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Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, New President of Oblate School of Theology |
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Singing and music was lead by San Antonio’s Assumption Seminary choir and other students of OST. The homily was given by Fr. Pat GUIDON, a past president. Fr. Rolheiser takes the place of Fr. William MORELL, OMI, who is now the Vicar Provincial for the United States Province.
The sun was just setting on a pleasantly warm San Antonio evening as the faculty of OST, in their flowing academic robes, processed into the packed Immaculate Conception Chapel to the accompaniment of the organ and a brass ensemble. Guests included Fr. Marcel DUMAIS, General Councillor for the Canada-U.S. Region and other Oblates from across the country.
Fr. Warren BROWN, OMI, who has been Interim President for the past year presented Fr. Rolheiser with a scroll containing the mission vision of OST. Fr. Rolheiser read aloud the statement. In his address, he quoted the famous Dutch theologian Schillebeecks, “What one person dreams alone remains a dream. What one dreams together with others can become a reality.” Fr. Rolheiser used this quotation to invite all present to dream together, to work and pray together to make OST a school of theology second to none that serves people of all races, colors, and creeds. “This celebration,” he said, “is not about me; it is about our shared dream for OST.”
The new president is known internationally as a community builder, lecturer and writer. His books are popular throughout the English-speaking world and his weekly column is carried by more than fifty newspapers worldwide. For most of the 28 years of his priesthood, he taught philosophy at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, AB, Canada. From 1998 until 2004, he served as the General Councillor for Canada in the Oblates' General Administration.
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On
October 21, Fr. Louis LOUGEN, OMI, the Provincial of the United States
Province, presided at a Vesper Service for the installation of OST’s new
president, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI.