The Online Philosophy degree programs at St. John Vianney College Seminary aim to give students a solid knowledge and appreciation of the study and discipline of Philosophy in the Roman Catholic Tradition.

Philosophical study in the context of a Catholic Seminary differs from the study of philosophy in a regular college or university in that a greater emphasis is placed not only on the narrative character of philosophy - the idea that philosophy has a "story" that unfolds and mirrors the human person's ongoing search for meaning - but on the character of philosophical study as a true and indispensable aid to the study of theology.

Both of these points of emphasis allow for philosophical study in the context of a Catholic College Seminary to seek to be authentically and uniquely "Catholic" in the true meaning of the word, that is, capable of being open to the fullness of truth in all its manifestations, embracing it in a way that synthesizes all that is true, good and noble in what the tradition has passed on to us while also pushing this tradition forward to bring about a genuine synthesis of the old and the new.

The Online Degree programs at Saint John Vianney were conceived as a way of responding to Pope Francis' challenge for Christians to be "missionary disciples" who go out in the "existential peripheries" of the current age. Through these programs, St. John Vianney College Seminary Miami seeks to reach out in service to the larger faith community and beyond.

The Programs are open to religious and lay students who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in Philosophy.

What is an “oratory”? The Salesian-style oratory first started by St. John Bosco in Italy has traditionally been a place where young people can come to play, pray and grow in their relationship with God and one another. Since many in-person programs are being postponed or modified, the Sisters are adapting the concept online.

Every Saturday, the afternoon will start with prayer, ice-breaker games, singing and an Oratory pledge. This will be followed by large group activities and small breakout groups, by age, that will include anything from movement to virtual field trips to trivia games.

The Sisters are building on the success they had in offering their first ever virtual summer camp. The reaction the Sisters received from parents was encouraging and pointed to a need for more programs to keep young people engaged in their faith during these uncertain times.

“We have been praying to see you again soon and we are very thankful to God that you will be running a virtual program again. The camp was so great that I am sure this will be another excellent experience for the kids!” said Maria Guerra, parent from Carmel, Indiana.

Founded in Italy in 1872 by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, also known as the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are an international institute of women religious who are committed to the evangelization of young people. Through ministries such as schools, summer camps, after school programs, religious education, and youth ministry, we seek to bring Christ to the young and the young to Christ.