Fr. Brian G. Konzman, SJ, grew up in Scranton, Pa., where, as a student at Scranton Preparatory School, he first met the Jesuits, a relationship that deepened when he attended the University of Scranton. Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and philosophy while serving as a resident assistant, participating in student government and working on the student newspaper. Counseling his peers as a resident assistant inspired him to discern a vocation to the Society of Jesus.He entered the Jesuit novitiate in Syracuse, N.Y., directly after graduation in 2008, and as a novice, Brian was sent to Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., to teach theology and direct their Campus Kitchen, redistributing food to the needy. In 2010, he enrolled at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, earning a master’s degree in philosophical resources, later returning to Gonzaga in 2013 for two years to teach computer science and serve as director of worship, coach cross-country and minister as chaplain for the swim and dive team and baseball team. From 2012 to 2015, he was a managing editor and writer at The Jesuit Post, a website dedicated to faith-based commentary targeting young adults. Next, he completed a Master of Divinity degree at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
Ordained a deacon in October 2017, Brian served at Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish, the Newman Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and as a chaplain for Cal’s rugby team. His Jesuit formation has included summers in China studying Mandarin; in Nicaragua studying Spanish; and in Wernersville, Pa., working as a spiritual director. Brian will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving at the University of Scranton, which coincides with his 10-year college reunion, and will celebrate another at Gonzaga College High School. His first assignment as a priest will be at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in New York City. (Maryland Province)
