Father Mitchell C. Pacwa, S.J. is a prominent American Jesuit priest renowned for his deep commitment to faith, education, and media. He is the president and founder of Ignatius Productions and currently serves as the senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Fr. Pacwa has been a central figure on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), where he has hosted several TV programs that explore faith, Church tradition, and sacred Scripture.
Fr. Pacwa has dedicated his life to teaching, preaching, and making complex theological concepts accessible to a broad audience. Since 1983, his shows, such as "EWTN Live," "Threshold of Hope," "The Holy Rosary in the Holy Land," and "Scripture and Tradition with Fr. Mitch Pacwa," have captivated audiences with their insightful discussions and deep theological reflections. Through these programs, Fr. Pacwa has become a trusted voice in Catholic media, known for his ability to articulate and explain the complexities of Catholic doctrine and biblical texts.
Fr. Pacwa's contributions to theological education extend beyond television. He is the author of numerous books and articles that delve into various aspects of faith, scripture, and spirituality. His writings are characterized by their clarity, depth, and practical application, making them valuable resources for both clergy and laypeople. His extensive linguistic proficiency spans thirteen languages, both ancient and modern, including Latin, Koine Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Ugaritic, English, German, Spanish, Polish, Modern Hebrew, Arabic, French, and Italian. This exceptional ability allows him to engage with a wide array of texts and traditions, enriching his scholarly and pastoral work.
In addition to his work in media and writing, Fr. Pacwa is deeply involved in pastoral ministry. He is bi-ritual, authorized to celebrate Mass in both the Latin Rite and the Maronite Rite (known as Qurbono or Divine Liturgy). This unique qualification enables him to bridge different liturgical traditions within the Catholic Church, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the Church's rich liturgical heritage.
Fr. Pacwa's academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago. His scholarly pursuits have taken him to the University of Chicago, where he earned a Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies. His academic background underpins his ability to engage deeply with scripture and theology, making him a respected scholar and educator.
In founding Ignatius Productions, Fr. Pacwa aimed to create a platform that would produce and distribute Catholic educational materials. The organization's mission is to teach people the Catholic faith and to make the Gospel message accessible through various media forms. Under his leadership, Ignatius Productions has become a significant resource for Catholics seeking to deepen their faith and understanding.
Fr. Mitch Pacwa's life and work exemplify a profound commitment to faith, education, and service. His contributions to Catholic media, theological education, and pastoral ministry have had a lasting impact on the Church and its faithful. Through his diverse roles and extensive linguistic and scholarly expertise, he continues to inspire and educate, helping others to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word.
