A newly endowed Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation has been awarded to Dr. Scott Hahn at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Establishment of the new chair is a critical component of St. Vincent's plans to train the next to generation of priests to be come more effective preachers and teachers of the Word of God, said Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor of the seminary, which is run by the Order of St. Benedict.

“Dr. Hahn has a remarkable ability to draw from the Old and New Testaments and the Catholic theological and liturgical traditions, and communicate these in an integrated way to everyone who seeks to live the life of grace in all its fullness,” said seminary Rector Father Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.

Dr. Hahn called the new chair "a unique and bold initiative" on the part of St. Vincent. The appointment, he added, also reflects the deepest concerns of the St. Paul Center:

"Our mission has always been two-pronged - biblical literacy for lay people and biblical fluency for clergy. This partnership represents a major initiative to raise up the next generation of biblically fluent priests. We plan to work with St. Vincent seminary for years to come - not only in the classroom training future priests but in workshops, seminars and conferences. The Benedictines have always been at the forefront of integrating the Bible and Liturgy. There is no better headquarters to advance our work for priests and seminarians."

Dr. Hahn's appointment will be effective in 2005. He will continue as Professor of Scripture and Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

With Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn are (l-r) Bishop Lawrence Brandt of Greensburg, Mrs. Lucine Marous and Dr. John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman of Board of Regents; Mrs. and Dr. George Magovern, Sr., and Archabbot
Douglas Nowicki.