25th Entrance
Brother Robert Macke
Birthplace: Carswell Air Force Base, Texas, raised in St. Louis
Entrance: 2001
First profession: 2003
Final profession: 2022
Education: Bachelor’s in physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1996
Master’s in physics, Washington University in St. Louis, 1999
Master’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 2006
Doctorate in physics, University of Central Florida, 2010
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Visiting instructor, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 2006-07
Astronomer, Vatican Observatory, Rome, 2013-20
Curator of the Vatican meteorite collection, Vatican Observatory, Rome, 2021-present.
About Brother Robert Macke: Brother Bob Macke was born into an Air Force family and graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School in 1992. He began discerning his Jesuit vocation while in graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis, entering the Society of Jesus in 2001 and taking vows as a brother in 2003. He returned to St. Louis for philosophy studies at SLU from 2003-06. In 2013, he joined the Vatican Observatory and moved to Castel Gandolfo, outside of Rome, Italy. There, he curates the Vatican meteorite collection and researches meteorite physical properties (density and porosity). Among various research collaborations, he is a member of the science teams for two space missions: OSIRIS-REx and Lucy. His side interests include making things, for which he created a maker space in his office. One such project is an HO-scale model of the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome with Angelo Secchi’s observatory of the 19th century. It was installed in the same church for the Jubilee Year in 2025 and remains there today.
Father Pedro McDade
Birthplace: Porto, Portugal
Entrance: 2001
First profession: 2003
Ordination: 2011
Education: Bachelor’s, economics, University of Porto, 1997
Studies in philosophy, Catholic University of Portugal, Braga, 2005
Bachelor of sacred theology, Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, 2010
Licentiate in sacred theology, Boston College, 2012
Master’s in philosophy of the social sciences, London School of Economics and Political Science, 2013.
Doctorate in philosophy, University of Warwick, 2020
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Assistant professor of philosophy, Saint Louis University, 2023-present
Pastoral work, Epiphany of Our Lord and St. James parishes, St. Louis, 2023-present
Accompaniment with Brazilian community in St. Louis at St. Joseph Parish in Manchester, 2025-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Catechist, campus ministry, administrative assistance in parishes in Maputo, Mozambique, 2005-07
Assistant professor of philosophy, Catholic University of Portugal, Braga, 2021-23
About Father Pedro McDade: A Jesuit priest from Portugal and an assistant professor of philosophy at Saint Louis University, Father Pedro McDade teaches business ethics and philosophy of economics. “I often feel that the men and women I’m forming are future leaders,” he said. “Promoting the common good and a just society requires people with good character who know important moral theories and distinctions.” Father McDade serves in sacramental ministry at SLU and at area parishes including Epiphany of Our Lord, St. James the Greater, and St. Joseph in Manchester, where he assists the Brazilian Catholic community by celebrating Mass and hearing confessions in Portuguese. “I encounter people who have waited many years to find a Portuguese-speaking priest and confess. To realize that you can put the Christian life of so many people back in movement and back in communion with the Church — it’s really very beautiful. Ordination day was a big moment in my life. At the same time, I feel it is an ongoing thing. Wherever I go, I still find people who want my ministry and welcome me as I am, with my qualities and with my defects. They continue imposing their hands on me so that I can serve them.”
25th Ordination
Father Barton T. Geger
Birthplace: Kirkwood
Entrance: 1990
First profession: 1992
Final profession: 2014
Ordination: 2001
Education: Bachelor’s in Russian studies, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1990
Master’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1995
Master’s in systematic theology, Heythrop College, University of London, 2001
Licentiate in sacred theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2006
Doctorate in sacred theology, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, 2010
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Theology teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1995-98
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Campus ministry and teacher of religious studies, Regis University (Colorado Springs Campus), Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2002-04
Campus ministry and province vocation promoter, Regis University, Denver, 2009-11
Rector, Regis University Jesuit Community, Denver, 2010-16
Director of Ignatian Spirituality Programs, Regis University, Denver, 2011-17
Acting superior, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Denver, 2011-14
Superior, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Denver, 2014-16
Editor, “Studies in the Spirituality of Jesuits,” Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 2016-24
Research and writing, Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 2017-present
Assistant professor, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 2017-present.
About Father Barton T. Geger: Native St. Louisan Father Bart Geger is a teaching professor and researcher in Boston. He is also a genealogist who researches the Geger family history beginning with its arrival in St. Louis in 1851. He enjoys backpacking, including the Appalachian Trail and the Camino de Santiago, and has completed the Camino eight times in the last 20 years. He researches and writes on St. Ignatius Loyola, with an emphasis on separating historical facts from the myths that often surround him. He is the editor of “The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus: A Critical Edition with the Complementary Norms” published in 2024, with the original written by St. Ignatius Loyola in the 1540s, as well as of a new edition of the autobiography of St. Ignatius. “I like to joke during my homilies that my favorite quotation comes from the Catholic theologian Clint Eastwood: ‘A man’s got to know his limitations,’” he said.
Father Steven A. Schoenig
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1987
First profession: 1989
Final profession: 2014
Ordination: 2001
Education: Bachelor’s in Latin, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1991
Master’s in medieval studies, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, 1999
Master’s in divinity, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2001
Master’s in medieval history, Columbia University, New York, 2004
Doctorate in medieval history, Columbia University, New York, 2009
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Theology and Latin teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1993-96
Associate professor of history, Saint Louis University, 2009-24
Community superior, Sacred Heart Jesuit Community, 2010-16
Associate director, Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Saint Louis University, 2017-22
Rector, Bellarmine House of Studies, 2017-24
Associate chair of the Department of History, Saint Louis University, 2022-24
Socius, USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus, 2025-present
About Father Steven A. Schoenig: I am a historian of the cultural and religious history of the Middle Ages, especially the papacy, councils, canon law, liturgy, monasticism and the cult of the saints. My book “Bonds of Wool: The Pallium and Papal Power in the Middle Ages” (2016) was awarded the John Nicholas Brown Prize by the Medieval Academy of America. I am a devotee of J.R.R. Tolkien and have been known to weave themes from Tolkien’s works into my homilies. A proud St. Louisan, I have given dozens of tours of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis to students, colleagues and visitors from SLU. I am deeply grateful for my 25 years as a priest and for all the people who have loved and supported me along the way. As a Jesuit, I try to find God in all things — in both the glorious beauty and the messy complexity of the world and of human history — and as a priest, I try to point out those moments of Incarnation to others. It is a breathtaking privilege to serve in this way at some of the most sacred moments of people’s lives.
Father Daniel P. White
Birthplace: Waterloo, Iowa
Entrance: 1990
First profession: 1992
Final profession: 2010
Ordination: 2001
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Saint Louis University, 1990
Master’s in American studies, Saint Louis University, 1995
Master’s in divinity, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2001
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Assistant for pastoral and spiritual ministries, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 2011-14
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, 2012-23
Pastoral minister in north St. Louis, 2023-24
Provincial assistant for parishes and retreats, USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Theology teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 1995-98
Associate pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 2001-04
Pastor, St. Martin de Porres Parish, Belize City, Belize, 2004-08
Acting superior, Jesuit Community of Belize, Belize City, Belize, 2006-07
Socius to the novice director, Jesuit Novitiate of St. Stanislaus Kostka at St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2009-12
Staff member, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, Sedalia, Colorado, 2025-present
About Father Daniel P. White: “Most of my Jesuit life has been in parishes,” Father Dan White said in 2025. His experience in parishes taught him the importance of collaboration and respect for the local community. “Pastors come and go, but the community remains,” Father White said. “You want to have a great pastor, that’s important, but it’s hard for me to think of a good parish where it’s just, ‘Well, that’s what Father does.’ None of our places are like that; it is more of a collaborative effort, It’s not about being a dictator, but fostering involvement and ownership. It flows from the pastor.” In his role as provincial assistant, Father White visits each parish and retreat house annually to ensure that this collaborative effort is fostered on all sides.
50th Entrance
Father Mike May
Birthplace: Montclair, New Jersey
Entrance: 1976
First profession: 1978
Final profession: 2003
Ordination: 1993
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1981
Doctorate in mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, 1988
Master’s in divinity, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1993
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Mathematics teacher, Saint Louis University, 1988-89
Assistant professor of mathematics, Saint Louis University, 1993-99
Associate professor of mathematics, Saint Louis University,1999-present
Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Saint Louis University, 2000-02
Interim dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 2002-04
Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Saint Louis University, 2004-11
Lower division coordinator of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Saint Louis University, 2016-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Visiting scholar, University of California, Berkeley, California, 1999-2000
Visiting scholar, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 2011-12
About Father Mike May: Father Mike May is perhaps best-known by generations of Saint Louis University Billikens for the freshly baked cookies he has shared with students each Monday since the early 2000s. “The cookies provide a convenient excuse for people to come talk to you,”said Father May in 2023. He has lived on campus in Reinert Hall since 2000 and often assists with sacramental ministry at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church as well as with student retreats. His research interests in mathematics include ring theory and abstract algebra. He has written a book for teaching calculus to business students. Since 2005, he has celebrated Mass most weekends as a supply priest at the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne worship center in north St. Louis County. He has preached retreats at White House Jesuit Retreat and other Jesuit retreat houses.
Father Timothy M. McMahon
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1976
First profession: 1978
Final profession: 1998
Ordination: 1987
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1980
Master’s in biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, 1982
Master’s in divinity, Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987
Master’s in theology, University of Central America, El Salvador, 1993
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, pastoral director, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1989-91
Vocation director, planning assistant to provincial, Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1991-94
Assistant for formation, secondary education, twinning with Central American Province, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, 2001-03
Provincial, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, 2003-09
Acting rector, Bellarmine House of Studies, St. Louis, 2009-10
Pastoral associate, St. Matthew the Apostle Church, St. Louis, 2021-22
Rector, Jesuit Community at Saint Louis University, 2022-present
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Biology teacher, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1982-84
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 1994-2001
President, Arrupe Jesuit High School, Denver, 2010-18
Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, El Paso, Texas, 2019-20
Superior, Houston Jesuit Community, 2020-21
Pastoral minister, Strake Jesuit and Cristo Rey Jesuit college preparatory schools, Houston, 2020-21
About Father Timothy M. McMahon: What I think defines us as Jesuits is the fact that we receive a mission from the Society of Jesus and are called to that mission and to carry it out. It was Father Arrupe, General Congregation 32, and the liberation theology movement in Central America that helped form me as a priest and as a Jesuit. The world is different these days, but we continue to share that vision of a faith that does justice with people and to stand with the poor and marginalized. We do it at College Church. We do it at Saint Louis University. I’m so grateful for all the missions that I’ve received over the past 50 years from the Society of Jesus. I didn’t choose any of them, but I have loved all of them. I look forward to seeing what’s next.
Brother William Rehg
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1976
First profession: 1978
Final profession: 1999
Education: Bachelor’s in chemistry, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, 1974
Master’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1983
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1984
Master’s in divinity, Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987
Doctorate in philosophy, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 1991
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Philosophy professor, Saint Louis University, 1992-2025
Dean of the College of Philosophy and Letters/First Studies Program, Saint Louis University, 2012-20
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Philosophy instructor, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1982-84
Visiting scholar, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2001-02
Visiting professor, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 2005
Visiting professor, Loyola University Chicago, 2006
Visiting scholar, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 2008
Visiting professor, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 2011-12
Loyola Chair in Philosophy, Fordham University, The Bronx, New York, 2025-26
About Brother William Rehg: Brother Bill Rehg has spent much of his Jesuit life serving in higher education at Saint Louis University. His work as a Jesuit philosopher and university dean have placed him in the service of the life of the Society of Jesus, particularly in the formation of future priests. As a religious brother, he serves the Society through his living of the vows and commitment to the Jesuit mission, rather than through sacramental ministry. During his philosophy studies after pronouncing his first vows in 1978, Brother Rehg fell in love with philosophy. Later, during his theology studies, a course taught by the German philosopher Jurgen Habermas set the course for his later work in higher education. Brother Rehg has written and taught about ethics, legal and political philosophy, and science and technology studies during his lengthy tenure at Saint Louis University. He continues to read and write about Habermas, particularly his work on faith and reason, and other topics.
50th Final Profession
Father Richard O. Buhler
Birthplace: New Orleans
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1976
Ordination: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1963
Master’s in anthropology, Saint Louis University, 1964
Master’s in divinity, Saint Louis University, 1971
Doctorate in anthropology, Tulane University, 1974
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Superior and director, White House Jesuit Retreat, St. Louis, 1999-2008
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, 2008-12
Provincial assistant for pastoral and spiritual ministries, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 2009-11
Rector, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2011-17
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Latin, English, elocution teacher, St. John’s College, Belize, 1964-67
History, theology, oratory teacher, St. John’s College, Belize, 1972-77
President, St. John’s College, Belize, 1977-84
Consultor of mission, St. John’s College, Belize, 1979-83
Executive secretary, Jesuit Conference USA, Washington, D.C., 1985-89
Superior, Leonard Neale House, Washington, D.C., 1987-90
Secretary, JRS and International Ministries, Jesuit Conference USA, Washington, D.C., 1989-91
Superior and director, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, Sedalia, Colorado, 1991-98
Retreat director, Manresa House of Retreats, Convent, Louisiana, 2018-present
About Father Richard O. Buhler: Father Richard Buhler has dedicated almost 70 years of service as a Jesuit in higher education, pastoral and retreat ministry, as well as administration of the international ministries of the Society of Jesus. A native of New Orleans, Father Buhler graduated from Jesuit High School. He directs men in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola at Manresa House of Retreats in Convent, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge.
50th Ordination
Father Thomas M. Rochford
Birthplace: Denver
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1966
Final profession: 1985
Ordination: 1976
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1970
Master’s in divinity, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, 1976
Master’s in communication and design, Pratt Institute, 1983
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Director of province publications, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1985-94
Superior, Leo Brown Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 1990-94
Assistant for communications, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 2009-15
Superior, Leo Brown Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 2011-15.
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: English teacher, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1970-73
English teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 1977-81
Graphic designer, Loyola University of New Orleans, New Orleans, 1984-85
Secretary for communication, Jesuit Conference USA, Washington, D.C., 1994-99
Secretary for communications, Curia of the Society of Jesus, Rome, 2000-09
Teacher and campus ministry, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 2015-24
Minister, Regis High Jesuit Community, Centennial, Colorado, 2017-present
About Father Thomas M. Rochford: Being a Jesuit means I have been called to be serve in many places in this country and around the world. At the same time, I have been supported in my own creative pursuits including photography, oil painting and writing. Over all these years I have been blessed to witness God’s grace active in many people. The richness of that experience is providing ample material for my books and my own prayer life. Through pastoral ministry in a school and in a parish, I continue to enjoy the privilege of serving God’s people. I look forward to the future and enjoy the present moment, keeping in mind the words of St. Ignatius, “Give me only your love and your grace; that is enough for me.” More than enough.
60th Entrance
Father Michael D. Barber
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1969
Final profession: 1997
Ordination: 1979
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1972
Master’s in divinity, Jesuit School of Theology, Loyola University Chicago, 1980
Master’s in philosophy, Yale University, 1981
Doctorate in philosophy, Yale University, 1985
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Philosophy professor, Saint Louis University, 1985-24
Dean of the College of Philosophy and Letters, Saint Louis University, 2009-12
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 2010-24
Professor emeritus of philosophy, Saint Louis University, 2024-present
Superior, Sacred Heart Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 2026-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Regent, Rockhurst College, Kansas City, Missouri, 1972-74
Regent, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1974-76
Pastoral internship, Ministry Training Services, Denver, 1979-80
About Father Michael D. Barber: Father Michael Barber has authored eight books, edited 20 books and written 150 articles in the area of philosophy, specifically, the phenomenology of the social world. He has celebrated Mass in Spanish on Sundays for more than 40 years at Holy Rosary Church in Fairmont City, Illinois.
Father Edward E. Kinerk
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1980
Ordination: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in math and physics, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1964
Master’s in moral and pastoral theology, Saint Louis University, 1970
Doctorate in sacred theology, spirituality, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1975
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Religion teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1970-71
Formation director, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1985-91
Provincial, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1991-97
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Director and superior, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, Sedalia, Colorado, 1975-79
Teacher, Regis University, Denver, 1981
Novice master and rector, Jesuit Novitiate, Denver, 1982-85
President, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1998-2006
Retreat and spiritual director and retreat house administrator/director, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, Sedalia, Colorado, 2007-23
About Father Edward E. Kinerk: I could never have imagined the joy which God has given me through the priesthood, and it has deepened every year since ordination.
Father Robert Poirier
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1985
Ordination: 1977
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1970
Master’s in English, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in divinity, Loyola University of Chicago, 1984
Degree in secondary education administration, Fordham University, 1984
Master’s in counseling, Saint Louis University, 1998
Doctorate in clinical psychology, George Washington University, 2003
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Minister, Fusz Memorial, St. Louis, 1984
Campus ministry, Saint Louis University, 1996-99
Psychologist, West County Psychological Associates, St. Louis, 2003-07
Superior, Leo Brown Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 2005-11
Staff psychologist and assistant director, Student Health and Counseling Center, Saint Louis University, 2007-15
Counselor and learning consultant, St. Louis University High School, 2015-18
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: English teacher and pastoral team, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1971-74; 1978-82
Assistant principal and principal, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 1984-89
Rector, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1989-95
Superior, Spring Hill Jesuit Community, Mobile, Alabama, 2018-24
Vice president for mission, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 2019-24
Learning consultant, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Houston, 2024-present
Sacramental minister, Houston Jesuit Community, 2024-present
About Father Robert Poirier: I cannot take for granted all that the Society of Jesus and God have given me: the opportunity to know Christ Jesus in the Spiritual Exercises; the Jesuit training and education; the experience of serving God’s People in varied, vibrant apostolates; to have met and served Jesuit companions, collaborators, friends and young people. I am grateful for experiencing life in Australia while serving at St. Ignatius College. I appreciated the chance to study at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and to serve at Holy Trinity Parish in Georgetown. The Sisters of Mercy at St. Joan of Arc prepared me, and many religious women supported me in my vocation. SLUH Jesuits were role models and a strong influence. The faith and good works of my parents gave me a foundation to become a Jesuit priest. My sisters and their families have always given me love and support. Gerald Manley Hopkins, SJ, sums it all: “Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not His, to the Father through the features of men’s faces.” Having an early home in Cottleville, Affton and south St. Louis grounded me to find God’s dwelling place anywhere.
Father Philip G. Steele
Birthplace: Glen Cove, New York
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1991
Ordination: 1980
Education: Bachelor’s in art, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in painting, Temple University, 1974
Master’s in divinity, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, 1981
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Art teacher, student council moderator, St. Louis University High School, 1981-86
Art teacher, director of pastoral program, St. Louis University High School, 1987-93
Socius and provincial assistant for secondary education, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1997-2001
Socius and provincial assistant for communications, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 2001-04
Superior, Leo Brown Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 2003-04
Rector, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2017-22
Superior and healthcare partner, St. Ignatius Hall Jesuit Community, Florissant, 2023-24
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall Jesuit Community, Florissant, 2023-24
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Art teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 1974-76
Art teacher, director of pastoral program, Jesuit superior, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 1993-97
Director of pastoral program, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 2005-06
President, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 2006-15
Rector, Spring Hill Jesuit Community, Mobile, Alabama, 2015-17
Chief Mission and Identity Officer, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 2024-present
Superior, Spring Hill Jesuit Community, Mobile, Alabama, 2024-present
About Father Philip G. Steele: Father Philip G. Steele is the chief mission officer at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and the superior of the Jesuit community there. A Jesuit for 60 years, he has spent much of his career as a high school educator: art teacher, campus ministry director and school president. He has also served as executive assistant (socius) to the Jesuit provincial and as superior of several communities of Jesuits. For six years he was rector of Jesuit Hall, the Jesuit community at Saint Louis University, at the time the largest Jesuit community in the country. In January 2023, when 65 retired Jesuits moved from Jesuit Hall to a new residence, he became the founding superior of St. Ignatius Hall. Father Steele has served on numerous high school and university boards of trustees. He holds master’s degrees in fine arts and theology.
Father Brian Van Hove
Birthplace: Superior, Wisconsin
Entrance: 1966
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 2007
Ordination: 1982
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1973
Master’s in French, Saint Louis University, 1974
Master’s in divinity and bachelor’s in sacred theology, Regis College, Toronto, 1980
Licentiate in sacred theology and master’s in theology, Regis College, Toronto, 1984
Doctorate in Church history, The Catholic University of America, 1999
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: French teacher and yearbook moderator, St. Louis University High School, 1980-82
Associate pastor, St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, 1984-88
Retreat and spiritual director, White House Jesuit Retreat House, 2005-08
Rector, Shrine of St. Joseph, 2008-09
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall at Saint Louis University, 2020-22
Pastoral minister, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Chaplain, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, 1988-89
Interim director of campus ministry, Avila College, Kansas City, Missouri, 1998-99
Formation and education ministry, Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, 1999-2000
Spiritual director and assistant professor of Church history, Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, 2000-01
Spiritual director and teacher, St. Joseph and St. Peter Seminary, Mission, Texas, 2001-04
Chaplain, Religious Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, Alma, Michigan, 2009-20
About Father Brian Van Hove: He wrote about his vocation: “Two things I got from my religious life for which I am eternally grateful: the best friends in the world and an education. I have heavenly memories of my friends, especially those who rescued me from every trial. I was simply enriched and learned so much in the process of obtaining three master’s degrees and a doctorate.” A scholar of Catholic Church history, Father Van Hove is the author of two books on topics in Jesuit history.
60th Ordination
Father Michael Durso
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1971
Ordination: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1959
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1960
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1960
Licentiate in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1968
High school counseling certificate, University of Missouri at Kansas City, 1983-85
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: English and speech teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1960-63
Principal, St. Louis University High School, 1971-74
English teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1974-76
Assistant academic principal, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1976-81
English teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1993-2017
Superior, De Smet Jesuit High School Community, 1998-2004
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2017-22
Pastoral minister, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Assistant prefect of studies, teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1968-71
Academic assistant principal and college counselor, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1982-93
About Father Michael Durso: Father Mike Durso dedicated most of his life to the education of young men in Jesuit schools. He brought a commanding presence to the classrooms of De Smet Jesuit High School and St. Louis University High School, where he taught English and speech to generations of students.
Father William J. Snyders
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1954
First profession: 1956
Final profession: 1972
Ordination: 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in general studies, Saint Louis University, 1954
Bachelor’s, Saint Louis University, 1959
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1964
Licentiate in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1967
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Mathematics and religion teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1968-70
Director of guidance, college counselor, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1970-81
Rector, De Smet High Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 1975-81
Counselor, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1996-2002
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2026-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Mathematics teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1960-63
English and math teacher, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1981-91
Pastor, Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, Caye Caulker, Belize, 1981-96, 2002-19
English and religion teacher, counselor, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1992-96
Pastoral minister, St. John’s College, Belize City, 2002-16
Prison minister, Belize Central Prison, Belize, 2004-19
Pastoral minister, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2019-25
Pastoral minister, Borromeo Jesuit Community, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2025-26
About Father William J. Snyders: My life as a priest has been a remarkable experience. I’m profoundly grateful to God for His call and for the capacity to respond, which is itself a grace. It’s been a terrific life with many twists and turns. I served for 21 years at De Smet Jesuit High School, from soon after its opening (1968-81) and again from 1996-2002, teaching math and religion and working as a college counselor. In 1981, I was missioned to Belize for the first time. I spent 32 years in Belize, teaching at St. John’s College in Belize City and serving as a pastoral and prison minister on the island of Caye Caulker. I returned to the U.S. in 2019, serving for over six years in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, at a Jesuit community and retreat center, before returning to St. Louis this year.
70th Entrance
Father Richard J. Comboy
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
Entrance: 1956
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1975
Ordination: 1969
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1962
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1963
Master’s in religious education, Saint Louis University, 1970
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1963-66
Teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1969-70
Minister, Lewis Memorial at Saint Louis University, 1970-72
Minister, Bellarmine House and Fusz Pavilion, St. Louis, 1988-89
Director of Fusz Pavilion at Jesuit Hall, St. Louis, 2003
Community minister of the Jesuit Hall Community, 2003-13
Assistant to the Minister of the Jesuit Hall Community, 2019-20
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall community, St. Louis, 2020-22
Pastoral minister, St. Ignatius Hall community, Florissant, 2023
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Minister, Regis College, Denver, 1972-79
English and literature professor, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1981-82
Superintendent of grounds and building, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1982-86
Studies in chemical dependency, Regis University, Denver, 1989-90
Minister, Spokane, Washington, 1990-99; and Denver, 2013-18
Minister of community, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, 1999-2002
About Father Richard J. Comboy: Father Comboy is dedicated to a ministry of prayer following decades of service to brother Jesuits and Jesuit works. These assignments included houses of first studies in St. Louis (Bellarmine House, 1988-89) and Spokane, Washington (St. Michael’s Institute and Regis Community, 1990-99). He studied chemical dependency at Regis University in Denver (1989-90) and was minister of the community of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia (1999-2002). Father Comboy returned to St. Louis in 2002 and served senior Jesuits as the director of the Fusz Pavilion and as minister of the Jesuit Hall Community. From 2013-18 he was minister to Jesuits at the Xavier Jesuit Center in Denver before returning to St. Louis to serve in pastoral ministry through the Jesuit Hall community’s relocation to St. Ignatius Hall in 2023.
Father Mark McKenzie
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1956
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1978
Ordination: 1969
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1962
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1963
Master’s in mathematics and philosophy, 1967
Master’s in religious education, Saint Louis University, 1970
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher and pastoral chairman, St. Louis University High School, 1970-75
Province consultant, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, 1979-85
Pastor, St. Matthew Parish, St. Louis, 2001-13
Assistant for pastoral and spiritual ministries, USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus, 2014-18
Pastoral minister, Bridges Retreat Program, St. Louis, 2019-present
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1963-66
Associate pastor, Sacred Heart Church, Denver, 1975-80
Pastor and superior, Sacred Heart Church, Denver, 1980-84
Rector, teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1984-89
Pastor and superior, Holy Trinity Parish Cluster, Trinidad, Colorado, 1990-2000
Assistant for pastoral ministry and retreat ministry, former New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus, 2013-14
Associate pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Shrine, San Antonio, 2018
Retreat director, Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, 2019
About Father Mark McKenzie: “God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good!” My 70 years in the Society of Jesus have made me aware repeatedly of the absolute truth of this saying. Through the people I’ve met and served over the years, God’s profound loving goodness has come through consistently. Look around. See how it is true for you, too. Then, let’s all praise and thank our God together.
Father Philip S. Postell
Birthplace: Shreveport, Louisiana
Entrance: 1956
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1979
Ordination: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s degree, College of Philosophy and Letters at Saint Louis University, 1962
Master’s in Church history, Saint Louis University, 1970
Master’s in divinity, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in modern European history, Saint Louis University, 1972
Doctorate in modern European history, Saint Louis University, 1972
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2022
Pastoral minister, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, Jesuit High School, New Orleans, 1963-66
Principal, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School, Houston, 1972-78
Formation assistant to provincial, former New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus, New Orleans, 1978-87
President, Jesuit High School, New Orleans, 1987-92
President, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, 1992-2011
Director of alumni relations, Brophy College Preparatory School, Phoenix, 2011-18
Chaplain, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, 2018-22
About Father Philip S. Postell: I never had an assignment that I disliked. I was fortunate enough to be well-suited for any one of my ministries.
75th Entrance
Father Donald Cunningham
Birthplace: Vandalia, Illinois
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1990
Ordination: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, chemistry, and physics/math, Saint Louis University, 1957
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1958
Bachelor of sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1966
Master’s in guidance and counseling, Loyola University Chicago, 1968
Doctorate in educational testing and research, Loyola University Chicago, 1975
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Director of premedical and predental studies, Saint Louis University, 1977-81
Retreat and spiritual director, White House Jesuit Retreat Center, 2001-09
Pastoral and retreat ministry, Jesuit Hall Community, 2009-23
Pastoral ministry, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, St. John’s College, Belize, 1958-59
Chaplain and guidance counselor, Topeka, Kansas, 1962-65; and Chicago, 1966-72
Lecturer in educational testing and research, Loyola University Chicago, 1967-69
Assistant to vice president, Loyola University Chicago, 1969-75
Assistant dean, Foster McGaw Graduate School, National College of Education, Chicago, 1975-77
Assistant director of accreditation and educational measurements, American Dental Association, Chicago, 1982-85
Superior, pastor, treasurer, St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Denver, 1986-90
Associate pastor, Englewood, Colorado, 1990-91; Maywood, Illinois, 1991-92
Treasurer and business manager, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California, 1992-95; and Pana, Illinois, 1997-2000
Associate pastor, St. John the Baptist Church, Winfield, Illinois, 1995-97
About Father Donald Cunningham: Born and raised in central Illinois, Father Cunningham entered St. Stanislaus Seminary in the former Missouri Province after completing high school in 1951. Father Cunningham was ordained a priest on June 16, 1964, and began his apostolic ministry at St. John’s College in Belize. He held administrative roles in Jesuit higher education at Loyola University Chicago, Saint Louis University and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, as well as in the administration of medical and dental education programs. In 1986, he moved into pastoral ministry in Colorado and Illinois, which he continued through Jesuit retreat ministry at the White House Retreat Center in St. Louis, from 2000-09. After years of service in Jesuit education and pastoral ministry, Father Cunningham now resides at St. Ignatius Hall, a community of senior Jesuits, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus.
Brother Walter A. Eckler
Birthplace: West Palm Beach, Florida
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1961
Education: U.S. Naval Reserve, 1948-49
Palm Beach Junior College, Palm Beach, Florida, 1949
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, Cedarhurst Senior Living, St. Louis, 2020-23
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Hall, Florissant, 2023-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Bakery, laundry, shoe repair, tailor, porter, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1951-55
Sacristan, grounds, auto shop and farm, Sacred Heart Church, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1955-61
Farm, grounds, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1961-74
Dean of students, Corpus Christi Minor Seminary, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1974-79
Maintenance, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School, 1979-82
Maintenance, Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, Lake Dallas, 1982-86
Maintenance, Catholic Mission: Palau, Koror, Palau, 1986-89
Minister, plant manager, St. Joseph Church, Houston, 1989-2003
Sacristan, assistant to the director of the parish center, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Orleans, 2003-09
House and grounds assistant, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School, Houston, 2009-18
About Brother Walter A. Eckler: Brother Walter Eckler spent much of his formation process and most of his active ministry in maintenance and related fields that utilized his gifts of craftsmanship and handiness. He spent time in the U.S. Naval Reserve and attended Palm Beach Junior College for a year before entering the Society of Jesus in 1951. Most of his assignments have been at Jesuit schools and retreat houses in Louisiana and Texas.
Father John Waters
Birthplace: Denver
Entrance: 1951
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1972
Ordination: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Saint Louis University, 1957
Theology studies at St. Mary’s College, 1964
Pontificia Universidad Catolica, Bogota, Colombia, 1965
Clinical Pastoral Education Program, University of Chicago Hospitals, 1984-85
Service in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Assistant for pastoral apostolates, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1985-87
Rector and director of the Fusz Pavilion at Jesuit Hall, St. Louis, 1987-92
Praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus, Fusz Pavilion and St. Ignatius Hall, St. Louis, 2020-present
Service outside the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Teacher, St. John’s College, Belize, 1958-61
Missionary, Colombia, 1966-71
Secretary to USA assistant, General Curia of the Society of Jesus, Rome, 1971-75
Pastor and superior, St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Denver, 1975-78
Associate pastor and pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Belize, 1978-80
Associate pastor and refugee work, Belmopan, Belize, 1980-84
Hispanic ministry, Denver, 1993-94
Associate pastor, Hispanic ministry, St. Mary’s Parish, Garden City, Kansas, 1996-97
Superior and pastor, Mount Carmel Parish, Pueblo, Colorado, 1997-2001
Chaplain, St. Joseph Hospital, Denver, 2002
Pastoral ministry, Denver, 2002-20
Jesuit superior, Denver, 2003-09
About Father John Waters: Father John Waters has dedicated his life to pastoral ministry in Belize and the United States. He spent more than a decade of his Jesuit ministry in Belize and as a missionary. He has also served at the Jesuit Curia in Rome, as well as in Hispanic ministry in Kansas and Colorado. He currently resides at St. Ignatius Hall in Florissant, where he prays for the Church and the Society of Jesus.
