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History

A Legacy of Scholarship and Service 

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In 2022, the University of St. Michael’s College Faculty of Theology federated with Regis College to create a single academic entity, called the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology. The Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology brings together a long-standing tradition of Catholic theological education within the Toronto School of Theology (at the University of Toronto). RSM integrates rigorous academic study, spiritual growth and a commitment to service. Join the generations of scholars who are dedicated to exploring the impact of faith in the world while responding to the evolving needs of our communities.  

Early foundations (1847–1930)

  • 1847: Loretto Sisters arrive in Toronto, opening the first Loretto school in North America
     
  • 1851: Sisters of St. Joseph arrive to serve orphans and teach in Catholic schools
     
  • 1852: Bishop de Charbonnel invites the Basilian Fathers to establish St. Michael’s College
     
  • 1850s–1880s: St. Michael’s College grows through seminary and collegiate programs, becoming known for rigorous classical instruction
     
  • 1930: Regis College is founded in downtown Toronto as the Jesuit Seminary, Collegium Christi Regis

Expanding theological education (1930–1958)

  • 1939: Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies founded at St. Michael’s under papal charter
     
  • 1943: Regis expands to offer theological training for priestly ordination
     
  • 1946: Marshall McLuhan appointed first lay Catholic professor at St. Michael’s
     
  • 1956–1957: Regis gains authority to offer ecclesiastical and civil theological degrees

Partnership with U of T and growing ecumenical dialogue (1958–1984)

  • 1958: St. Michael’s becomes a federated university within the University of Toronto
     
  • 1969: Regis helps found the Toronto School of Theology (TST), joining other colleges in an ecumenical academic federation
     
  • 1970: St. Michael’s becomes a formal TST member
     
  • 1976: Regis relocates near U of T campus and begins admitting lay students
     
  • 1979: Both colleges begin granting conjoint degrees with U of T
     
  • 1980: Regis joins the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), expanding recognition across North America

Catholic leadership in a global context (1984–2009)

  • 1984: Kelly Accord shapes St. Michael’s governance and academic role within U of T
     
  • 2005: St. Michael’s affirms its Catholic mission under new provincial legislation
     
  • 2009: Regis relocates to the main campus with support from Sisters of St. Joseph, strengthening its presence at U of T

Uniting traditions, looking forward (2010–today)

  • 2011–2021: Continued ATS accreditation for Regis and St. Michael’s
     
  • 2021: Federation of Regis College and St. Michael’s College creates the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology 
     
  • 2022: The Inaugural year of the RSM federation
     
  • Today: RSM continues the shared mission of forming students through theological scholarship, spiritual formation and academic excellence
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