CSTM Global

CSTM serves as a global center of Catholic thought and action, reflecting Boston College’s goal—and the enduring Jesuit ideal—to work for the transformation of the world. 

Global Voices

With students, faculty, and other scholars from all over the world, the CSTM community comprises a diversity of voices representing a microcosm of the global church.

Photo of Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj

Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj

Licentiate in Sacred Theology, 2024

Photo of Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj

"...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
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.

Photo of Sam Beirão Sam Beirão Sam Beirão, S.J.

Sam Beirão

S.T.L., 2019

Photo of Sam Beirão

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.

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.

Photo of Maureen  Ahyuwa Maureen Ahyuwa Maureen Ahyuwa

Maureen Ahyuwa

Licentiate in Sacred Theology, 2023

Photo of Maureen  Ahyuwa

I experienced CSTM as a community of friends. It is motivational, supportive, life-giving and faith-filled community.

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.

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Janet A. Forbes

M.A. Theology and Ministry (Hybrid), 2021

Photo of Janet A. Forbes

A vibrant and life-giving community that has changed me and changed my life for the better. I now view the CSTM as family.

 

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.

Photo of Febrianto Tayoto Febrianto Tayoto Febrianto Tayoto

Febrianto Tayoto

MTS., 2024

Photo of Febrianto Tayoto

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. 

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.

A Diverse Tapestry

Our formation is enriched by the different geographies, histories, and challenges that our international offerings bring to the CSTM. The diverse tapestry of these experiences inform theological inquiries and ministerial priorities that reflect an authentic global church and respond to the realities of our multicultural world.
O. Ernesto Valiente, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology

See the World While Studying It

Through our integrated courses and programs, students journey to a variety of places all around the world to build relationships, serve communities, and strengthen their pastoral skills.

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