Jacob’s Theology Studies in Rome

When you hear that a 24-year-old, recent Catholic convert wants to move from Ireland to study theology at a Pontifical University in Rome, two things might strike you:

1. That’s a bit quick

2. That’s also a bit late

My name is Jacob, said convert to the Catholic Church who was confirmed last year on the feast of All Saints while on a Catholic missionary formation programme. Throughout that year, I felt called to a deeper study of philosophy and theology, both of which I’ve long had a love for, in a thoroughly academic and Catholic setting.

Being a 24-year-old previously homeschooled, self-taught web developer with Autism, planning to go to university now might seem like a pretty late-in-the-running decision. But it also might seem a bit hasty considering my relatively recent confirmation! Despite all this, I have had the excellent opportunity to enrol in The Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, also called the Angelicum, in Rome, and I feel that the Lord has opened this door for me with good reason.

I hope to take all that I learn at the Angelicum and use it to widely and effectively communicate the great Deposit of Faith to souls that need to hear of the truth, goodness, and beauty the Church has to give them through Christ.

There’s a lot to get into on this, but to keep things short:

I’m currently trying to raise enough for my whole first year of studies. This would be a great blessing, allowing me to focus on my education for the first year with a bit of breathing room to adjust to life in a very different culture than what I’m used to, without the added pressure of working.

I would love it if you could help me in any way! Either by donating, getting the word out, or especially by prayer.

Pax,

Jacob T. Murphy