Friar Stephen Dahan LEE was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in ecological theology at Australian Catholic University in July 20, 2021.
Friar Stephen Dahan LEE began his postgraduate studies in ecological theology at Australian Catholic University in 2014. He returned to South Korea after submitting his doctoral dissertation in March, 2020, and his dissertation passed the examination in late August. After completing final amendments and the course completion process, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in July 20, 2021.
Friar Stephen’s dissertation is titled “The Ecological Meaning of St. Bonaventure’s Theology of the Created World,” which explores how Bonaventure’s theology can bring transformation to our attitude and action regarding the natural world in this time of ecological crisis.
We are grateful to Friar Stephen’s supervisors: Rev. Denis EDWARDS from the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Australia, and Rev. Ormond Rush from the Diocese of Townsville, Australia, who replaced the position of Friar Stephen’s supervisor after the sudden death of Rev. Denis EDWARDS in 2019. We are also grateful to the friars of the Delegation of Our Lady Help of Christians in Australia for their support of Friar Stephen’s life there, and to the friars of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Province in South Korea for their prayers for him.
Friar Stephen is currently committed to his ministries in ecological theology, such as collaboration with a local diocese in South Korea. We pray that he will continue to serve his Province, the Order and the Church through his academic work.
Fr. Bonaventura Kyuhee HAN, Provincial Secretary
