Regis College, University of Toronto
Encyclopedia
Regis College is a theological college of the University of Toronto
, founded in 1930 and affiliated with the Society of Jesus
. It is an entirely postgraduate college and a member institution of the Toronto School of Theology
.
in 1930. It then offered philosophy programmes to Jesuit scholastics preparing for priesthood. It was in 1943 that the programme of offerings was expanded to include theology. In 1954 the Jesuit seminary was formally named Collegium Christi Regis, The College of Christ the King; then, in 1956 Regis College was accredited as a pontifical faculty (a status it retains) and thus became able to offer ecclesiastical degrees in theology.
In 1969, Regis College was one of the founding colleges of the Toronto School of Theology
. Within its own federation, University of Toronto granted all but theology or divinity degrees. Since 1978, by virtue of a change made in its charter, the University of Toronto has granted theology degrees conjointly with Regis College.
In the traditions of Jesuit spirituality, scholarship and service, Regis College promotes an integrated spirituality that emphasizes justice, critical dialogue and academic pursuits. As per all Jesuit institutions, it remains grounded in the concept of ad maiorem Dei gloriam
, for the greater glory of God.
The building was the former home of William Mellis Christie and after his death it was the residence of his son Robert Jaffrey. Robert Jaffrey had a secret room built in the house so his mistress could secretly live with him and his family. The mistress killed herself in this secret room, and is said to haunt the college.
Advanced Degree Programmes
Conjoint Basic Degree Programmes
Ecclesiastical Degrees
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
, founded in 1930 and affiliated with the Society of Jesus
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
. It is an entirely postgraduate college and a member institution of the Toronto School of Theology
Toronto School of Theology
The Toronto School of Theology is an ecumenical centre for graduate theological education and the largest of its kind in Canada. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, the TST comprises seven member colleges in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Reformed traditions, as well as four affiliated...
.
History
Regis College had its genesis as the Jesuit seminary in downtown TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
in 1930. It then offered philosophy programmes to Jesuit scholastics preparing for priesthood. It was in 1943 that the programme of offerings was expanded to include theology. In 1954 the Jesuit seminary was formally named Collegium Christi Regis, The College of Christ the King; then, in 1956 Regis College was accredited as a pontifical faculty (a status it retains) and thus became able to offer ecclesiastical degrees in theology.
In 1969, Regis College was one of the founding colleges of the Toronto School of Theology
Toronto School of Theology
The Toronto School of Theology is an ecumenical centre for graduate theological education and the largest of its kind in Canada. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, the TST comprises seven member colleges in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Reformed traditions, as well as four affiliated...
. Within its own federation, University of Toronto granted all but theology or divinity degrees. Since 1978, by virtue of a change made in its charter, the University of Toronto has granted theology degrees conjointly with Regis College.
In the traditions of Jesuit spirituality, scholarship and service, Regis College promotes an integrated spirituality that emphasizes justice, critical dialogue and academic pursuits. As per all Jesuit institutions, it remains grounded in the concept of ad maiorem Dei gloriam
Ad maiorem Dei gloriam
Ad maiorem Dei gloriam or ad majorem Dei gloriam, also rendered as the abbreviation AMDG, is the Latin motto of the Society of Jesus, a religious order within the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church...
, for the greater glory of God.
The building was the former home of William Mellis Christie and after his death it was the residence of his son Robert Jaffrey. Robert Jaffrey had a secret room built in the house so his mistress could secretly live with him and his family. The mistress killed herself in this secret room, and is said to haunt the college.
Academics
Regis College confers three major types of theological degrees: Basic Degree Programmes, Advanced Degree Programmes and Ecclesiastical Degrees.Advanced Degree Programmes
- Master of ArtsMaster of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
in Theology (M.A.) - Combined Master of DivinityMaster of DivinityIn the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
/Master of ArtsMaster of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
in Theology (M.Div./M.A.) - Master of TheologyMaster of TheologyA Master of Theology is an advanced theological research degree offered by universities, divinity schools, and seminaries.-North America:In North America, the Master of Theology is considered by the Association of Theological Schools to be the minimum educational credential for teaching...
(Th.M.) - Doctor of MinistryDoctor of MinistryThe Doctor of Ministry degree is, according to The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada , a doctoral level degree oriented toward ministerial leadership often in an area of applied theology, such as missions, evangelism, church leadership, pastoral psychology or the...
(D.Min.) - Doctor of PhilosophyDoctor of PhilosophyDoctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
in Theology (Ph.D.) - Doctor of TheologyDoctor of TheologyDoctor of Theology is a terminal academic degree in theology. It is a research degree that is considered by the U.S. National Science Foundation to be the equivalent of a Doctor of Philosophy....
(Th.D.)
Conjoint Basic Degree Programmes
- Master of DivinityMaster of DivinityIn the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
(M.Div.) - Master of Theological StudiesMaster of Theological StudiesA Master of Theological Studies is a general academic degree that gives students an introduction to advanced theological studies. The M.T.S usually requires two years of program study to complete. The Latin equivalent for M.T.S...
(M.T.S.)
Ecclesiastical Degrees
- Bachelor of Sacred TheologyBachelor of Sacred TheologyThe Bachelor of Sacred Theology is a graduate-level academic degree in theology.The Bachelor of Sacred Theology is offered by a number of Pontifical Universities. It is sometimes offered as a graduate degree, for students who have already completed a B.A. or other first degree...
(S.T.B.) - Licentiate of Sacred TheologyLicentiate of Sacred TheologyLicentiate of Sacred Theology is the title of the second cycle of studies of a Faculty of Theology offered by a pontifical universities or ecclesiastical faculties of sacred theology. An Ecclesiastical Faculty offers three cycles of study: Baccalaureate or fundamentals, Licentiate or specialized,...
(S.T.L.) - Doctor of Sacred TheologyDoctor of Sacred TheologyThe Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
(S.T.D.)
Faculty and alumni
- Bernard LonerganBernard LonerganFr. Bernard J.F. Lonergan, CC, SJ was a Canadian Jesuit priest, philosopher, and theologian widely regarded as one of the most important Catholic thinkers of the twentieth century....
, SJ (1904–1984), philosopher, theologian, and economist - Frederick Crowe, SJ, philosopher and theologian
- Robert M. Doran, SJ, philosopher and theologian
- Mary Jo LeddyMary Jo LeddyMary Jo Leddy, CM is a Canadian writer, speaker, theologian and social activist.Leddy is widely recognized for her work with refugees at Toronto's Romero House. She began working for the centre as a night manager in 1991, and has been its director since then...
, CM, writer, activist and social critic - John NavoneJohn NavoneJohn J. Navone S.J. is a Jesuit priest, theologian, philosopher, educator, author, raconteur, and Professor Emeritus of Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy...
, SJ, theologian, author, educator, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology at Pontifical Gregorian UniversityPontifical Gregorian UniversityThe Pontifical Gregorian University is a pontifical university located in Rome, Italy.Heir of the Roman College founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola over 460 years ago, the Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits...