Fr. Sebastian MacDonald
Fr. Sebastian remembers first learning of the Passionists in grade school. He had shown a growing interest in the priesthood and began to look for answers to some of his questions. He was fortunate to find some of these answers through Fr. Basil Killoran, C.P., his mother’s cousin and visitor to his childhood home. In 1944, Sebastian left for the Passionist minor seminary of Mother of Good Counsel near St. Louis. It was there he began his high school education and his journey to preaching the message of Christ Crucified.
Currently, Fr. Sebastian serves as Superior of the Passionist Community of St. Vincent Mary Strambi at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago. The Passionist family at CTU is a mix of priests, seminarian students and one diocesan priest from abroad studying in the States. Fr. Sebastian also celebrates Mass at local parishes, preaches occasional retreats and spends time ministering and writing.
Fr. Sebastian continues to have an active interest in the study of theology and new developments in the area. His involvement with CTU and exposure to the academic environment supports his efforts at writing in the field of moral theology. His book, "The Sacramental Roots of Human Freedom: A Catholic Basis for Morality," was published last year and is available through Mellen Press. Living among young seminarians, Fr. Sebastian feels fortunate to have such inspiring influences on his work and ministry.
