The Thomistic Institute Catholic Women in the Arts & Sciences: An Underappreciated Tradition – Dr. Bronwen McShea
Feb 6, 2026
Dr. Bronwen McShea, historian of Catholicism and author with positions at Yale, Princeton, and Columbia, traces a long tradition of learned Catholic women. She highlights medieval convent scholarship, Renaissance patrons and humanists, and early modern women scientists and professors. Short, vivid stories bring overlooked scholars, mystics, and patrons into focus.
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Italian And Spanish Academic Trailblazers
- Several of the earliest women with advanced degrees were 17th–18th century Catholics in Italy and Spain.
- Figures like Laura Bassi and Maria Gaetana Agnesi taught at Bologna with papal and institutional support.
Laura Bassi's Dual Roles
- McShea describes Laura Bassi teaching physics at Bologna with Pope Benedict XIV's support and continuing research while raising a large family.
- Bassi advocated Newtonian physics and paved the way for later women professors like Cristina Roccati.
A Long Catholic Tradition Of Women Scholars
- Catholic women contributed across monastic, humanistic, and university traditions from antiquity onward.
- Their work spans scripture, theology, sciences, patronage, and university teaching, forming a long underappreciated tradition.
