Fr. Xavier Seubert, O.F.M., S.T.D., guardian of St. Bonaventure Friary, has been named interim vice president for Mission Integration at St. Bonaventure University.

“I’m so grateful to Fr. Xavier for his willingness to step into this critically important role. To have someone of his integrity and wisdom at my side as I begin my tenure at Bonaventure is especially meaningful,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president.

The Office for Mission Integration serves the St. Bonaventure community by promoting the inclusion of its mission and values as a Catholic university in the Franciscan tradition in every aspect of its life. 

Gingerich also appointed Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh, O.F.M., as interim university chaplain.

“Fr. Stephen brings a true Franciscan spirit of ministry to this role and I look forward to the connections he will make with our students and staff,” Gingerich said. “I want to thank Fr. Ross Chamberland (associate vice president for Student Affairs) for his devoted service as interim chaplain over the past 15 months.”

Fr. Xavier holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from the Albert-Ludwigs Universität in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, and is a graduate of New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum Art.

He is the Thomas Plassmann Distinguished Professor of Art and Theology Emeritus at St. Bonaventure University, and, until recently, was Professor of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology at Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo.

Fr. Xavier has also taught at The Washington Theological Union and Villanova University. He has lectured and published articles and catalog essays on the relationship between religious symbolism and the artistic process, Franciscan and Byzantine art history and sacramentality.

Ordained in 2009, Fr. Stephen holds master’s degrees in urban policy from the University of Pennsylvania, in theology and pastoral ministry from the Washington Theological Union, and in social welfare from the City University of New York. His academic research has focused on homelessness, supportive housing, public policy, and the role of community in poverty interventions.

Prior to relocating to St. Bonaventure in January 2022, Fr. Stephen was pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. During his tenure as pastor, the parish was honored by Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, Inc. for its steadfast commitment to serving Tampa’s homeless during the pandemic.

From 2009 to 2020, Fr. Stephen ministered in New York City at St. Francis of Assisi Church and St. Francis Friends of the Poor, Inc.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. St. Bonaventure was named the #5 regional university value in the North in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 college rankings edition.