Gastonia Times

Belmont Abbey College is expanding its Belmont House in Washington, D.C., with new initiatives aimed at strengthening Catholic voices in media, politics, and culture. This expansion includes establishing a permanent Belmont House, planning an Intentional Catholic Student Residency Program, and developing new academic programs.

The initiative is part of the "Made Strong" component of the College's Made True Capital Campaign, which has raised over $130 million. Today's program expansion is funded by $15 million in gifts as part of a larger $45 million plan to enhance the Belmont House on Capitol Hill.

"We are taking Catholic higher education to a new level," said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College. "These initiatives will play a significant role in effecting the change needed to foster a culture that upholds faith, community, and the common good."

Since its founding in 2021, the Belmont House has become a hub for fellowship and cultural influence on Capitol Hill. The acquisition of a permanent location near Capitol grounds will enable continued support for lay apostolates and policy discussions.

An Intentional Catholic Student Residency Program is planned alongside the new Belmont House to provide housing for at least 30 Catholic undergraduates interning on Capitol Hill. The program aims to inspire future leaders and could expand to accommodate 60 students per semester.

Future academic programs will focus on promoting political discourse transformation and equipping future leaders with skills in political writing and legislative affairs. These efforts aim to infuse American political life with principles of natural law and divine truth.

Belmont Abbey College emphasizes human flourishing through God's providence as part of its mission. Alumni such as Lily Mullen from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; Grace Bruno from the U.S. Senate; and Nikolas von Spakovsky from Donald J. Trump's campaign exemplify this leadership approach.

"This is only the beginning for the Belmont House," said Executive Director Emmett McGroarty. "The Belmont House will be an anchor for the faithful on Capitol Hill."

Abbot Placid highlighted these initiatives' significance: "We are establishing a place in Washington where we can offer space for people of goodwill to gather."

The announcement was made during the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where Belmont Abbey also served as an event sponsor.

As it expands its presence in Washington, D.C., Belmont Abbey College remains committed to promoting Catholic values and defending religious freedom.