One Seminary's Loss is One Diocese's Gain

Father Michael Barber, S.J. has been named Bishop of Oakland. He has served us well, and remains an inspiration to us all.

From Rector Monsignor James P. Moroney's Blog:

This morning it was announced that Pope Francis has appointed Father Michael Barber, S.J. as Bishop of Oakland in California. Father Michael Barber, S.J. has served as Director of Spiritual Formation at Saint John’s Seminary in Boston since June of 2010.

Fr. Barber has a storied priesthood:

The bishop-designate entered the Jesuits in 1973 and was ordained a priest in 1985.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and history at Gonzaga University in 1978, completed his theological studies at Regis College at the University of Toronto in 1985, and obtained an ecclesiastical license in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1989.

At 59 years-old, Bishop-designate Barber has served in numerous capacities, including as a missionary in Western Samoa, an assistant professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, a tutor and chaplain at the University of Oxford, and as chaplain for the U.S. Navy Reserve.

During his time at the Gregorian, he taught dogmatic theology and conducted research on unpublished manuscripts of sermons by Blessed John Henry Newman.

His time as a military chaplain included being called to active duty in 2003 to serve the 6,000 troops in the 4th Marine Air Wing who participated in the invasion of Iraq.

He speaks English, Italian, Spanish and Latin.