“Some of the most meaningful experiences I have had during my years in formation occurred during my months working as a chaplain in the palliative care ward of a Toronto hospital. There are so many moments that I can recall from my time in the ward that pushed me to be present in new ways to those whom I was accompanying.”
Will teach and work in campus ministry at Loyola High School in Montreal.
Matthew S. Hendzel, SJ, was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, by his two wonderful parents, Len and Sharon, and his loving aunt, Marilyn. He met the Jesuits while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Manitoba, which began to raise in him serious questions of a vocation in the Society of Jesus. After completing a master’s degree in systematic theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, Matthew began doctoral studies in theology at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. Taking a two-year leave of absence from the program, Matthew entered the novitiate in Montreal the day after he successfully defended his thesis proposal.
As a novice, he worked at Loyola High School in Montreal and spent five months in Kingston, Jamaica, serving St. Anne’s parish and primary school, as well as teaching at St. Michael’s College and Seminary. For first studies, Matthew returned to his doctoral program in Toronto and was awarded his Ph.D. in systematic theology in 2019, writing on the doctrine of purgatory. While in Toronto he also served at St. Peter’s Parish and was one of the facilitators of its regular bereavement program. After working for a few months as a chaplain in the palliative care ward of a Toronto area hospital, Matthew was missioned as a spiritual director at the Loyola House retreat centre in Guelph, Ontario. While there, he worked to find ways to creatively bring the retreat experience online during the height of the COVID pandemic. After briefly returning to Toronto for further studies in preparation for ordination, Matthew was ordained a deacon in May of 2023 and was missioned back to Loyola High school, where he served on faculty and in campus ministry. After his priestly ordination, Matthew will remain in Montreal where he will continue his work at Loyola High.
Bachelor’s degree, religious studies, University of Manitoba; Master’s degree, systematic theology, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University; Master of Theological Studies, Regis College; Ph.D., systematic theology, University of St. Michael’s College
