Father Ruiz González shares, “I will try my best to continue nurturing and developing this important work for the good of Oblate School of Theology and our congregation. I will strive to reciprocate by helping people deepen their faith through the Oblate Studies Chair, and I hope to live up to these expectations with the grace of God.”

Oblate School of Theology (OST) has named Father Alberto Ruiz González, OMI, as the new holder of the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies, succeeding Father Frank Santucci, OMI. The appointment was commemorated with a chair transfer luncheon on May 8, 2026, at the OST campus in San Antonio, attended by faculty, administrators, and the Kusenberger family.

The establishment of the Kusenberger Chair began in 2016, on the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, when the first step was taken to establish an institution dedicated to the study of the charism, life, spirituality, and mission of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Through the vision and dedication of former OST presidents Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI, and Father Billy Morell, OMI, the idea was presented to Deacon Robert and Ruth Kusenberger, HOMI, who gave a generous endowment to make the Chair possible. In 2017, on the final day of the bicentenary celebrations in Rome, the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies was inaugurated.

“This generous gift of Bob and Ruth Kusenberger made it possible for the Oblate charism to be shared, deepened, and enhanced through classes and studies at OST,” said OST President Father Louis Studer, OMI. “The Oblate Charism, the gift of the Oblate Congregation to the life and mission of the Church, lies at the heart and purpose of OST.”

Throughout the Chair’s nine-year history, Oblate Studies has been approached in a serious, organized academic manner. Four Oblates have earned a Master of Arts in Spirituality degree with a specialization in Oblate Studies, all of whom are making significant contributions in their ministries by spreading the knowledge they acquired during their education at OST. More than 30 Oblates have taken Oblate Studies as elective courses for their Master of Divinity degree, enabling them, as missionaries, to transform the lives of others through their profound understanding and embrace of the Oblate charism. Members of other religious congregations have also enrolled in Oblate Studies and have applied the methodology of these Mazenodian-focused courses to their respective congregations, founding figures, and missions. Additionally, Oblate Studies has served as a training ground for Oblate formators and lay leaders within Oblate family groups from around the world.

The Kusenberger Chair has contributed to various publications, including the production of a commentary on the Oblate Constitutions and Rules. This great achievement involved the work of over 180 people and was translated into English, French, Spanish, and Polish. Many of those who contributed to this publication were students who took Oblate Studies courses. In addition to academic learning, the Kusenberger family endowment has enabled the Kusenberger Lecture to be held annually for the past six years, with the most recent lecture held at OST in early May.

“This venture has been blessed without any doubt. For most of these years, Father David Muñoz, OMI, and I worked together to bring these things about,” said Father Santucci. “After nine years, I feel very much like a parent who has given birth and nurtured a child that is turning out very beautifully, and I am very happy to be able to hand this over to the capable hands of Father Alberto Ruiz.”

Father Ruiz González is set to officially begin his new role on July 1, 2026, eagerly preparing to implement his passion for study, his devotion to the Oblate charism, and his mission-driven vision for the continued success and growth of the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies. As the new Chair holder, he hopes to explore how the Oblate charism’s global presence can be better understood through unique regional perspectives. He also seeks to examine certain Oblate figures and highlight models who exemplify specific virtues, with the goal of presenting concrete examples that inspire others to imitate them.

Father Ruiz González shares, “I will try my best to continue nurturing and developing this important work for the good of Oblate School of Theology and our congregation. I will strive to reciprocate by helping people deepen their faith through the Oblate Studies Chair, and I hope to live up to these expectations with the grace of God.”

Oblate School of Theology expresses deep gratitude to Father Santucci for successfully pioneering the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies and growing this effort into what it is today. Father Santucci’s passionate service in teaching and preaching about the life and ministry of St. Eugène de Mazenod has laid a firm, lasting foundation for this Chair to continue with hope and confidence. The School also thanks Father Ruiz González for his willingness and generosity to carry forward the spirit of St. Eugène and “leave nothing undared for the Gospel.”