Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

Mark Enemali CSSp.
MTS Biblical Studies 2009

Degree and colleges you attended before coming to Notre Dame and any jobs you had between graduation and coming to Notre Dame:
I got my BA in Philosophy from Spiritan School of Philosophy Isienu, an affiliate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2001. Thereafter I acquired my STB at Tangaza College – Catholic University of Eastern Africa Nairobi, Kenya in 2006. After graduation and ordination as a Catholic priest in the Congregation of the Holy Ghost (Spiritans), I was sent for missions to East Africa. After working in a parish in Tanzania for few months I came to Notre Dame.

What attracted you to MTS program in Notre Dame?
The thing that attracted me to MTS program was the initiative of the Theology Department to offer scholarships to African clergy and religious who were expected to return to Africa after their training to teach in theological institutes and seminaries. Such an offer was irresistible; the University possesses scholars and researchers who, with impeccable integrity, have made and continue to make a tremendous impact on contemporary theology.

The greatest strengths of the MTS program:
I am struck by the spiritual life and rigorous intellectual work undertaken by the students within the program. The MTS offers the opportunity to study theology that is critical, sound, and fulfilling. Because students focus the degree in one of five areas, there is freedom in choosing classes that are geared towards the aim of the student with the aid of the area advisor. Again, the frequent colloquia create room for interesting dialogue and interaction among the members of faculty and students in the various areas of specialization (Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, History of Christianity, and Liturgical Studies).

Another outstanding strength of the program is the friendliness that reveals itself among students, staff, and faculty. It is very easy for anyone to find a place at Notre Dame thanks to the hospitality and generosity that exist therein, and it is amazing how quickly everyone receives attention and a listening ear. These are marks of a family that shares together the values of faith, love, and service.

Greatest challenges since coming to Notre Dame:
My greatest challenge has always been my difficulty choosing the classes that I want to take. My area advisor probably knows this fact about me, and I appreciate her patience. The challenge I have is that I find professors offering great classes, and I want to take all of them. It was also quite challenging to take Intermediate Greek and German over the summer. That kept me from enjoying the beautiful weather in the summer after surviving the serious winter snow of South Bend. However, it was highly rewarding.

Your housing situation:
I live off-campus at the rectory of Our Lady of Hungary Parish on West Calvert Street in South Bend. With the Transpo Bus service I use two buses to and from Notre Dame. It is an interesting experience and very rewarding to be able to combine my studies with some kind of weekend ministry at the parish. My interaction with the parishioners continually keeps me in touch with the issues that are critical and relevant to concrete life of faith and worship today.

Other thoughts:
Obviously, Notre Dame is more famous than South Bend or Mishawaka. That is why someone coming to Notre Dame, without knowing that the South Bend Regional Airport (SBN) is only a few minutes’ drive from Notre Dame, may decide to book their flight to Indianapolis Airport. The snow in the winter could pose a challenge even to those who have lived in this part of the world for all their lives. Nevertheless it is quite a wonderful experience to be in South Bend and Notre Dame.