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Theology
After active ministry as a regent, Jesuits begin a period of focused theology studies. In the United States, these are the studies that lead to the Master of Divinity degree for scholastics in priestly preparation. The brothers usually work toward a Master’s degree in theological or religious studies.
The vast majority of Jesuits in the United States spend these years at either Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry or the Jesuit School of Theology (JST) in Berkeley, California, now affiliated with Santa Clara University. Some may be sent to schools outside the United States. Along the way, those on the priestly track are ordained as transitional deacons, before ending this stage with their ordination to the priesthood.
Peter Berger, SJ
Prior to entering the Society, Peter earned an associate degree from Yakima Valley Community College and was a seminarian for the Diocese of Yakima. As a seminarian he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon. He spent two years with a traveling retreat youth ministry that provided him the opportunity to travel across the Northwestern and Mideastern United States, as well as northern British Columbia, Canada. He also attended World Youth Day in Canada in 2002 and in Germany in 2005. He completed his Regency as a teacher of religion at Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, California. Currently he is studying theology at Regis College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Dominic Heesang Chai, SJ
Dominic was born in Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Los Angeles. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate from the London School of Economics. Prior to entering the Society, he held a faculty position at Birkbeck, University of London. He has taught courses in strategic management, and international business ethics, and served as an executive advisor for a Korean multinational corporation. As part of his discernment to join the Jesuits, Dominic walked the Camino de Santiago, made pilgrimages to Yamaguchi, Japan, and Loyola, Spain, and volunteered at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. He completed his regency working at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development where he serves as a co-coordinator of the Vatican COVID-19 Commission’s Economy Taskforce. Currently he is studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. He plays the oboe and enjoys making pottery.
Edward Chow, SJ
Edward graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, California. He completed a bachelor’s degree in political economy at the University of California, Berkeley. While in college he studied Mandarin Chinese in Taipei and after graduation facilitated the service, advocacy and justice ministry team for youth ministry with the San Jose Chinese Catholic Community. Prior to entering the Society, he worked as a budget analyst at NASA Ames Research Center. He completed his First Studies at St. Louis University and did his regency at the Newman Center of the University of California, San Diego. He is currently studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
Ulises Covarrubias, SJ
Ulises received a bachelor’s degree in international development studies from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in public diplomacy from the University of Southern California. Prior to entering the Society, he volunteered at Tierra Blanca Arts Center, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing dance and music to underserved communities. He completed his First Studies at St. Louis University in Missouri. During regency, he taught Spanish and philosophy at Seattle Preparatory School. He is currently studying theology at Centre Sèvres in Paris, France.
Joseph Dickan, SJ
Before entering the Society, Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles. Later he worked in the advancement office at St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, California. During the summer of 2012, he participated in the “Six Weeks a Jesuit” program, tutoring at Washington Jesuit Academy in the nation’s capital. He completed his First Studies at Fordham University in New York. He performed his regency at Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, California where he served as a math teacher. He then studied at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Beirut, Lebanon. Currently, he is studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Daniel Flores Estrella, SJ
Daniel earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in studio art and communication arts from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. As a professional multidisciplinary artist and designer, he previously worked for nonprofit arts organizations and art institutions as artist-in-residence, graphic designer, administrator, project coordinator, and curator. Prior to entering the Society, he worked as an arts educator with a broad spectrum of diverse communities. In this work he created projects with his students that utilized the arts as a conduit for social and restorative justice. For 16 years he volunteered with SEARCH Youth Ministries where he coordinated weekend retreats and workshops for young adults in disenfranchised communities throughout Los Angeles. He completed his First Studies at Fordham University in New York. During regency, he was the assistant to the dean of students at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Recently he was a graduate student at the Maryland Institute College of Art. He is now studying theology at Centre Sèvre in Paris, France
Shane Liesegang, SJ
Shane earned a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science and theater from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia and a master’s degree in entertainment technology from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For the ten years prior to entering the novitiate, he was a video game and theme park developer in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He was excited to discover the spirituality and work of the Jesuits, as he looked for ways to combine his faith and his daily work. He completed his First Studies at Fordham University in New York. Shane completed his Regency working for Jesuit Refugee Service in Beirut, Lebanon. Currently he is studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Dennis Marzan, SJ
Dennis was born in the Philippines but moved to Southern California with his family during his childhood. While at the University of San Francisco (USF) he studied history and earned a master’s degree in political sociology from the London School of Economics. Prior to entering the Society, he worked in non-profit organizations including Mission Hiring Hall, an organization helping people find jobs in the San Francisco area. An Eastern Orthodox Catholic, Dennis first encountered the Jesuits growing up in the Philippines and discovered Ignatian spirituality at USF. He completed his First Studies at Fordham University in New York and completed his Regency working at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, California. He is now studying theology at Jesuit School of theology of Santa Clara in Berkeley, California.
Daniel Mascarenhas, SJ
Daniel attended Loyola High School in Goa, India before moving to the United States to attend the University of Minnesota. At U of M he received a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Later he worked as a design engineer for a semi-conductor equipment company in the Silicon Valley. Daniel was actively involved with the Young Adult Ministry at Saint Martin of Tours Parish in the San Jose Diocese. Completed his first studies as a teacher at Jesuit High Sacramento. He completed his regency working at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California, as a teacher of mathematics and theology. Currently he is studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
John Meyers, SJ
John received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where he was also a resident assistant in the dorms. He participated in summer study abroad trips to Zambia and following graduation he lived in rural villages in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. There he taught residents how to obtain clean water as well as basic computer skills. He completed his regency working at Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, California. Currently he is studying theology at Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara in Berkeley, California.
Chris Chinh Nguyen, SJ
Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, and a master’s degree in information systems at Santa Clara University in California. He worked in information technology at startups in Silicon Valley and was also a sales system engineer. For over 20 years he volunteered as a catechist in the San Jose Vietnamese community and worked with youths and young adults. Completed his first studies at Newman Center at University of California, San Diego. He completed his regency working in the Newman Center at University of California, San Diego. Currently he is studying theology at Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara in Berkeley, California.
Jaret Ornelas, SJ
Jaret earned a bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he was active in Intervarsity Christian Leadership, St. Mark’s Newman Center, and as a liaison for student government to labor unions and campus workers. Prior to entering the Society, Jaret served as a Jesuit volunteer in Belize working in campus ministry at St. John’s College and at a detention center for youth. He completed his First Studies at ITESO (Western Institute of Technology and Higher Education) – Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara in Mexico. He completed his regency working at the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales (Arizona and Mexico). Currently he is studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Raymond Parcon, SJ
Raymond earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, Philippines, a master’s degree in software engineering from National University in Costa Mesa, California, and an advanced computer security certificate from Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development. Prior to entering the Society, he taught catechism classes to eighth grade students and fed the homeless at Christ Cathedral in Orange, California. Raymond completed his first studies at Loyola University Chicago and was a chaplain at San Quentin Prison in California during regency. He is currently studying theology at Regis University in Toronto, Canada.
Fernando Saldivar, SJ
Fernando earned a BA in Latin American History with a minor in Economics at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. He went on to receive his JD from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles and has been a member of the State Bar of California ever since. Fernando spent the decade prior to entering the Society practicing law in Southern California as a civil litigator with emphasis in commercial, real estate and construction law. He credits his Georgetown experience for firing the Jesuit spark within him and inspiring him to ultimately join the Society. He completed his First Studies at Loyola University Chicago. He performed his Regency working at the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar in the Office of Justice and Ecology located in Nairobi, Kenya. He is now studying theology at Centre Sèvre in Paris, France.
Michael Tedone, SJ
Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in Catholic theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a master’s degree in religious education from Boston College. Prior to entering the Society, he served with Jesuit Volunteers International working at Xavier High School in Chuuk, Micronesia. He completed his First Studies at Loyola University Chicago. He spent two years of his regency working at Sacred Heart Nativity School in San Jose, California, and then spent a year working with SEEL and serving in pastoral ministry at St. Aloysius Parish in Spokane, Washington. He is currently studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
Victor Yanez Valle, SJ
Victor graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He was a member of the United States men’s national under-17 soccer team and played Division I soccer for UCLA. After college, he worked at Wabash College as an assistant soccer coach. After suffering a career-ending injury on his left ankle Victor found inspiration in Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s conversion. He has concluded his First Studies at Fordham University in New York. He completed his regency working at the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales (Arizona and Mexico). Currently he is studying theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
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James Antonio, SJ
Fr. Radmar Jao, SJ, is the Director of Vocations for the USA West province. He is originally from Valparaiso, Indiana and a graduate of Indiana University. He was an award winning actor in Los Angeles, appearing on film, TV, and stage before entering the Jesuits in 2001. Fr. Radmar now uses his acting skills to witness to his faith and calling as a Jesuit priest. Prior to his ordination in 2011, he chronicled his path to priesthood in a series of YouTube videos, before serving as the vocation promoter for the former California Province. He later returned to Hollywood for a few years when he was missioned to be a full-time actor once again. Most recently, he served as the associate chaplain for the students at Boise State University and coordinator for FirePit Ministry, an inter-parish, post-college, young adult ministry in Boise, Idaho. He is a seasoned spiritual director who is passionate about Ignatian Spirituality and ministering to young adults in their 20’s and 30’s, especially with Christus Ministries. Fr. Radmar recently completed the final stage of Jesuit formation called tertianship in Salamanca, Spain, and is excited to call the LMU Jesuit Community home for the next few years. During his free time, he enjoys CrossFit, hiking, cooking, baking, watching movies, good conversations, and people who make him laugh. (UWEVocationDirector@jesuits.org)
James Antonio, SJ
Fr. Radmar Jao, SJ, is the Director of Vocations for the USA West province. He is originally from Valparaiso, Indiana and a graduate of Indiana University. He was an award winning actor in Los Angeles, appearing on film, TV, and stage before entering the Jesuits in 2001. Fr. Radmar now uses his acting skills to witness to his faith and calling as a Jesuit priest. Prior to his ordination in 2011, he chronicled his path to priesthood in a series of YouTube videos, before serving as the vocation promoter for the former California Province. He later returned to Hollywood for a few years when he was missioned to be a full-time actor once again. Most recently, he served as the associate chaplain for the students at Boise State University and coordinator for FirePit Ministry, an inter-parish, post-college, young adult ministry in Boise, Idaho. He is a seasoned spiritual director who is passionate about Ignatian Spirituality and ministering to young adults in their 20’s and 30’s, especially with Christus Ministries. Fr. Radmar recently completed the final stage of Jesuit formation called tertianship in Salamanca, Spain, and is excited to call the LMU Jesuit Community home for the next few years. During his free time, he enjoys CrossFit, hiking, cooking, baking, watching movies, good conversations, and people who make him laugh. (UWEVocationDirector@jesuits.org)