En Es

We are Oblate

Our Mission

Inspired by the charism of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Oblate School of Theology (OST) educates, forms, and renews men and women to “preach the Gospel to the most abandoned.”

OST is a community of scholars and students who respect and celebrate global cultural diversity through various languages, traditions, and backgrounds firmly rooted in Christ.

Our History

  1. 1903

    San Antonio Philosophical and Theological Seminary (SAPTS) [3200 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212]

  2. Sept. 5, 1905

    St. Anthony’s College and Apostolic School founded at same location (juniorate, present St. Anthony’s Catholic High School)

  3. June 1, 1911

    Diocese of San Antonio stops sending seminarians to the school

  4. Sept. 9, 1920

    Juniorate and Scholasticate are separated.

  5. 1926-1927

    De Mazenod Scholasticate (DMS) construction “4 miles north of the city of San Antonio”

  6. Dec. 1, 1947

    Catholic University in Washington, DC becomes affiliated with DMS for an initial 2 years

  7. Apr. 18, 1950

    De Mazenod Scholasticate incorporated, Constitution and By-Laws adopted

  8. Sept. 1, 1962

    Merger with Our Lady of Snows in Pass Christian, MS

  9. Nov. 8, 1962

    Name changed to Oblate College of the Southwest (OCSW)

  10. May 14, 1968

    New Board of Trustees for OCSW was established, including lay people, 4 men and 1 woman

  11. July 26, 1968

    New Articles of Incorporation of OCSW

  12. Dec. 4, 1969

    Received accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

  13. June 1, 1969

    Associate membership in American Association of Theological Schools

  14. Spring 1970

    Diocesan seminarians from Assumption Seminary attend classes at OCSW

  15. June 13, 1970

    Very Rev. Patrick Guidon, O.M.I. president

  16. Nov 1975

    Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program inaugurated

  17. June 23-27, 1980

    First Lay Ministry Institute

  18. Summer 1981

    Name changed to Oblate School of Theology

  19. Jan 1982

    OST receives accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) (Informe Jul 1982)

  20. Spring 1985

    OST selected to serve as a pilot institution for the Vatican Study of Programs of Priestly Formation in the US (OST newsletter, Spring 1985)

  21. June 1, 1995

    Very Rev. John William Morell, O.M.I. president

  22. Dec 1997

    40,000 books come from closed Oblate College for the library (OST News Fal 1997)

  23. Mar. 24, 2001

    Pat Guidon Center completed

  24. Sept. 22, 2001

    OST Special Collections and the Southwestern Oblate Historical Archives dedicated in the basement of Immaculate Conception Chapel

  25. Oct. 18, 2003

    Donald E. O’Shaughnessy Library dedicated

  26. June 1, 2004

    Very Rev. Warren A. Brown, O.M.I. president

  27. Aug. 1, 2005

    Very Rev. Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. president

  28. Feb. 17, 2012

    Whitley Theological Center (WTC) and Kusenberger Guest Residence dedicated

  29. May 24, 2013

    OST’s main building renamed The Gayle and Tom Benson Theological Center

  30. Sept. 8, 2020

    Dr. Robert Scott Woodward, D.Min. president

Oblate School of Theology facilitates and enhances access to theological education at all levels for people of Hispanic/Latine origins.

Highlights

Three Unlikely Mystics: Catherine of Siena, Carl Jung, and Etty Hillesum

Three Unlikely Mystics: Catherine of Siena, Carl Jung, and Etty Hillesum

Explore the lives of Catherine of Siena, Carl Jung, & Etty Hillesum, uncovering their unique insights into mysticism & spiritual growth.Read More »
Fierce and Tender Wisdom: Exploring Wild Mercy

Fierce and Tender Wisdom: Exploring Wild Mercy

Discover wisdom from women mystics across traditions, fostering contemplative listening, creative expression, and spiritual connection.Read More »
Sankofa Institute Christian Unity Service

Sankofa Institute Christian Unity Service

Join the Sankofa Institute’s Annual Christian Unity Service to honor Dr. King’s dream with praise, worship, and a reception.Read More »

Statement of Purpose

The institution prepares persons for pastoral ministry through academic study and supervised practice. Through degree and certificate programs, OST strives to educate and form candidates for priestly ministry as well as lay ministries. Beyond its Master’s level degrees, OST offers both academic and professional doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for professional continuing education and personal spiritual renewal to those serving in the church, society, and the academy.

The pastoral orientation of the School requires practical and reflective engagement with the multi-cultural, global reality of church and society.

Oblate graduates reported an effective or very effective formation in skill areas including:

  • Ability to preach well
  • Ability to use and interpret Scripture
  • Knowledge of Church policy/Canon Law
  • Ability to conduct worship/liturgy
  • Ability to relate social issues to faith
  • Ability to interact effectively with those from cultural and racial/ethnic contexts other than my own
  • Awareness and appreciation of the globalized context in which ministry is practiced
  • Ability to work effectively with both women and men
  • Ability to think theologically

Pastoral • Spirituality • Community • Formation • Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Formation • Our Values •

Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Catholic • Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Catholic • Our Values •

Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Catholic • Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Catholic • Our Values •

Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Catholic • Pastoral • Mission Driven • Community • Catholic • Our Values •