The lecture, titled “Formation and Leadership in the Tradition of the Missionary Oblates – A Historical Review and an Outlook Based on Current Trends,” will take place at the SJTI Auditorium from 08h00 to 10h00 and is open to the public.

Distinguished Speaker

Fr. Thomas Klosterkamp, O.M.I., was born in Germany and ordained as a priest within the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He holds a Doctorate in Church History and has served the Church in various leadership, academic, and international roles. He is currently the Vice President of the Oblate School of Theology in Texas, USA, where he also teaches Church History.

His extensive experience includes senior leadership positions within the Oblates in Europe and Rome, as well as long-standing academic service in theological education.

Lecture Focus and Structure

The lecture will offer a comprehensive historical overview of leadership and formation within the Missionary Oblates, tracing their development from the founding period to contemporary times. Key thematic periods to be explored include:

• Leadership and formation during the lifetime of the founder (1816–1861)
• Developments following the founder’s death and the era of institutional growth (1861–1947)
• Adaptation during times of major change, including the period surrounding Vatican II (1947–1974)
• Reflections on leadership and formation over the last 50 years (1974–2026)
• Current challenges, emerging trends, and future directions for leadership and formation

Through this structured historical lens, the lecture will connect past experiences with present realities and future challenges facing religious leadership and formation today.

A Space for Learning and Reflection

This Annual Public Lecture reflects SJTI’s commitment to learning, living, and growing through thoughtful engagement with tradition, history, and contemporary leadership challenges. It offers students, clergy, religious, and the wider public an opportunity to deepen their understanding of leadership formation within the Church.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: 19 February 2026
• Time: 14h00 – 16h00
• Venue: SJTI Auditorium
• Speaker: Fr. Thomas Klosterkamp, O.M.I.

For more information, contact president@sjti.ac.za, visit www.sjti.ac.za, or call 033 492 0246.