Chairman of the Board, The Foundation for the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo
Project Director for the Renovation of the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo
Dear Friends,
We are both excited and privileged to convey to you a new chapter in the history of Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo.
For over a century, the Institute has served to educate and inspire leaders of the Catholic Church throughout the world. The alumni of the Institute, both priests and lay people, understand that God’s kingdom has no geographical limits. Many are serving the Lord in countries and dioceses around the globe, living out the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Go forth and set the world on fire.”
Dear Friends,
We are both excited and privileged to convey to you a new chapter in the history of Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo.
For over a century, the Institute has served to educate and inspire leaders of the Catholic Church throughout the world. The alumni of the Institute, both priests and lay people, understand that God’s kingdom has no geographical limits. Many are serving the Lord in countries and dioceses around the globe, living out the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Go forth and set the world on fire.”
Ever since the early 20th century, when Pope Pius X entrusted the educational programs of Posillipo to the Society of Jesus, we have prided ourselves on providing students with superior educations. Pope Pius X regarded the pedagogical model of the Jesuits to be the best training model for priests and religious leaders, both diocesan and those affiliated with religious orders, and we are devoted to his conviction. Today the Institute maintains an excellent reputation by offering a traditional Catholic education that combines programs aligned with 21st century perspectives and social issues.
While our curriculum has kept pace with modern times, our facilities have not. To address this problem and provide our students with the best possible learning environment, we have launched the Campaign to Renew Posillipo. The campaign will result in a completely refurbished building complex, including total renovation of classrooms and learning centers.
This Campaign has been firmly endorsed by the Vatican’s Congregation of Catholic Education, which has global oversight of seminaries. Furthermore, the project has gained the support of the Conference of Italian Bishops and the Italian Province of the Society of Jesus. Our present objective is to enlist the support of our friends in North America who support the intellectual and cultural work of the Jesuits.
Our prayer is that you will join us in our current efforts to sustain our mission and preserve the legacy of the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
Chairman of the Board, The Foundation for the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo
Rev. Francesco De Luccia, S.J.
Project Director for the Renovation of the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo
The Posillipo Foundation’s Board Member, James R. Borynack, who is also the Chairman and CEO of Findlay Galleries in Manhattan, hosted a reception at his gallery on Fifth Avenue in July 2016. The event, which was attended by nearly fifty guests, provided a warm welcome for seven students and seminarians from the school we support in Naples, Italy and their chaperone, Rev. Rito Maresca.
The Mission of Posillipo Foundation is to support the renewal of the Pontifical seminary and Istitute of Theology at Posillipo in Naples, Italy for the 21st century church.
19 November 2015, New York City
The Posillipo Foundation hosted an elegant reception at The Columbus Citizens Foundation with nearly forty people in attendance including members of The Board of Directors of the Foundation, benefactors and friends.
At the end of the 19th century provincial Father Giuseppe Marra purchased a small Dominican monastery and church dedicated to St. Brigida of Sweden, both situated on the hill of Posillipo, for £28,360. Thus a home for Jesuit studies, dedicated to Saint Luigi, (Collegium Sancti Aloisii) and, subsequently, the residence of the Fathers and the Institute’s educational compound was born.
History > The Complex Today > Mission >
Video presentation of the Renovation Project
A formation of “Ignatian" spirit is concretely realized in seriousness, in the care of the consciousness oriented to social and ecclesial communion, in the rigor of the studies, and in the relationship between teacher and student.
A formation of “Ignatian" spirit is concretely realized in seriousness, in the care of the consciousness oriented to social and ecclesial communion, in the rigor of the studies, and in the relationship between teacher and student.
The academic degrees conferred by the Institute approved by the Holy See, are recognized respectively as diploma and degree as decided by the Italian Minister of University and Scientific and Technological Research, with the approval of the Italian National University Council. Students may continue training by attending a third cycle of studies aimed at achieving the title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The five-year study plan of the St. Luigi Section is comprised of a philosophical two-year period and theological three-year period. The St. Luigi Section of the Pontifical Theological Faculty includes some of the following purposes:
- To examine in depth, through scientific research, the knowledge of revealed truth
- To contribute to evangelization in interdisciplinary dialogue with contemporary culture
- To promote the theological disciplines related to the Christian message, especially in Southern Italy, in close collaboration with the local churches
- To take care of the candidate’s education to the priesthood and those of religious and lay people who are preparing themselves to the teaching of sacred sciences or other apostolic tasks in the service of the people of God and the whole human family
To contribute to the ongoing formation of the clergy, religious, and other pastoral workers.
- The Institute also establishes special “research institutes,” open to scholars and researchers from other universities and institutes, especially in the context of their areas of specialization. The institutes currently are History of Christianity and Philosophy.
To these institutes must be added the high school education of Art and Theology for students who have already graduated, focusing on the study of the mutual influence between theology and the art.
The Library of St. Luigi helps to enrich the educational offer, with its collection of about 180,000 items, including volumes, pamphlets, thesis and bound magazines, etc.
The Campaign to Renew the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo will focus on two major areas:
Building and Systems Upgrades >
For over 100 years, the prestigious Pontifical Seminary and Institute of Theology at Posillipo has played a critical role in educating and inspiring Catholic leadership throughout the world. In order for this vital institution to continue to thrive, financial support for educational programs and structural renovations is required. The Posillipo Foundation has embarked on a campaign to raise the final 25% of funds needed to complete the renovation project. Recognizing the critical role the seminary has played in Catholic Church over the last century, the Conference of Italian Bishops has committed half of the $33 million total requirement, and the Italian Province of the Society of Jesus has committed over one-quarter of the total needed. A final $8 million will move this project forward and allow the Pontifical Institute of Theology to continue its mission of providing a superior education to seminarians and theologians in perpetuity.
Note: Euro to dollar conversion rate as of October 17, 2014
Support from The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education
The Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education is the highest ranking department within the Roman Curia responsible for houses of formation of religious and secular institutes, universities, faculties, Institutes, higher schools of study and educational institutes depending on ecclesiastical authorities. Attached to this Case for Support, is a letter from the second highest-ranking official of the Congregation, Msgr. Vincenzo Zani, in support of the objective of this case statement, the renovation of the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo. The letter, dated September 18, 2014, is addressed to Fr. Gianfranco Matarazzo, SJ, the Provincial of the Italian Province of the Society of Jesus and Fr. Francesco De Luccia, SJ, the Treasurer of the Italian Province of the Society of Jesus.
Il sostegno della Congregazione per l'educazione cattolica della Santa Sede
Sono lieto di apprendere che la Provincia d'Italia della Compagnia di Gesù si è assunta l'importante e oneroso compito di realizzare la ristrutturazione del complesso di Posillipo, dove da oltre 100 anni si prende cura di un Seminario per la formazione dei futuri sacerdoti dell'Italia Meridionale e della Sezione S. Luigi della Facoltà di Teologia dell'Italia Meridionale.
Dopo aver ospitato nel corso degli anni migliaia di giovani seminaristi e aver formato la classe dirigente ecclesiale degli ultimi decenni (numerosi Cardinali, Arcivescovi e Vescovi, insigni pastori e teologi), il complesso di Posillipo si trovava a un bivio: osservare inerme il proprio declino, oppure accettare la sfida di fare fronte a una ristrutturazione complessa ed economicamente molto impegnativa. La caparbietà dell'Ordine non ha ceduto il passo nemmeno un istante al dubbio, lanciandosi con coraggio e determinazione in questa nuova importante sfida.
Con la presente manifestiamo, dunque, il pieno sostegno al progetto e auspichiamo che le autorità ecclesiastiche e civili, sia italiane che straniere (in particolare degli Stati Uniti e del Brasile), gli enti erogatoti quali fondazioni e enti privati similari, i privati cittadini possano fare proprio il progetto e sostenerlo economicamente. In questo modo si potrà continuare a garantire un contributo importante all'evangelizzazione, si potrà curare la formazione accademica e intellettuale degli aspiranti al ministero sacerdotale e si potrà contribuire anche alla formazione permanente del clero.
S.E. Mons. Vincenzo Zani
Arcivescovo Segretario
Congregazione per l'Educazione Cattolica
The Foundation for the Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo (“The Posillipo Foundation”)
Chairman
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
Chancellor
Loyola University Chicago
Board of Directors
Mr. James R. Borynack
Chairman & CEO
Findlay Galleries
Ms. Vivian Cardia
Rev. Carlo Casalone, S.J.
Superior
The Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo
Rev. Francesco De Luccia, S.J.
Project Director
The Pontifical Institute of Theology at Posillipo
Ms. Mary Anne Fusco
Warburg Realty
Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J.
Alumni Chaplain
Fordham University
Mr. Richard P. Libretti
Principal
Sandler O’Neill
Mr. Andrea Mennillo
Founder and Managing Director
IDA International Development Advisory Ltd
Mr. Joseph A. Panepinto
President & CEO
Panepinto Properties
Dr. Fred P. Pestello
President
Saint Louis University
