Two members of Saint John's Seminary Faculty recently defended their doctoral dissertations at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Below are their reflections as they look forward to graduation this month.
“I am a priest of the Diocese of Raphoe (Donegal, Ireland) and am involved in the work of Priestly Formation at Saint John’s Seminary, just next door to the STM. Pursuing doctoral studies at the STM was a great blessing. I worked on an Old Testament project, the Rejection of King Saul. In the immediate future I hope to continue serving the Church by collaborating in the formation of the next generation of priests for Boston and beyond.”
Fr. Joseph Briody
“Saint John’s Seminary is a special place to teach -- and to study -- theology. The Second Vatican Council said that “the desired renewal of the whole Church depends to a great extent on the ministry of its priests.” This quote really points to the importance of priestly formation and the mission of the seminary community within the life of the Church. I am so grateful to be able to contribute to the formation of future priests through the courses I teach at Saint John’s Seminary. Moreover, the programs for non-seminarian students help provide a strong theological foundation for all of those engaged in different dimensions of pastoral ministry.”
Michael Coughlin