Welcoming New Faculty

Welcoming New Faculty: New Faculty for 2020-21

TAYLOR COLWELL ’23, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

Rev. Kenneth Malley ‘97 (St. Petersburg)

REV. KENNETH MALLEY ’97

Fr. Kenneth Malley, a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, comes to the College as a Spiritual Director. An alumnus of the College, Fr. Malley was ordained a priest in 1997. After completing his Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, he attended the one-year Spirituality program at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was a pastor for the past fifteen years at two parishes, prior to which he served as associate pastor at three parishes and Dean/Vice Rector at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Florida. Prior to seminary, Fr. Malley served in the United States Navy and worked in international business.

REV. SHANE KIRBY ’04

Fr. Shane Kirby, a priest of the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, comes to the College as Director of the Newly Ordained Program at the Casa Santa Maria. An alumnus of the College, Fr. Kirby was ordained a priest in 2004. After ordination, he returned to Rome to complete a licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2005. Additionally, he completed a licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America in 2014. In the Diocese of Scranton, Fr. Kirby fulfilled various pastoral and administrative roles including parochial vicar, secretary to the Bishop, pastor, Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs, and Chancellor. A native of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, he converted to Catholicism from the Pentecostal tradition while in high school. He was appointed as an official of the Congregation for the Clergy in November of 2017.

Rev. Shane Kirby ’04 (Scranton)

REV. VINCENT FERRER BAGAN,O.P.

Fr. Vincent Ferrer Bagan, O.P. comes to the College as Director of Liturgical Music and Formation Advisor. Fr. Vincent Ferrer entered the Province of St. Joseph of the Order of Preachers in 2009, made his first profession of vows in 2010, and was ordained a priest in 2015. After

Rev. Vincent Ferrer Bagan, O.P. (Province of St. Joseph)

completing theology studies at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., where he earned a licentiate, he went on to gain a Master of Music degree from The Catholic University of America. Fr. Vincent Ferrer previously taught music and theology at Providence College and has directed numerous choirs and scholas. Prior to entering the Order of Preachers, he served as a parish music director and high school music teacher. He also studied at St. Olaf College and Ave Maria University. Fr. Vincent Ferrer is an accomplished composer and arranger of sacred music. n

A New Spiritual Director at the College

TAYLOR COLWELL ’23, ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

Can you give us a little background about yourself to help us get to know you a little better?

I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. After high school, I enlisted in the Navy and was active duty for four years as a Russian language interpreter and cryptologist. I left to finish my college degree at the University of South Florida. It was during my junior year abroad in Glasgow, Scotland, that it became evident the priesthood was God’s plan. After college, I worked in international business, both with an art delegation and an import-export business. I had ideals, plans, and scripts for my life, and many times the Lord let me go until I discovered the better plan was to follow his will. In time, I was able to recognize the passion in my heart to serve as a priest.

When were you ordained and what have your assignments been like up to this point?

I was ordained in 1997 after spending four years at the College. Before that I attended St. John Vianney College

Rev. Kenneth Malley '97 (St. Petersburg) receives a blessing from St. John Paul II. Rev. Kenneth Malley '97 (St. Petersburg) at the College.

Seminary in Miami, Florida, and St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach. After being ordained, I served as an associate pastor at three parishes and as pastor for the past fifteen years—six at St. Catherine of Siena in Clearwater and nine at St. Timothy in Lutz. Being at a parish is fun and exciting but also consuming: you learn how critical it is to protect the interior life in order to drink from the fresh well of God’s grace.

What was your initial reaction when you were assigned to come to the NAC as a faculty member? What will your responsibilities be while you are here?

When I met with my bishop, he asked me to pray about it. I was surprised at first but also honored. I will be meeting with directees one-on-one, participating in faculty events, and being present at liturgies and house events. I will be looking for all the ways I can be a source of support in the house. What are some of the things you are looking forward to most about being back in Rome?

I look forward to seeing the city—its beauty, saints, and history—with new eyes after twenty-three years working in parishes. Serving on faculty is a way to give back to the College in gratitude for what I have received.

Rev. Kenneth Malley '97 (St. Petersburg) stands with St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

Do you have a scripture verse, saint, quote, etc. that you try to model your life and priesthood after? What or who is it and why?

St. Thérèse of Lisieux is one. She’s a model for my work as a spiritual director, working behind the scenes in the internal forum.

What are some of your hobbies or interests that you like to pursue in your free time?

I like swimming, biking, being outdoors, and walking out in the city. I also enjoy music, theater, and art. Our hearts long for beauty that nourishes the heart and soul, and there is plenty in Rome. n