St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto
St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto is a Roman Catholic seminary in Scarborough, Ontario, and the archdiocesan seminary of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto. Established in 1913, it serves as a training institution for diocesan priests and has educated clergy for dioceses across Canada and internationally.

History

Founded in 1913 through the efforts of Archbishop Neil McNeil and philanthropist Eugene O'Keefe, St. Augustine's Seminary was among the first major English-language seminaries in Canada[1][2]. O'Keefe, a Toronto brewer, financed its construction, though he died before its completion[1]. The seminary’s Beaux-Arts building, designed by architect Arthur W. Holmes, features a copper-clad dome and was modeled after Queen’s College, Oxford[1][4].

Initially focusing on priestly formation, the seminary expanded its academic partnerships in 1969 by joining the Toronto School of Theology (TST), a federation of seven theological institutions[1]. Through TST and the University of Toronto, it has conferred theology degrees since 1978[1]. By 1938, seminarians could pursue arts degrees at the University of Toronto alongside theological studies[4].

Academic Programs

St. Augustine's Seminary offers graduate-level theological education, emphasizing priestly formation and pastoral training. Its curriculum integrates academic study, spiritual development, and ministerial practice, preparing candidates for ordination. Academic affiliations include the Toronto School of Theology and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)[1].

Influence

Over its century-long history, the seminary has ordained over 2,000 priests, nearly 40 bishops, and two cardinals[2][5]. Its graduates serve in dioceses worldwide, reflecting its role as a key institution in global Catholic clergy formation[4]. The seminary’s centenary in 2013 underscored its historical and architectural significance[4].

Governance and Structure

As a nonprofit organization (registration number 852191683RR0001), the seminary operates under the leadership of a rector, currently Rev. Edwin Gonsalves[1]. It employs 11 full-time faculty members, supplemented by part-time and adjunct instructors[1]. The institution’s motto, Solis Instar, Sola Regnet Caritas ("May Love, Like the Sun, Reign Alone"), reflects its spiritual mission[1].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine's_Seminary_(Toronto) [2] https://staugustines.on.ca/history [3] https://staugustines.on.ca/about [4] http://scarboroughhistorical.ca/a-century-of-learning-at-st-augustines-seminary/ [5] https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/archdiocesan-blog/archdiocesan/largest-ordination-class-in-the-history-of-st.-augustines-seminary/