Rev. Haile Suba Weldegiorgis, C.M., a 36-year-old priest from Ethiopia, is pursuing a graduate degree in global management and leadership at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University. As an ordained member of the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians—the religious order that founded St. John’s University—Fr. Weldegiorgis aims to use his education to support development efforts in his home country.
“St. Vincent de Paul—founder of the Vincentians—he had a dream of helping the people,” Fr. Weldegiorgis said. “Not only in the divine world, but very practically helping people with their daily bread.”
He added, “Things like infrastructure and leadership can help the development of a people. These are ways we can connect with people. In this connection, we can see an exchange of cultures, of development, and of different attitudes. That is a way of serving the people.”
Fr. Weldegiorgis was born north of Addis Ababa and ordained in 2017. He came to St. John’s University through sponsorship by the Vincentians of the Eastern Province to deepen his understanding of St. Vincent de Paul’s approach to charity work.
The Master of Science program in Global Management and Leadership prepares students for roles managing global organizations and includes topics such as sustainability, inclusiveness, and human resource management.
Upon completion of his two-year program in 2027, Fr. Weldegiorgis plans to return to Ethiopia equipped with skills in project management.
Ethiopia has a small Catholic population amid a majority Orthodox Christian presence and faces challenges such as conflict and humanitarian shortages. The Vincentian Community has been active there since 1839, focusing on evangelization and social services.
“From an economic perspective, Ethiopia is a growing country,” Fr. Weldegiorgis said. “But there are Vincentian missionaries everywhere who help with the poor and provide social services, as well as schools in the various parishes.”
At St. John’s Queens campus—which is one among several locations operated by St. John’s University including sites internationally—Fr. Weldegiorgis lives with other Vincentians at Murray House while participating in community activities such as daily services and Masses at local parishes.
His fellow priests have taken note of his character and commitment.
“When you come from a poorer country, your spirituality can be shaped differently,” Rev. Tri Duong, C.M., University Chaplain said about him.“Fr. Haile has such respect for the Eucharist and for his relationship with God.He is so humble and an example for all of us in the house.”
Rev.Hugo Medellín,C.M., Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Mission Outreach added,“Fr.Haile’s gentleness and kindness are rooted in his soul.These Vincentian virtues flow naturally to him.I can see him flourishing as a capable and kind pastor when he returns to his country.”
Reflecting on his experience at St.John’s University—a Catholic institution affiliated with both liberal arts education principles and its founding Vincentian Community—Fr.Weldegiorgis said,“When I see New York and the hard work of the people here,it is so impressive.Also,the development of this institution and the hard work of my fellow students have really impressed me .Continuing that development is important to me .”
St.John’s University offers over 100 undergraduate majors across six colleges,and supports multicultural initiatives locallyand globally.The universityis led by President Rev.Brian J.Shanley,O.P .
