drs. Ward Biemans SJ
Bio
I, Ward Biemans, am a student chaplain of the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology and the Fontys Theologie en Levensbeschouwing, both in Utrecht. I am working on a dissertation in the field of practical theology, on the pastoral accompaniment of migrant couples and intercultural couples before and after marriage. I am a spiritual director for the students at the seminary of the Archdiocese of Utrecht, the Ariënsinstitute and of the seminary St. Willibrord in Heiloo, for the diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam. I teach moral theology at the St. Boniface Institute of the diocese Haarlem-Amsterdam. And finally, I assist in the St. Francis Xavier church (the Krijtberg), in Amsterdam, by celebrating the sacraments and giving catechesis.
Expertise
I have a Master's degree in Environmental policy science of Utrecht University. I have worked for six years in environmental policy at the province of South-Holland in The Hague. After joining the Society of Jesus, I received a Bachelor's degree in theology from the Radboud University in Nijmegen and a Licentiate (summa cum laude) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. I have worked for six years as a priest in the inner city parish in Nijmegen. I have given various ignatian retreats. For nine years, I have edited the journal 'Jezuieten'.
Teaching
At the Archdiocesan seminary, I have taught courses in Old and New Testament, the Psalms, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, moral theology and recent documents by Pope Francis. At the St. Boniface Institute of the diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam, I teach introductions in fundamental moral theology and theology of the virtues.
Collaboration
Since December 2016, I'm a general board member of the Thomas More foundation.