Contact: Marivi Prado, Chief Marketing Officer, St. Thomas University, 305-474-6880, 305-205-2656 cell, mprado@stu.edu
MIAMI, April 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- St. Thomas University President, Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale, recently announced the retirement of School of Theology and Ministry Dean Joseph Iannone, Ph. D.
A graduate from the University of Notre Dame and St. Michael's College, Dr. Iannone has published a number of articles on family religious education, parish theology issues and peacemaking. His legacy at St. Thomas University includes integrating the curriculum with an environmental justice approach as it relates to the economic and social/human realities and the establishment of a Center for Justice and Peace that has local, regional and international ramifications.
Today, the School of Theology and Ministry encompasses the Institute for Pastoral Ministries and the Department of Religious Studies. The Department of Religious Studies includes the BA in Religious Studies and the BA in Environmental Justice. The Institute for Pastoral Ministries houses the University's MA in Pastoral Ministries, the Ph. D in Practical Theology, the Certificates in Spiritual Companionship, Spirituality Studies, the JustFaith Program on Catholic social teaching, and the Catholic Biblical Scholarship Series.
"It would be challenging to list all the theology related projects the Dean engaged in for decades," said Monsignor Casale. "Dr. Iannone has been instrumental in preparing men and women to engage in transformational action, developing their leadership skills to flourish in ecclesial as well as civil life and lay ministries in the U.S. and abroad. Thanks to the Dean's relentless efforts, we offer one of the most extensive curricula in theology and religious studies, language for deaf graduate students, campus ministry and other specializations, a new Master in Divinity and the only Ph. D. in Practical Theology found at a Catholic university."
The St. Thomas University community will gather in honor of Dean Iannone Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at a 12:15 pm campus Mass to be celebrated in the Chapel of Saint Anthony with a Paella luncheon following the Eucharistic celebration. Dr. Iannone is married to Dr. Mercedes Iannone who is his essential partner in life and work and who will act as interim dean while a search is being conducted to fill the position.
