SAN ANTONIO • Oblate School of Theology (OST) kicked off its “Building On Faith” capital campaign on April 8 with the historic gift of $15 million from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. Given as a challenge gift, it sets the tone for the campaign’s goal of raising $30 million dollars to fund endowment support for the school’s academic programs, as well as add a new auditorium and classroom building on the OST campus and renovate the historic present building, erected in 1927.

An impressive roster of co-chairs and honorary co-chairs for the campaign were present and introduced by master of ceremonies Robert Kusenberger of the OST board of trustees, himself a co-chair. Father William Morell, OMI, former president of OST and now vicar provincial of the office of mission and ministry for the Oblates and an honorary co-chair, gave the invocation.

Recognized as special honorary co-chairs were Cardinal Francis George, OMI, of Chicago, who was unable to attend, and San Antonio’s Archbishop José H. Gomez. Introduced as co-chairs were Anna Torres and Tom Kenny, with Tanya Macias introduced as capital campaign director.

“We are gathered here today,” said Kusenberger, “to celebrate the legacy of Oblate School of Theology, the faith of those who have supported this school during its first century of service and to ensure its future here in San Antoni, for a second hundred years, as well as build and maintain the school’s position as a leader in theological education.”

He noted that the school was founded in 1903 with the primary mission of educating young men to serve as Oblate missionaries in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mexico and the Philippines. Additionally, it now prepares other religious orders for the priesthood and serves the needs of the entire Catholic community through its many programs for men and women religious and the Catholic laity at large.

Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, OST president and acclaimed author and lecturer, announced that the first million dollars of the Benson gift will go to endow a chair in Scripture studies named in honor of Father Frank Montalbano, OMI, a longtime teacher of Scripture at both OST and the Oblate seminary in New Orleans.
He expressed gratitude to both Archbishop Gomez and Father Larry Christian, rector of Assumption Seminary, for their longstanding partnership with OST in educating diocesan seminarians there, noting 60 had been enrolled in studies at the school the past semester.

“We hope to grow the school in every way,” said Father Rolheiser, noting that Oblate already ranks in the top 10 Catholic theological schools in North America with graduate enrollment. “We’re looking forward to the next 100 years,” he said, “and this campaign to build for the next 100 years.” The Bensons’ gift, he added, will help assure the school’s future.

Tom Benson, who was named an honorary Oblate of Mary Immaculate by the superior general of the worldwide Oblate congregation in Rome several years ago, spoke of his longtime friendship with the Oblates here and in New Orleans for over five decades.

“What a service they have been to not only San Antonio, but the whole country,” said Benson of the Oblates. “I truly believe in the great and important work that the Oblates are doing, and I am honored to continue to be on the team as we move forward to ensure the success of ‘Building On Faith.’”

He added that his campaign gift of $15 million was a “call to action” for all Oblate supporters and the community to encourage all able to do so to support the Oblates and the school, which he called “a true treasure for San Antonio and for the entire world.”

Kusenberger noted that the campaign committee had themselves, and with the help of friends, already matched the Bensons’ first million dollar gift to the campaign which established the Father Frank Montalbano, OMI, chair in Scripture studies.

Archbishop Gomez spoke of the importance of the work done by OST in training seminarians in the faith and Christian formation, as well as preparing lay men and women to be effective evangelists in a world that so desperately needs to know God’s love. Referring to the “grace that comes from an education in the authentic beliefs of the Catholic faith,” he added that Catholic schools of theological studies must provide leadership in this world and expressed the fervent hope that Oblate School of Theology “continues to be a place where people can come to Christ — the face of God’s presence among us.”

Father Louis Lougen, OMI, provincial of the Oblate congregation in the United States and chairman of the OST Board of Trustees, called the day one of “gratitude and hope,” and recalled the “impressive and beautiful long history” of the Oblates in Texas, which has spread beyond their original mission area to now include Africa and South America.

“Around the world, the Oblates have gone to bring the good news of Jesus Christ,” he said. “We’re grateful for such a great history, but with hope for a wonderful future, specifically the unprecedented gift of Tom and Gayle Benson.”

Other distinguished guests included Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, of San Angelo; Father Frank Montalbano, OMI, former OST professor and Scripture scholar for whom the campaign’s first endowed chair is being named; Father Patrick Guidon, OMI, who was president of OST for 25 years; Father Thomas Ovalle, OMI, area superior of the southwest region of the Oblates; and Father David Kalert, OMI, vice president of advancement.

Music accompanying the event was provided by the Zambian Drummers and the choirs of OST and Assumption Seminary. A celebratory Mass in the Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel preceded a luncheon for guests.