Dec 8, 2025 | News
Holy Apostles College & Seminary has a long-standing relationship with the Cardinal Newman Society. Our undergraduate programs have been featured in the Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College since its very first edition in 2007, and they have been reaffirmed annually for their excellence, orthodoxy, and commitment to the formation of students in mind and soul.
Now, that tradition of excellence extends fully to our Graduate Programs in philosophy, theology, pastoral studies, and more, marking a major moment in the life of our institution.
What the Newman Guide Recognition Means
The Cardinal Newman Society’s Newman Guide serves as a trusted resource for students and families seeking faithful Catholic higher education. Institutions and programs listed in the Guide are held to high standards, modeled on the Church’s vision in Ex corde Ecclesiae, Saint John Paul II’s apostolic constitution on Catholic universities.
To be listed means a program:
- Upholds Catholic moral and doctrinal teaching
- Promotes a faithful Catholic intellectual life
- Encourages virtue, prayer, and service
- Ensures faculty and curriculum remain loyal to the Magisterium
Recognition by the Cardinal Newman Society affirms that Holy Apostles continues to deliver rigorous, affordable, and authentically Catholic graduate education, fully online and accessible to students around the world.
Forming Missionary Disciples for the Church and the World
At Holy Apostles, our mission is simple and profound: to provide faithful, affordable, and flexible Catholic formation and education in the development of leaders for evangelization. Our graduate programs are designed not just to inform minds, but to transform hearts and equip missionary disciples for the work of the New Evangelization.
We are deeply grateful to our faculty, students, staff, and donors, whose faithful witness and academic excellence made this recognition possible. And above all, we give thanks to God, trusting that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Apostles, our mission will continue to flourish.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re discerning a vocation, deepening your understanding of the faith, or preparing to serve the Church in a new capacity, now is the perfect time to explore Holy Apostles’ graduate programs.
Learn more about our graduate programs here
Apply now
Request information
Nov 12, 2025 | Library
Saint Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274) was an Italian medieval Franciscan friar, cardinal, theologian, and philosopher, known as the “Seraphic Doctor” for his piety and theological writings. He served as the Minister General of the Franciscan Order and helped to mediate internal disputes within the order. His influential works include The Mind’s Road to God and the Life of St. Francis.
Born Giovanni di Fidanza, he was healed from a serious childhood illness through the prayers of St. Francis of Assisi, who foretold his future greatness. He later entered the Franciscan Order and studied in Paris, where he became a close friend of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was appointed as the Cardinal-Bishop of Albano in 1273. He died in 1274 while attending the Second Council of Lyon.
St. Bonaventure was canonized in 1482 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1557 for his significant contributions to Catholic theology through his writings and study. His works are noted for their mystical and contemplative approach to spirituality and theology.
He is honored for his role in guiding the Franciscan Order and for his intellectual and spiritual contributions to the church.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cousins, Ewert. Bonaventure and the Coincidence of Opposites. Chicago, IL: Franciscan Herald Press. 1978.
Gilson. Etienne. The Philosophy of St. Bonaventure. Paterson, NJ: St. Anthony Guild Press. 1965.
Hayes, Zachary. Works of Saint Bonaventure: Disputed Questions of the Mystery of the Trinity. Saint Bonaventure, NY: The Franciscan Institute. 1979.
Healy, Sr. Emma Therese. Works of Saint Bonaventure: Volume I. Saint Bonaventure, NY: The Franciscan Institute. 1955.
Johnson, Timothy. Bonaventure: Mystic of God’s Words. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press.1999.
Ratzinger, Joseph. The Theology of History in St. Bonaventure. Chicago, IL: Franciscan Herald Press. 1989.
Shahan, Robert W. and Kovach, Francis J. Editors. Bonaventure & Aquinas: Enduring Philosophies. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. 1976.
Oct 13, 2025 | Events, Feature, News
On Friday, September 26, the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, visited the Holy Apostles campus and presided over the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a beautiful tradition that marks the start of the new academic year, giving thanks for God’s gifts and asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance, and strength in the months ahead.
It was an opportunity for the Holy Apostles community to come together in prayer, gratitude, and hope as we begin the academic year.
Front: Seminarian Br. Robert Cantoni, MSA, former Board member Jean-Pierre van Rooy
Back (left to right): Board member David Masse, Wendy Masse and alumni (Deacon Dana Gary, Wayne Gignac, Deacon Ben LoCasto and Rev. Richard Breton)
May 9, 2025 | News
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square—and around the world—when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on May 8, 2025. For nearly an hour, the world watched and waited to learn who would become the 267th Holy Father. At last, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped out onto the loggia and declared: “Habemus Papam!” A hush fell over the crowd as he announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had been elected and had taken the name Leo XIV.
So, who is our new Holy Father—and what can we expect from Pope Leo XIV? Here are 5 facts you should know!
1. Pope Leo XIV has dual citizenship
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955 in the south Chicago suburb of Dolton, Illinois, grew up in a devout Catholic family. His father served as a Catholic school superintendent, and his mother was a librarian. The youngest of three brothers, Prevost felt the call to religious life early. The family home was always filled with local priests, gathered around the dinner table. After his ordination in 1982, he joined the Augustinian mission in Peru, where he served for many years and eventually obtained Peruvian citizenship.
2. He belongs to the Order of St. Augustine
The Order of St. Augustine, founded in 1244 under Pope Innocent IV, follows the teachings and rule of St. Augustine of Hippo. Prevost joined the order in 1977 and served as its Prior General from 2001 to 2013. His leadership emphasized evangelization, especially in Latin America. With his election as Pope Leo XIV, he became the first member of the Augustinian order ever to be chosen as pope.
3. He’s a Tennis & Baseball Fan
In an interview with the Augustinians, he said, “I consider myself quite an amateur tennis player. Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practice, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court.”
Growing up near Chicago, Prevost became — and remains — a loyal Chicago White Sox fan, a passion that reminds many of Pope John Paul II’s love for skiing: a reminder that popes are human too.
4. He has held Senior Roles in the Vatican
Before his election, Pope Leo XIV held key leadership positions within the Vatican. In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the Vatican office responsible for overseeing the appointment of bishops around the world. In April 2023, he was appointed as the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, These roles placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership decisions.
5. Elected on the Anniversary of the Apparition of St. Michael
Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8 — the anniversary of the apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano in the 5th century. This event cemented St. Michael’s role as a heavenly protector of the Church.
The date draws symbolic connections to Pope Leo XIII, who famously composed the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in 1886 after a mystical experience warning of future spiritual trials. Many Catholics now look to Pope Leo XIV’s election on this feast as a sign of renewed spiritual protection and strength for the Church.
A Pontificate Shaped by Mission and Heritage
Pope Leo XIV brings with him a rich blend of American roots, missionary zeal, and deep theological formation. His unique background — as a Chicago native, a Peruvian citizen, and the first Augustinian pope — promises a pontificate rooted in tradition and energized by global experience.
May 9, 2025 | News
Dear Holy Apostles Family,
With great joy, Holy Apostles College and Seminary celebrates the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. We welcome him with hearts full of hope and prayers, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide His Church through the humble service of the Vicar of Christ.
This moment is a powerful reminder of the continuity and unity of the Catholic Church, built on the rock of Peter and sustained by the Holy Spirit through every age.
As a community devoted to forming missionary disciples, evangelizers, and holy priests in fidelity to the Magisterium, we renew our commitment to supporting the mission of the Holy Father through prayer, scholarship, and service. May Pope Leo XIV lead with wisdom, compassion, and courage, and may his pontificate inspire a renewed zeal for evangelization and holiness throughout the world. Ad multos annos, Holy Father!
We entrust you to the care of Our Blessed Mother, Queen of the Apostles, and the intercession of all the saints.
United in the Lord Jesus,
Fr. Peter S. Kucer, M.S.A.
President-Rector
