The Catholic Herald puts Stephen Minnis, President of Benedictine College in Kansas, under interrogation.
What’s your favourite Bible verse?
John 2:5: The wedding at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Which church has the most meaning to you?
The Santissima Annunziata in Florence, where I asked Our Lady for help for the college and she helped us beyond what we requested.
What holy music do you return to?
All music that brings people closer to God.
Who is your favourite saint or pope?
Besides the Virgin Mary, I have a devotion to St Joseph, St John Paul II, St Benedict, and St Maximilian Kolbe.
How has your faith shaped your career?
It is very rare when someone’s personal mission matches with the mission of their work, but it does in my case. I am continually drawn to building up community –teams, relationships, friendships – doing this in a Christ-centred way, and continually seeking the truth. In other words, community, faith and scholarship.
Where would you like to go on pilgrimage, and who would be your companion?
I would like to go the Holy Land with my wife, Amy. I am also interested in going to the Marian apparition sites.
What book or film most influenced you at college?
My constitutional law textbook in my junior year influenced me the most to go into law.
What is on your reading list?
I have been reading biographies about George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Dwight Eisenhower, George Marshall, George Patton and Padre Pio.
How would you like your students to remember their days at Benedictine College?
If you live the mission of community, faith and scholarship while you are here, you will live the mission after you graduate and bring community, faith and scholarship to your communities, parishes and workplaces as little league coaches and scout masters and influence those around to transform the culture.
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