Biography:
Sean Hagerty, SJ, was born and raised in New York, New York. He first met the Jesuits at his home parish on the Upper West Side as a child and then at Xavier High School. He went on to attend Fordham University on a ROTC scholarship and was commissioned a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army. Sean was assigned to 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division out of Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. There he was an active part of the Catholic community serving as a catechist at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in North Pole, Alaska. In 2008 he deployed to the Diyala Province of Iraq as the Fire Support Officer, and later Executive Officer, of A Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry. After leaving the Army as a captain in 2010, Sean work for AB InBev as a logistics manger in New York, Tulsa and Los Angeles.
In 2012, Sean joined the Society of Jesus and was sent to the novitiate in Syracuse, New York. While there he worked in jail ministry at the local country jail and served as a chaplain at Upstate University Hospital. Following first vows in 2014, Sean was missioned to Saint Louis University (SLU), where he earned a master’s degree in philosophy. While in St. Louis, he was a catechist at the College Church and a chaplain to the SLU veteran community. Following philosophy studies, Sean was missioned to Portland, Maine, to work as a theology teacher at Cheverus High School. In addition to teaching, Sean helped with several school activities and worked as a bus driver for the athletic department.
In 2018, Sean began his theology studies at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry for a Master of Divinity and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology in moral theology. His research and thesis centered around questions of just war, moral injury and the reintegration of soldiers into the Catholic community. He also served as a deacon at Our Lady of Grace in Chelsea/Everett, Massachusetts, and at St. Mary of the Assumption in Revere, Massachusetts.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree, political science, Fordham University; Master’s degree, philosophy, Saint Louis University; Master of Divinity, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry; Licentiate in Sacred Theology, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Who’s your favorite saint, and why?
My favorite saint is Edmund Campion or Isaac Jogues: Both were brave enough to return to places where they knew that their lives were in danger because of their faith.
What is one hobby you’ve cultivated as a Jesuit, and why is it important to you?
I’ve enjoyed cooking as a Jesuit. I have had to cook in several of the communities, and it’s nice to put out a good meal for your brothers.
What do you love about the Society of Jesus?
I love the unity of the Society of Jesus and having a connection and love for Jesuits around the world. It really is a global community.
Tell your vocation story. One catch: You must use only six words.
If God calls, you must go.
Imagine you could travel back in time and meet yourself the first day you entered the Society of Jesus. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself?
Cultivate more time for recreational reading.
