Mary Melone, S.F.A. (born 1964) is an Italian Franciscan religious sister and theologian specialising in the life and thought of Saint Anthony of Padua. Since October 2014, she has served as the Rector of the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. She was the first woman to head a pontifical university.[1][2]
Sister Mary Melone | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Maria Domenica Melone 1964 (age 59–60) La Spezia, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | Academic |
| Title | Rector of the Pontifical University Antonianum |
| Academic background | |
| Education | Degree in education and theology |
| Alma mater | Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta Pontifical University Antonianum |
| Thesis | The Holy Spirit in Richard of St. Victor's 'De Trinitate (2002) |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Theology |
| Sub-discipline | Medieval theology |
| Institutions | Pontifical University Antonianum |
Life
editBorn Maria Domenica Melone, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Angela of Foligno (Suore Francescane Angeline in Italian) after graduating from high school. She took her temporary vows in 1986, and professed her perpetual vows in 1991.[1]
Melone has a number of degrees. She has a degree in teaching and philosophy from the Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta, graduating in 1992. She then studied theology at the Pontifical University Antonianum, graduating in 1996.[1] She completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the Pontifical University Antonianum in 2001; her doctoral thesis was titled The Holy Spirit in Richard of St. Victor's 'De Trinitate'.[3]
From 2011 to 2014, Melone was dean of the Department of Theology at the Pontifical University Antonianum.[3] In 2014, she was elected by the Congregation for Catholic Education as the Rector of the Pontifical University Antonianum.[1] She will serve a three-year term.[4] She is the first woman to head a pontifical university.[2][5] She was installed as rector on 22 October 2014.[6][7]
Melone has also served as President of the Italian Society for Theological Research.[3]
Pope Francis named her a member of the Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate on 2 August 2016.[8]
See also
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References
edit- ^ a b c d "Woman appointed rector of a Pontifical University for the first time ever". Vatican Insider. La Stampa. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ a b Hafiz, Yasmine (7 August 2014). "Sister Mary Melone, Franciscan Nun, Will Be First Female Head Of A Pontifical University". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ a b c Kim, Shijung (11 July 2014). "First woman rector of pontifical university in Rome appointed by the Vatican". The World of the Bible. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ "Vatican appoints first woman rector of pontifical university in Rome". CatholicPhilly.com. 10 July 2014.
- ^ McElwee, Joshua J. (3 July 2014). "Woman appointed as rector of Pontifical university in Rome". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ "Suor Mary Melone, Rettore Pontificia Università Antonianum in Roma". Assisi OFM (in Italian). Frati Minori dell'Umbria. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ "The Inauguration of the new Academic Year at the 'Pontifical University Antonianum'" (PDF). Fraternitas. 47 (216): 1. December 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ McElwee, Joshua J. (2 August 2016). "Francis institutes commission to study female deacons, appointing gender-balanced membership". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 8 August 2016.