The new vision for theological education underpinning the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM) has been given a significant boost with a major donation from the Basilian Fathers of the University of St. Michael’s College.
The funding supports the position of the Father Terrence Forestell CSB Dean of the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology. The Faculty’s current Dean, Prof. Jaroslav Skira, will be the first person to hold the new deanship.
“I am deeply honoured to serve in this role at such an important time for RSM,” Prof. Skira said. “It is thanks to the teaching and research of gifted Faculty members like Fr. Forestell that RSM continues to have a world-class profile. It is a privilege to build upon that legacy.”
The position’s title recognizes long-time Faculty member Fr. Terrence (Terry) Forestell CSB, who taught Old and New Testament at the Faculty from 1968 to 1985, eventually specializing in the latter.
Educated at Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute and École biblique in Jerusalem, Fr. Forestell was known as an innovative thinker. The entry on him in the Basilian Biography notes that his lectures while teaching at St. Basil’s Seminary prior to arriving at the Faculty were “inspiring” and “courageous.”
“The Basilian Fathers of USMC are pleased to provide financial support for the Father Terrence Forestell CSB Dean of the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology,” says Rev. T. Allan Smith CSB, who is Rector, Basilian Fathers of the University of St. Michael’s College. “Over the years, Regis and St. Michael’s have worked independently but collaboratively on ensuring the best theological education for future ordained and lay ministers, religious educators, and aspiring professional theologians. The recent happy federation of the two institutions will build on their past excellence to ensure a bright future. Our contribution, made in the name of the many Basilians who studied and taught at the Faculty of Theology, is a symbol of our confidence in this new venture.”
Now in its second year of operation, RSM is a federation of Regis College, rooted in the Jesuit-Ignatian tradition, and the University of St. Michael’s College, rooted in the Basilian tradition. The new, harmonized Faculty, with shared academic and administrative units, heightens the ability of RSM to address critical issues of the day while continuing to provide the essential foundational courses to prepare students for ministry, teaching, and service to the Church and the broader community.
“The University of St. Michael’s College remains grateful to the Basilian Fathers, and especially to the priests who have served on this campus since 1852,” said University President David Sylvester. “Their friendship and support will help Regis St. Michael’s continue in its goal of serving the Church and society in innovative ways and respond to Pope Francis’ call in Ad theologiam promovendam for a renewal in theological education to respond to the profound cultural changes the world faces.”