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About the Author

Msgr. James P. Shea
Faculty
President
University of Mary

Monsignor James P. Shea was inaugurated in 2009 as the sixth president of the University of Mary, succeeding Sister Thomas Welder, O.S.B., who had served as president for 31 years.

Msgr. Shea grew up on a dairy farm near Hazelton, North Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree and a licentiate in philosophy as a Basselin Fellow in the School of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, later studying theology at the Gregorian and Lateran universities in Rome. Upon completion of his seminary formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Msgr. Shea was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Bismarck in 2002.

Published Pieces

Catholics at Mass

A Kingship Not of This World

The kingdom Jesus has founded is a real kingdom, a visible polity, a social organization – but it will not be founded on or extend itself by worldly means.

Msgr. James P. Shea
Jun 27, 2024
Statue of Benedict at Monte Cassino

Why Require Benedict?

To study the life and legacy of St. Benedict is not only to encounter one of the most vibrant spiritual and theological traditions of the Church, but also to explore an enduring case study in the vital relationship between religion and culture.

Msgr. James P. Shea
Aug 22, 2022
Thumbnail for An Unknown Future and a Known God

An Unknown Future and a Known God

In an age in which many have heard the name of Jesus but few have encountered him, Christians are called to spread a message of liberty to captives. Have no fear: you were born for this.

Rev. John Riccardo
Mary Guilfoyle
Msgr. James P. Shea
Aug 16, 2022
Becket Fund Canterbury Medal

Who Are We? Where Are We Going?

In remarks offered upon receiving the 2022 Canterbury Medal from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Msgr. James Shea explores a poignant question asked of all Christians: Who are you? Where are you going?

Msgr. James P. Shea
May 26, 2022
Curtis and Michaelann Martin Thumbnail

Mission and Marriage with Curtis and Michaelann Martin

The life of grace is an adventure with friends. Curtis and Michaelann Martin reflect on their marriage, work with FOCUS, and pursuit of the Gospel.

Curtis Martin
Michaelann Martin
Msgr. James P. Shea
Apr 7, 2022
A laptop and phone in a clean workspace

Equipping Ministries

JM Boyd, president and lead consultant of Glass Canvas, discusses his experience in helping churches, non-profits, and Christian ministries unlock their ministry potential through marketing, branding, and communications.

JM Boyd
Msgr. James P. Shea
Mar 17, 2022
A tree, a lake, and a stary horizon

Explorations of a Catholic Mind

Fr. Robert Spitzer offers a Catholic perspective on culture, science, and apologetics and provides insights on what it takes to ensure that a Catholic university stays true to its religious mission.

Rev. Robert J. Spitzer
Msgr. James P. Shea
Feb 3, 2022
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Assisi, Italy

The Mendicant Vocation of Archbishop Chaput

Archbishop Charles Chaput joins Msgr. James Shea to discuss his vocation as a Franciscan friar, bishop, and archbishop, and to offer his insights on the current state of the Church in the United States.

Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jan 13, 2022
A bird flies over the beach

Living the Lord's Joy

Chris Stefanick joins Msgr. James Shea to discuss the spiritual disposition of joy and the clarion call offered to all Christians: "The joy of the Lord must be your strength."

Chris Stefanick
Msgr. James P. Shea
Dec 2, 2021
The Capitol Rotunda

Engaging Secular Modernity

Ryan T. Anderson and Msgr. James Shea discuss the interplay of religion, culture, and public policy, the modern antipathy towards questions of family, and preparing the next generation of informed Christians in the public square.

Dr. Ryan T. Anderson
Msgr. James P. Shea
Nov 18, 2021