Meet the Jesuits: Steve Schoenig, S.J.

03/29/2018

Get to know the Jesuits of Saint Louis University in this occasional series. Steve Schoenig, S.J., is a Medievalist polymath whose many roles at SLU anticipate the title, "Renaissance man."

Steve Schoenig, S.J., wears many hats at SLU daily. Submitted photo

He’s a history professor, popular for his undergraduate classes on church history. He is associate director of SLU’s Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. He is the rector of the Bellarmine House of Studies, where Jesuit scholastics prepare for the priesthood. And a book he wrote about a papal vestment was recently presented to Pope Francis.

Schoenig sees his varied work roles as fully integrated with his place as a Jesuit. In fact, it’s why he chose the Jesuits.

“The things I study – it’s all about the world, and the idea of finding God in all things,” he said. “What I think is great about the Jesuits is that we’re so immersed in the world, and we find God, and that’s where people meet God.” Schoenig feels the same way about studying and teaching history.

“It’s very incarnational. To be a human being is to love anything that’s human, and I think for a Jesuit, we find God in the human. History is just the study of humanity. It’s not in the realm of ideas, it’s in the messy, concrete reality of institutions and human customs, and good deeds, and bad deeds, and somehow in the midst of that, we can still find God, and meaning about what it means to be human.”

Schoenig's new book was published in October 2016. Submitted photo

That messy reality is where Schoenig finds himself most days. As rector of Bellarmine House of Studies, Schoenig is responsible for the well-being of 22 young men who hope to become Jesuit priests. The men are currently scholastics, in what is known as first studies. This period follows novitiate, after which a Jesuit who has made his first vows focuses on the study of philosophy and theology, as well as ministry and pastoral work. Saint Louis University is home to one of three locations nationwide where young men can complete their first studies.

Schoenig is there to practice cura personalis for these young men, helping them grow and making sure they find time to take care of themselves in the midst of studies and taking care of others.

“It has some challenges, but it’s great work because they’re such great guys,” Schoenig said. “They’re very talented, and they throw themselves into classes and service work on the side, and things on campus.”

When not focused on his scholarly or mentoring responsibilities, Schoenig also puts pen to paper as an author. His recent book, Bonds of Wool: The Pallium and Papal Power in the Middle Ages, was given to Pope Francis in March by Kurt Martens, Ph.D., a prominent professor of canon law at Catholic University. Schoenig has also written extensively on the relationship between papal power and vestments like the pallium in medieval life.

Pope Francis (left) received a copy of Schoenig's book, Bonds of Wool: The Pallium and Papal Power in the Middle Ages, in March. Submitted photo

In addition to his research and his leadership roles on campus, Schoenig loves being part of the student community by presiding at 9 p.m. Mass. The Mass has a special place in his heart.

“It’s an amazing Mass,” he explained. “To see the witness of their faith, especially at an age when a lot of people assume students don’t go to church, is great.”

“In 2014, when I was called to take final vows, I chose to do mine at the 9 p.m. Mass. The provincial came and presided at the Mass, and I professed my vows in front of the whole assembly. It’s the perfect place for it, because I’ve given my heart to SLU, and to be able to do that in front of everybody was great. A lot of my colleagues from the history department came too. It was a wonderful moment for me.”

Story by Molly Daily, University Marketing and Communications