture their own feminine vocation in the world and within the Church.
«I am convinced of the urgency of providing spaces for women in the life of the Church and welcoming them, taking into account the specific and evolving cultural and social sensitivities.
It is therefore desirable to have a more widespread and impactful female presence within the communities, so that we can see many women involved in pastoral responsibilities, in accompanying individuals, families, and groups, as well as in theological reflection».
(Pope Francis, Address to the Plenary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, 2015)
The top leadership of CTF falls under the Episcopal Commission for the Almo Collegio Capranica, appointed by the Pope, and is composed as follows:
Rector of the Almo Collegio Capranica
The Rector of the Almo Collegio represents the Episcopal Commission in the day-to-day management of CTF and in presenting the Director.
Director of the CTF
The immediate responsibility is entrusted to a Director, chosen where possible from among the former students of CTF. The Director is presented by the Rector and appointed by the Cardinal President, in consultation with the Episcopal Commission.
Board
The Director may seek the advice of some former students on fundamental aspects of the educational proposal and matters related to the organization of communal life.
Spiritual assistant
Spiritual attention is provided by a priest, proposed by the Rector of the Capranica College in agreement with the Director, and approved by the Cardinal President of the Episcopal Commission of the Capranica College.
