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As part of its newly released Catholic Identity College Guide 2014, the National Catholic Register features a story entitled , touting the importance of the liberal arts in Catholic education. “While scores of colleges are expanding their curricula by narrowing specialties and fields of study,” writes author Joseph Pronechen, “some top Catholic colleges are keeping liberal arts alive and well.”

Mr. Pronechen quotes the presidents of three Catholic colleges, including 91����’s own Dr. Michael F. McLean, about the role of the liberal arts at their respective schools. “We use the term ‘liberal’ education from the Latin word liber, meaning ‘free,’ so this is an education ordered to freedom,” says Dr. McLean. “Our Lord said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,’ and ‘The truth will make you free,’ so there is a connection between Catholic liberal education and truth. … Truth is embodied in Jesus Christ, so the education here is really Christ-centered and God-centered.”

Mr. Pronechen explains that because 91����’s students “are actively engaged in classes that are conducted as conversations and discussions … they acquire analytical and conversational skills — traits employers look for in employees.” Moreover, the College’s curriculum and spiritual life help to nurture students’ vocations. “The large number of religious vocations to come of out of this college is another benefit of liberal arts education,” writes Mr. Pronechen, citing Dr. McLean’s observation that roughly 11 percent of the College’s graduates enter the priesthood or religious life. “Those who marry,” the author notes, “have family lives centered on Christ, and they bring their strong Catholic faith to their work.”

Adds Dr. McLean, “That is the heart of the New Evangelization, and the way the Church is going to evangelize the world: sending deeply committed Catholics into the secular world to remake that world in the image of Christ.”

The full story, including more quotations from Dr. McLean, is available both on the National Catholic Register’s and in its (PDF).