Fr. Sebastian Walshe is a Norbertine canon of St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, California, where he serves as a professor of philosophy and theology in the abbey’s seminary. Deeply committed to the intellectual and spiritual formation of future priests, Fr. Walshe has become widely respected for his ability to communicate the richness of Catholic thought in a clear, accessible, and compelling way.
Born and raised in Southern California, Fr. Walshe’s journey into religious life was grounded in his early exposure to deep theological questions and the enduring wisdom of the Catholic tradition. He received his undergraduate education at Thomas Aquinas College, a liberal arts college known for its rigorous curriculum rooted in the Great Books and a Thomistic philosophical worldview. This foundation cultivated his lifelong passion for classical philosophy and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.
After college, Fr. Walshe continued his theological studies in Washington, D.C., earning a license in philosophy from The Catholic University of America. He then went on to study at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, where he received a Master’s in Sacred Theology and ultimately completed a Doctorate in Philosophy. His doctoral dissertation focused on “The Primacy of the Common Good as the Root of Personal Dignity in the Doctrine of St. Thomas Aquinas,” reflecting his deep interest in the harmony between individual dignity and communal well-being within Catholic ethics.
At St. Michael’s Abbey, Fr. Walshe has been instrumental in shaping the minds and hearts of seminarians, blending rigorous philosophical inquiry with spiritual depth. He’s also a frequent speaker and guest on Catholic media outlets such as EWTN and Relevant Radio, where he shares insights on topics ranging from morality and faith to culture and apologetics. His book Always a Catholic addresses one of the most pressing concerns for modern Catholic parents: how to guide children back to the faith if they’ve wandered. With both intellectual clarity and pastoral sensitivity, the book demonstrates Fr. Walshe’s commitment not only to truth but to souls—offering encouragement to families who struggle with doubt, secularism, and alienation from the Church.
Known for his humility, warmth, and articulate teaching style, Fr. Walshe continues to be a bridge between the deep traditions of Catholic philosophy and the practical challenges of contemporary life. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or through his writing, he shares the joy of knowing and living the truth. In his life and ministry, Fr. Sebastian Walshe exemplifies a spirit of fidelity—fidelity to the Church, to the intellectual tradition, and to the vocation of service. Through education, evangelization, and personal witness, he inspires many to seek the eternal wisdom that transcends the noise of the modern world.
