Intellectual Formation

Understanding the faith for ministry

Intellectual formation prepares seminarians to understand, communicate, and teach the Catholic faith faithfully and responsibly within pastoral ministry.

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Our professors

Residents

Prof. Steven Billington

Prof. Rogi Thomas

Prof. Peter Fleetwood

Prof. Barry Braum

Prof. Marcus Holden

Prof Christina Pal

Prof. Andrew Unsworth

Prof. Mark Cassidy

Non-Resident Academic Staff

Prof. Maria Vithayathil

Prof. Vimal Tirimanna

Prof. Paola Serafini

Prof. Josef Sciberras

Prof. Edmund Power

Prof. Gildas Parry

Prof. Kevin Mwandha

Prof. Eusebius Martis

Prof. Enda Murphy

Prof. Amélia Manjate

Prof. Alberto de Mingo Kaminouchi

Prof. Larry Duffy

Prof. David Dawson Vasquez

Prof. Susan Dawson Vasquez

Prof. Christopher Clohessy

What Intellectual Formation Is

Theological study serving priestly ministry

Intellectual formation provides the theological foundations necessary for priestly life. Through study of Sacred Scripture, theology, philosophy, and Church teaching, seminarians develop clarity of thought and fidelity to the faith. Academic formation strengthens the ability to preach, teach, and respond pastorally to the questions and challenges faced by the faithful. The aim is not academic achievement alone, but formation of priests able to communicate the Gospel with confidence and understanding.

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Formation at the Beda

Spiritual

Daily liturgical life, spiritual direction, and personal prayer deepen relationship with Christ and sustain vocation within sacramental ministry.

Pastoral

Pastoral placements and ministry experience prepare seminarians for parish leadership, pastoral care, and diocesan service.

Human

Supporting emotional maturity, relational stability, and personal integration, forming priests capable of pastoral leadership and healthy community life.

Life at the Beda

Formation shaped through study in Rome

Seminarians undertake formal theological study within Rome’s academic institutions, engaging with the Church’s intellectual tradition in an international context. Study is integrated with prayer, pastoral experience, and community life, helping seminarians grow in disciplined reflection and theological responsibility. Formation encourages habits of lifelong learning, recognising that priestly ministry requires continued study and faithful engagement with the teaching of the Church.

Lectures

Lectures take place within the Beda College, although some students pursue a degree at a Roman university for part of their time at the Beda. Professors from Colleges and Institutes throughout Rome supplement the work of the resident staff/professors by teaching courses in their particular subjects. Lectures are given in English and are examined orally and through essays. Students are encouraged to learn Italian while they are at the Beda. Classes for beginners are provided, but it is not a requirement for their studies.

Examinations and Accreditation

The Beda, along with many other Roman Colleges, operates a two semester system. Examinations are held at the end of each semester. Academic awards from the Beda are conferred by St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London. Most students register for the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree and the studies are attentively monitored by St Mary’s.

Residency and External students

While most students are resident in the Beda College, a few who live in other Religious Houses in Rome come to the Beda each day for their intellectual formation. We welcome 'external students'. These students play an active part in the life of the Beda, but their overall formation remain the responsibility of their own Religious Communities.