Good Things Come in Threes: Three Siblings Join Catholic Studies Program  

In Christianity, the number three represents divine perfection and completeness, which reflects the Latin phrase Omne Trium Perfectum: everything that is three is perfect. The Holy Trinity comes to mind, which is the summit of perfection. While the Universal Church continually celebrates the Trinity, the Catholic Studies Program has its own special trio to celebrate this year, as it welcomes three siblings to the program. This is the first time that three siblings have joined the program at the same time. They are James Michael B. Unciano, Jonathan Michael B. Unciano and John Michael Benedict B. Unciano. James is majoring in Pre-Science, Interdisciplinary, while Jonathan and John are majoring in Biology. The three brothers have the Catholic Studies minor in common.

"The brothers were happy to join the program and are looking forward to applying the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in science" said Dr. Ines A. Murzaku, Director of Catholic Studies Program. She added, "who said that good things do not come in threes? I have never had three siblings signed into the program at the same time. Welcome!"

Dr. Nancy Enright, Director of the Core and one of the founders and a longtime faculty member of the Catholic Studies Program, said: "The Core is closely linked to Catholic Studies, with many of our Core III courses being cross-listed with Catholic Studies. We also grew out of a similar vision, inspired by a seminar on the Core held by the Center for Catholic Studies nearly twenty years ago. The Catholic intellectual Tradition is integral to both programs and who we are at Seton Hall. We are excited to welcome the Unciano brothers into the Catholic Studies Program."

Father Joseph R. Laracy, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and an affiliated faculty member with Catholic Studies, has one of the siblings, John, taking his Creation and Science course in the Fall. Father Laracy is confident that since John's studies are focused on Biology and Catholic Studies, the Creation and Science course will enrich John’s understanding in both areas of his academic interest. "This course seeks to deepen a student’s understanding of the relationship between the Catholic theology of creation and contemporary empirical science. The class covers the historical-philosophical environment of the birth of natural science, the doctrine of creation ex nihilo et cum tempore, the theory of the Big Bang, the theory of evolution, and other topics," Father Laracy explained. He added, "I am very pleased to welcome back students to campus this semester and to share my love of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition."

Giselle Pineda, a Biology-Catholic Studies double major and president of the Catholic Studies Club, welcomed the Unciano brothers "on behalf of the Catholic Studies Club! We are so happy that you have decided to become a part of the Catholic Studies family at Seton Hall University. As president of the Catholic Studies Club, I would like to extend an invitation to you to become members of this wonderful organization." The Catholic Studies Club builds bridges between Catholic Studies and all disciplines on campus, through a variety of intellectual, social and service activities.

The opportunity for Seton Hall students to broaden their horizons with a Catholic Studies major or minor is now more inviting than ever. "With the bonus ninth semester Seton Hall is offering to freshmen, the possibilities to double major and add minors to students’ portfolios is greatly enhanced," Dr. Murzaku explained. "A Catholic Studies degree is the perfect enhancement to any other degree. It is the degree which makes students stand apart."

The University's goal has long been to enrich students' lives in three ways, as Dr. Murzaku noted: "Seton Hall’s founder, Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley, the first bishop of Newark, wanted his university to be 'a home for the mind, the heart and the spirit. I hope the three Unciano brothers, through their participation in the Catholic Studies Program, are enriched three ways: in mind, heart and spirit."

About Catholic Studies

The Catholic Studies Program at Seton Hall University offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum for students of any creed who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism's rich intellectual tradition and living heritage. Combining the study of history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, sociology, and other disciplines, Catholic Studies focuses on the Church's dialogue with culture and encounter with the world. Students interested in Catholic Studies have the option to pursue a major, minor, or certificate that complements and enhances the university's other degree programs and fields of study. Over 20 years the academic program and its variegated activities have stayed true to and fulfilled the Catholic mission and vision of the University. For more information, please contact Dr. Ines Murzaku at [email protected] or Gloria Aroneo at [email protected].

Categories: Faith and Service