University’s Worldwide Impact Underlined by Visit to Spiritan School in Nigeria

Duquesne graduates sent forth from the Spiritan International School of Theology (SIST) and the Dominican Institute in Nigeria are influencing the world.

Dr. George Worgul, chair of the theology department, recently presided over the 20th convocation ceremony at SIST, which recognized its 17 graduates who are heading to assignments around the globe.

On average, through SIST and other African programs, an average of 15 theology students a year graduate with their master’s degrees from Duquesne. The SIST relationship dates to 1989, when Fr. Elochukwu Uzukwu, C.S.Sp., now the Schouver Chair at Duquesne, founded and built the school. Over the years, Worgul estimated that Duquesne’s theology instruction has touched the lives of about 300 missionaries serving worldwide.

“This effort of Duquesne is having an enormous impact on how theology and pastoral ministry are being done at a local level, with local churches and with real people,” Worgul said.

Especially because of shared Spiritan roots, Worgul said, “There is a great similarity in the trajectory and vision of theology here and at SIST, with an emphasis on contextual, global and interreligious themes.”

The contextual element deals with the real situations in which the church and people find themselves, Worgul explained. The global picture offers a large context, with different expressions of faith around the world. And the interreligious element examines what theology looks like when it engages different religions, including tribal faith, Islam and Hindu.

Mingling with SIST staff and graduates, Worgul was impressed with their high regard for the University and “how important it is for these students to have a degree from Duquesne.”

During the trip, Worgul also visited several doctoral alumni, then with Bishop Camillus Archibong Etokudoh of the Port Harcourt Diocese. The bishop is continuing the relationship between his diocese and Duquesne, sending three priests to continue graduate theological studies at Duquesne this fall.

As part of the visit, Worgul also was the guest of the Right Honorable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, governor of the River State of Nigeria, and, for two days, viewed the robust educational and infrastructure improvements that are being undertaken in this oil-rich region.