Nathan

It is a true honor to have this opportunity to reflect on my time at the Angelicum, and how it has led me to where I am today. Indeed, the two are so intimately connected. During my time in the Faculty of Social Sciences I was offered the opportunity to establish an analytical base in political science, that has launched me into a deeply rewarding role with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. While on campus I undertook my thesis research into the contemporary experience of the ad limina Apostolorum visits - a regularly scheduled visit to Rome, by every bishop in the world, on a rotating basis.

Under the guidance of our Dean, Sr. Helen Alford OP, I explored the potential and promise of these visits for good governance, accountability, and communion in the Church Universal. This research led to interviews across the Roman Curia and with ordinaries around the world. One of those interviews was with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, who took particular interest in my developing research. In the months following, I was hired by the Commission to implement some of the reform proposals, outlined in my original thesis. I am still serving in that role, building out the Commission’s ad limina program with a team of remarkably dedicated individuals, that I have the inspiration of working alongside. In this role, I have furthered the Commission’s understanding of the ad limina visits as a vehicle to accompany the local Churches, consistent with the principles of the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium: On The Roman Curia And Its Service To The Church In The World. This reform of the ad limina visits is also consistent with the findings from the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, First Session Synthesis Report stating that “It is necessary to review the form in which [the ad limina visits] are carried out so that they become always more the occasion for open and mutual exchange that fosters communion and a true exercise of collegiality and synodality.” (Part II, Chapter 13: The Bishop of Rome in the College of Bishops, Proposal G). I was delighted to see this topic further entrusted to Study Group #7 of the Synod, as well! 

All of this to say: tremendous momentum is growing around this topic in the life of the Church! I conclude by sharing my utmost gratitude for the matchless opportunities and confidence placed in me, while I was a student in the Faculty.