CSTM Global

Hometown
Paris, France 

Most recent position
Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops

I have received a lot of support from my wonderful advisor Rafael Luciani and I am particularly grateful for the fruitful conversations and collaborations we had for my thesis. With his course and guidance I had a chance to discover more about the Latin American Theology that has shaped Pope Francis’ vision of synodality and to embark on different projects to promote synodality.

Hometown: Lisbon, Portugal

Arriving to the U.S. was a whole new experience: new continent, new country, new culture, new language. Luckily, at BC, in general, and the CSTM community specifically, I found myself surrounded by great people ready to welcome all, accept our differences, people full of curiosity to know about us and willing to help us to know better how to move around. We are used to thinking about the American culture as it enters in our lives through the movies and TV shows.

However, time and people help us to know there are a lot of Americas within America, a melting pot of colors, religions, and points of view. And that diversity, in an environment such as a school of theology and ministry, is essential to give reason of our faith and open our minds and hearts to the richness of belonging to the Church and the World in which we live.

Home Country
Nigeria

Undergraduate Institute and Major
Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Bachelor's in Theology

My Experience
All classes were uniquely meaningful and enriching to me. The three key parts in Jesuits education: Being attentive, being reflective, and being loving, made a profound impact on me as a student of theology, and as a religious of the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima whose spirituality is to seek first the kingdom of God in all things.

Hometown
Co. Tyrone, Ireland

Undergraduate Institution and Major
University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, Hospitality Management

Current Position
Task Group, Irish Synodal Pathway, Youth Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Armagh
Assistant for Formación Continúa Courses

My Experience
The CSTM and the community there has opened doors, created a global network and community that has helped me carve out a pathway that I could never have imagined. Synodality and formation in practice of Synodality is central to my vocation and Ministry.

Why CSTM?
The CSTM has given a world class education and widened my horizons. The community at the CSTM and it’s multicultural community has challenged me to look at who I am and discern how I can serve the Church.

Hometown
Jakarta, Indonesia

Undergraduate Institute and Major
Southeast Asia Bible Seminary, Bachelor in Theology

Most Meaningful Experience
CSTM has a very dynamic and diverse learning environment. I love how each professor has their own distinctive way of imparting knowledge in a way that is not only educational but also beneficial to my spiritual formation. The assignments give me the flexibility to make the connection with my own research interests. Also, as an international student in the class who speaks English as a second language, I value the professors' consideration for me and how they give me an opportunity to voice my opinions.

My Experience
As a foreigner who just came to the US, I found CSTM to be a warm and welcoming community. My most memorable experience was the GA orientation, where it was the first time I met some good friends of mine. Also, I particularly enjoy the weekly mass and community lunch because it allows me to meet different kinds of people, including the faculty members, who turn out to be really approachable.