Loader
 

Meeting the Jesuit Scholastics at Regis College: Adam Hincks, SJ

Adam Hincks SJ at his diaconal ordination, with Walter Cardinal Kasper (’18)

Adam Hincks SJ is a Toronto-born Jesuit Scholastic. Before coming to study at Regis College, he completed a STB at the Pontifical Gregorian University, a Jesuit institution in Rome. In 2009, he completed received his Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University. While not studying theology and philosophy, Adam enjoys playing the piano and settling down with a good book – he has also made several trips to the Atacama Desert of northern Chile to work on an astronomical observatory! Adam hopes to continue engaging with scientific research and to contribute to an intelligent dialogue between faith and science. He is looking forward to serving the Church as a Jesuit Priest, upon his Ordination which is set for this May. Learn more about Adam’s academic publications and research and pastoral work by visiting his website.

What’s it like being a Jesuit scholastic at Regis College?

I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to spend the majority of my time in studies. Many people are unable to dedicate any time to academia once they join the work force. For me it’s a real privilege to be able to devote myself to learning more about God and how He works among us.

 What are your favourite classroom/tutorial topics and why?

My focus is philosophical theology, which builds on my interest in philosophy and natural theology. During my time at Regis, I am trying to get a firmer grasp on the “theology” part of this. Having done my STB at the Gregorian University, where the emphasis is very much on lectures, I appreciate the complementarity of now being able to spend more time on reading, thinking and writing. I find classroom time is of most benefit when it involves in-depth discussion about the common material that all the students have engaged with.

How has your education and experience at Regis College helped you prepare for your upcoming ordination (May 2019) and your future priestly duties?

The ThM/STL is an academic programme (rather than focussing on ministry per se), so my hope is that it provides me with tools for intelligently engaging with some of the important questions about God and faith that are in the culture. I think there’s lots of important pastoral work to be done in journeying with people who are seeking to integrate their experience of faith with both their reason and affectivity. The Church and the Society of Jesus have lots of wisdom in this regard, and I believe that my theological training from Regis College will be a real aid in continuing this tradition.

What have you found most valuable about the community at Regis College and why?

There are plenty of ways to get involved at Regis College. There is something for everyone and so the community is diverse in this sense. The age range and various backgrounds of the student body enriches the college. The fact that our weekly liturgies are scheduled on Wednesday, right in the middle of the week, highlights that the ultimate focus of Regis College is Jesus Christ, after whose Kingship the institution is named.

What is your favourite extracurricular activities at Regis College?

I have enjoyed participating in the Lonergan graduate seminars. They provide a good level of depth as well as a valuable opportunity for collegial conversation among faculty and students.