Fr. Abbot John Braganza

Fr. Abbot John Braganza OSB is a Benedictine monk of Westminster Abbey, Mission B.C. Canada. He was professed in 1986 and ordained to the priesthood in 1992. He was born Steven Benedict Braganza of very happily married parents who inspired his vocation. He completed his formation as a monk and a priest at the Seminary of Christ the King at Westminster Abbey. After teaching in the high school and college seminaries for three years Fr. John was sent by the Abbot to Rome to obtain a licentiate in Spiritual Theology at the University of St. Thomas. He returned in 1997 to teach Dogmatic Theology, Chant, English, Drama and other subjects. In 2005, Fr. John was elected to be the third Abbot of Westminster after the sudden and untimely death of his predecessor. In addition to his duties as Abbot, he continues to teach in both seminaries. Fr. Abbot has a deep interest in educating the laity for their vocation. Despite his busy schedule, he regularly presents the Church's teaching on the laity at parishes around southwestern British Columbia.