Archive Posts
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Mary in Rome
Faith and MissionI fell in love with Mary while a graduate student visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Standing in front of Simone Martini’s “Annunciation,” I was astonished by the role of Mary in the story of salvation. I stared at the painting, studying Mary’s gaze, until the museum closed. After I began teaching at the University…
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PHOTOS: Catholic Studies Summer Alumni Event
AlumniOn Aug. 23, 2024, more than 350 alumni and their families gathered on campus for a class reunion-style event. Bluegrass music, conversation and joy filled the room. This story is featured in the winter 2025 issue of Lumen. -
Saint Paul Seminary Professor Receives Prestigious Henri de Lubac Prize
Faith and MissionSaint Paul Seminary formator and assistant professor of dogmatic theology Father Evan Koop has been awarded the 2024 Henri de Lubac Prize for his doctoral dissertation. The award recognizes Koop’s research into Mary’s participation in Christ’s redemptive suffering on the cross. The award was presented Nov. 22 during a ceremony at Villa Bonaparte, the French… -
19 Saint Paul Seminary Seminarians Take Step Toward Priesthood as Acolytes
Faith and MissionFifteen men were instituted as acolytes at The Saint Paul Seminary, with four others installed in their home dioceses, marking a significant milestone on their path to priesthood. On Monday, Oct. 28, The Saint Paul Seminary celebrated the institution of 15 seminarians as acolytes during a special Mass in St. Mary’s Chapel. Bishop Patrick Neary… -
Saint Paul Seminary Priest Wellness Coordinator’s Client List Doubles in Less Than Two Years
Faith and MissionSusan Torborg has crafted a priest-specific health and wellness program at The Saint Paul Seminary. Leaders at The Saint Paul Seminary have long held that priestly formation doesn’t end at ordination. The seminary has taken a significant step in fostering the well-being of its priests through the role of Susan Torborg, its priest wellness coordinator.… -
Seminary Director of Counseling Services Observes Shift as Priests Prioritize Mental Health
Faith and MissionSaint Paul Seminary director of counseling services and assistant director of human formation Paul Ruff says he has “the best seat in the house” when it comes to priests growing even after ordination. Early during The Saint Paul Seminary’s 30-day renewal retreat for priests this past summer, seminary director of counseling services Paul Ruff asked… -
Leaders Serving Leaders: How The Saint Paul Seminary Forms Priests Long After Ordination
Faith and MissionEquipping priests for success means integrating ministry and leadership through ongoing formation. Father Jim Livingston sits at his desk in Ham Lake, Minnesota, and glances at the stack of papers sandwiched between the Church of St. Paul’s wedding liturgy guide and the Rite of Christian Burial book. He started his day at breakfast with two… -
A Shared Vocation: The Couple Behind The Saint Paul Seminary’s Ongoing Clergy Formation Work
Faith and MissionAt the heart of The Saint Paul Seminary’s Institute for Ongoing Clergy Formation is a couple dedicated not only to the formation of priests and deacons but also to the mission of the Church itself. Deacon Dan Gannon '88 and his wife Lisa Gannon serve together in what they describe as a natural extension of… -
In the News: University of St. Thomas Ignatian Spirituality Center Featured in The Catholic Spirit
In the NewsThe Ignatian Spirituality Center at the University of St. Thomas was recently covered in The Catholic Spirit, showing the university’s goal of fostering spiritual growth for the university community and beyond. From the story: An expanding Ignatian Spirituality Center in St. Paul that offers online and in-person retreats, prayer sessions, speakers and other events has… -
Catholic Studies Professor Chosen for Cardinal Wright Award
Professional NotesDr. Robert Kennedy received the 2024 Cardinal Wright Award for scholarly service to the Church by the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars at the 46th Annual Conference at the Catholic University of America. He also presented a plenary paper “Challenges in the Education and Formation of Catholic Professionals" at the September conference. The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars…