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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

A lone person walks on the beach as the sun rises on the horizon

God Wants His World Back

Fr. John Riccardo reflects on his life and priesthood and speaks about his ministry - ACTS XXIX - which exists for one simple reason: "God wants his world back."

Rev. John Riccardo
Msgr. James P. Shea
Nov 11, 2021
Sunrise over the Ocean

Friendship and the University (and the Ocean)

Dr. Peter Kreeft and Msgr. James P. Shea discussed Catholic higher education, the importance of friendship within that project, and Dr. Kreeft's life and work.

Dr. Peter Kreeft
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jul 21, 2021
Tim Busch, founder of the Napa Institute

The Napa Institute and the Next America

Through liturgy, academic formation, and fraternity, the Napa Institute seeks to prepare Catholics for life and the adventure of evangelization in our current apostolic age.

Timothy R. Busch
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jul 15, 2021
Dr. Scott Hahn reflecting on the life of Father Michael Scanlan

Memories of Father Michael Scanlan with Scott Hahn and Monsignor Shea

Dr. Scott Hahn and Msgr. James Shea discussed the life, legacy, and impactful tenure of the late Fr. Michael Scanlan at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Dr. Scott Hahn
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jun 10, 2021
An Archway at Saint Peter's Basilica

Tribute to Don Briel

The funeral homily of the founder of the Catholic Studies program serves as a tribute to a man who awakened countless souls to the profundity of the truth of Christ.

Msgr. James P. Shea
Feb 17, 2021
Chemistry Laboratory

Persistence and Pondering

Sister Nicole Kunze, OSB, PhD, Prioress of Annunciation Monastery, joined Msgr. James P. Shea to discuss her experience as a chemist, teacher, Benedictine, and prioress.

Sr. Nicole Kunze, OSB
Msgr. James P. Shea
Feb 16, 2021
A Student Looks at Pikes Peak

To Address Poverty in All Its Forms

Curtis Martin, Founder and CEO of FOCUS, joined Msgr. James P. Shea to discuss his experience in evangelization and the formation of university students.

Curtis Martin
Msgr. James P. Shea
Feb 4, 2021
A Mother and Her Children

Reality Is Not Arbitrary

Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, joined Msgr. James P. Shea to discuss her work in the pro-life movement and the March for Life.

Jeanne Mancini
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jan 27, 2021
The University of Mary

The Vision of a University

Msgr. James P. Shea discussed his vision for Catholic higher education and the importance of forming students' imaginative visions within that project.

Msgr. James P. Shea
Prime Matters
Dec 4, 2020
A hiker overlooks a cloud-filled valley

Schola et Labora

Dr. Michael J. Naughton and Msgr. James P. Shea discussed the importance of leisure for human flourishing and its relationship with work, as well as Dr. Naughton's book on this subject.

Dr. Michael J. Naughton
Msgr. James P. Shea
Dec 4, 2020