STM Chaplains

Fr. Riggs was born in New London, CT in 1888. A member of the Riggs banking family of Washington, D.C., Fr. Riggs graduated from Yale in 1910. He had majored in Romantic languages and literature and was an accomplished poet who wrote his class’s Ivy Ode. Prior to the first World War, he tried his hand at graduate work at Harvard University as well as book writing for Broadway musicals with Cole Porter—both endeavors were failures. “See America First,” the musical they wrote together, failed to win the admiration of Broadway audiences. Though, Porter used “I’ve a Shooting Box in Scotland,” a song the two penned together, for subsequent productions.

Like many young men who joined the fight of the first world war, it affected the young Riggs profoundly. A translator for Yale’s Mobile Hospital Unit, Riggs experienced the great war at the front line, an experience whose dirt and gore shocked him. Because of his language skills, he was eventually transferred to intelligence work in Paris, where he spent the remainder of the war. But the one thing that seemed to remain with him in both the trenches and in Paris was how he—and his fellow soldiers—all found themselves relying on God. This horrible experience of war drew him closer to God. After the war, he began to pursue a calling to the priesthood. He was ordained Fr. Riggs the summer after his “historic interview” with Yale University President Angell on May 31, 1922, and began his chaplaincy work at Yale in October of 1922.

During his time at Yale, Fr. Riggs was a well-respected intellectual and religious figure on campus. He specialized in the life of Joan of Arc and wrote a book on her life, Saving Angel: The Truth About Joan of Arc and the Church (Milwaukee, WI: Bruce Publishing, 1944). He was also unafraid to defend Catholicism on Yale’s campus—writing into the Yale Daily News when it seemed appropriate to do so. The most noteworthy instance of Fr. Riggs’s apologetics occurred in 1930 between him and Professor Erwin R. Goodenough. Professor Goodenough’s, a member of Yale’s History Department, wrote a book, The Rise of the Christian Church, which argued that Christianity was a form of paganism. Fr. Riggs did not agree with this position and wrote a pamphlet refuting it. The incident between Fr. Riggs and Professor Goodenough even made it into the New York Times on Monday, October 6, 1930.

Though a staunch defender of Catholicism, Fr. Riggs was also an active participant in Yale’s campus life—often seen at the Elizabethan Club and Scroll & Key, where he was a member since his undergraduate days. He also enjoyed attending plays put on by the Yale Dramat and was a pioneer in Yale’s Inter-Faith movement.

Fr. Riggs died unexpectedly of a heart attack on April 26, 1943. He was 55. He had served STM for twenty-one years as Catholic Chaplain. In his will, he left a great deal of his books and religious objects to STM. He is buried at STM in the Riggs Garden underneath two weeping cherry trees. 

Fr. O’Brien ‘31 was born in New Haven, CT, in 1909. He graduated with high honors from Hillhouse High School in 1927, where he served as editor of the school newspaper and was a member of the fraternity Alpha Iota Epsilon. Upon graduation, he earned a four-year scholarship to Yale University.

At Yale, Fr. O’Brien was an active member of the Catholic Club under Fr. T. Lawrason Riggs ‘10, serving as the club’s secretary. He was also a member of the Yale Literary Society. After graduating from Yale in 1931, he pursued his priestly studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and earned a Master of Arts from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1936, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hartford by Bishop Maurice F. McAuliffe. Fr. Riggs served as deacon at Fr. O’Brien’s first Mass.

Before his appointment as Yale’s second Catholic Chaplain, Fr. O’Brien served as assistant priest in Litchfield and later at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Bridgeport. During this time, he remained closely connected to Yale, assisting Fr. Riggs at all Masses at Saint Thomas More (STM) Chapel, including the Solemn Blessing of the Chapel on October 9, 1938. He also served as deacon at Fr. Riggs’s funeral.

On May 27, 1943, Bishop McAuliffe appointed Fr. O’Brien as Yale’s second Catholic Chaplain. He served in this role from 1943 to 1960, leading the Catholic community through pivotal years, including World War II. During the war, when Yale’s student population decreased due to enlistment, Fr. O’Brien ministered to young servicemen attending Mass in New Haven and hosted social events for servicemen and servicewomen completing training in the area. Recognizing his contributions, the Military Ordinariate of New York named him an Auxiliary Chaplain.

After the war, Fr. O’Brien oversaw the completion of the etched windows at STM Chapel, a project initiated by Fr. Riggs but left unfinished due to his untimely death. Fr. O’Brien collaborated with artisans and donors, many of whom dedicated windows to loved ones lost in the war. He also expanded the Chapel’s programs, strengthening ties between STM and Yale. Students participated in Tuesday Philosophy discussions, marriage inquiry classes, annual retreats, and mixers with nearby Catholic clubs, including those at Vassar and Smith. Notably, Fr. O’Brien became the first Catholic Chaplain to teach non-Catholic Yale undergraduates about Catholicism, guest lecturing for two weeks in a 1950 religion course. He also launched a building campaign to construct a Chaplain’s Residence.

After fifteen years of service at Yale, Fr. O’Brien accepted the pastorate at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Yalesville, CT. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a parish hall, rectory, and a new church wing. He served there until his death in 1974.

James T. Healy ’49 was born in 1927 in Hartford, CT. He graduated from Yale University in 1949 with a degree in English and was a resident of Jonathan Edwards College. While at Yale, he was also a member of the varsity baseball team. Before his time at Yale, Healy served in the United States Army as a Japanese interpreter.

After graduating from Yale, Healy spent a year studying law at the University of Connecticut (formerly Hartford College) before deciding to enter the priesthood. He began his seminary training at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT, and completed his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD, and the Theological College of Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest in 1956.

Before his appointment as Yale University’s third Catholic Chaplain, Healy taught and counseled at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in West Hartford, CT. In 1960, at age 

thirty-three, he was appointed to the Yale Catholic chaplaincy.

Fr. Healy served as Yale’s Catholic Chaplain from 1960 to 1966. His tenure coincided with significant milestones for Saint Thomas More Chapel. At the start of his chaplaincy, the Chapel had recently added the Residency Wing, designed by Douglas Orr and funded through a campaign initiated by his predecessor, Fr. Edwin O’Brien ’31. During his time, Fr. Healy also inaugurated the annual More House Lecture series in 1962. The first lecture, titled “On the Problem of God,” was delivered by Fr. John Courtney Murray, S.J.

Another highlight of Fr. Healy’s chaplaincy was the establishment of Yale’s T. Lawrason Riggs Chair in Roman Catholic Studies, the first endowed chair of its kind at a non-sectarian university. The inaugural holder of the chair was Professor Stephen Kuttner, a leading expert in Canon Law, who served in the role for five years.

Fr. Healy was beloved by students for his approachable, empathetic nature and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations. He provided guidance through Mass, Bible studies, and personal discussions, addressing both the everyday challenges of student life and the larger existential questions that arose during the socially transformative 1960s. He was frequently quoted in the Yale Daily News, where he spoke about the value of ecumenism and the continued importance of Catholicism in higher education.

Fr. Healy left Yale in 1966 and was succeeded by his Assistant Chaplain, Fr. Richard Russell. After leaving Yale, he pursued graduate studies in psychotherapy and later transitioned out of the priesthood. In 1986, Healy co-founded the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP) in Toronto, Canada, which continues to operate today. The center offers a long-term, part-time program that allows students to work closely with faculty to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the practice of psychotherapy.

James Healy dedicated the remainder of his life to the CTP and its mission, contributing significantly to its success. He passed away on September 3, 2018.

Fr. Richard Russell was born on October 29, 1936, in Hartford, CT. He attended St. Joseph Cathedral School and continued his education at St. Thomas Seminary, where he studied through 1956. From 1956 to 1958, he pursued philosophy at St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, NY, before completing his theological studies at the North American College in Rome, where he graduated in 1962.

Fr. Russell was ordained a priest on December 20, 1961, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by Archbishop Martin J. O’Connor, then rector of the North American College. After his ordination, he served at several parishes, including St. Teresa in Woodbury, St. Thomas in Thomaston, and Sacred Heart in New Haven.

In September 1964, Fr. Russell joined Saint Thomas More Chapel as Assistant Chaplain to Fr. James Healy ’49. During his time with Fr. Healy, he assisted with the Chapel’s weekly Masses and confessions. When Fr. Healy left in 1966 for a sabbatical, Fr. Russell was appointed Interim Chaplain. Two years later, in 1968, he was officially named Yale’s fourth Catholic Chaplain, a position he held until 1989.

Students remember Fr. Russell as quiet yet deeply approachable, known for his one-on-one conversations and warm hospitality. He often shared his love of Italian cuisine, teaching students how to prepare authentic dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, inspired by his time in Rome. He also fostered creativity and community among students through initiatives such as The White House, an intentional living community, and liturgical dramas.

Fr. Russell embraced the liturgical changes encouraged by Vatican II and integrated elements of contemporary culture into Chapel life. This included the introduction of 5:00 p.m. folk Masses in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. In a November 13, 1967 interview with the Yale Daily News, Fr. Russell explained, “The liturgy has to come from a new excitement [of faith]... The Church must try to add ‘a community dimension’ to the life of the student.”

After retiring from his role at Saint Thomas More in 1989, Fr. Russell became pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in West Simsbury, CT. In 1991, he was awarded the Yale Medal, the highest honor given by the Yale Alumni Association, for his significant contributions to campus life. He was the first Catholic Chaplain to receive this distinction.

Fr. Russell continued serving at St. Catherine of Siena until his retirement as the parish’s senior priest in March 2007. He passed away on May 19, 2016.

Fr. Gosselin was born in Lewiston, ME, on May 23, 1947. He attended parochial schools in Hartford before continuing his education at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield (1961–1967) and St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, MD (1967–1973). He was ordained on May 26, 1973, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford by the Most Rev. John F. Whealon.

Following his ordination, Fr. Gosselin served as assistant pastor at the Church of the Ascension in Hamden and St. Anne Church in Hartford. In 1978, he was appointed Chairman of the Religion Department at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford.

Fr. Gosselin was deeply committed to education and lifelong learning. In 1980, he earned an S.T.M. degree from St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore. Two years later, in 1982, he received his J.C.L. from the University of Ottawa, Canada. That same year, he was named Director of Continuing Education for the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Hartford. During this time, he also served as Judge and Defender of the Bond for the Archdiocese.

In 1989, Fr. Gosselin became the fifth Catholic Chaplain at Yale University. He was widely admired by students for his thoughtful and inspiring homilies. During his tenure, he also served on the national search committee for the next University Chaplain. In May 1992, the Rev. Frederick Streets was appointed to that role.

After leaving Saint Thomas More in 1992 Fr. Gosselin was an assistant professor of Pastoral Theology and Chair of Pastoral Studies at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore until 1995. Upon returning to Hartford in 1995, he was appointed Director of the Formation Program for the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Hartford. He also served as pastor of St. Peter Church in New Britain and as Academic Dean at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield.

Fr. Gosselin retired from ministry due to illness and passed away on June 17, 2001.

David J. Baranowski was born on October 19, 1947, in New Britain, CT, where he attended the public school system, graduating from New Britain Senior High School. After graduation, he entered St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT, and continued his studies in Philosophy and Theology at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Upon completing his seminary formation, Fr. Baranowski was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1973, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford by the Most Reverend John F. Whealon, S.T.L.

Fr. Baranowski began his ministry as Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. He then joined the faculty at South Catholic High School, where he taught for five years before returning to parish ministry as Parochial Vicar at Saint James Church in Manchester, CT. Over the years, he served at several other parishes, including the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea in Unionville, Saint Barnabas in North Haven, Saint Stephen in Hamden, and St. Rose in New Haven.

In 1992, Fr. Baranowski was appointed as the sixth Catholic Chaplain at Yale University, a position he held until 1994. During his tenure, he embraced opportunities to engage with the broader campus community, such as participating in a University Chaplain’s forum on religious conceptions of the afterlife in February 1994. He also garnered attention for his comments on a local phenomenon in September 1992 when the face of Jesus was reportedly seen on a tree in Wooster Square.

In 2005, Fr. Baranowski was named Director of the Office of Divine Worship while continuing his ministry at Saint Stephen in Hamden. In 2006, he became Pastor at St. James Parish in Rocky Hill, and in 2015, he was appointed Dean of the Suburban Hartford Deanery. His final assignments were at St. Junipero Serra Parish in South Windsor and St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Windsor.

Fr. Baranowski passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 25, 2022.

Robert Beloin was born on February 13, 1947, in Springfield, MA. He felt a strong call to the priesthood from an early age. His mother served as a parish secretary, and his father was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He became an altar boy in fourth grade, and his faith continued to shape his life. Initially raised in Holyoke, MA, his family moved to Madison, CT, in 1962, where he graduated from Daniel Hand High School.

He began his studies for the priesthood at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT, and later at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Albany, NY, earning his B.A. and M.Div. there. He furthered his education by completing an M.A. in Moral and Religious Science at the University of Louvain in Belgium. Fr. Beloin was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Hartford on August 25, 1973.

After his ordination, Fr. Beloin served as Assistant Pastor at St. Ann Church in New Britain, CT, for five years. He then returned to Europe as the Director of Pastoral Formation at the American College of Louvain, a role he held for five years while earning his Ph.D. in Religious Studies, magna cum laude, from the University of Louvain. 

In 1983, he became Associate Director of the Center for Human Development in Washington, D.C., and led retreats for priests across the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and Ireland. In 1991, he joined the Advisory Board for the National Alliance of Parishes Restructuring into Communities and spoke at conferences and workshops throughout the United States and eastern Australia.

Before joining Yale University, Fr. Beloin served as Co-Pastor at St. Barnabas Church in North Haven for ten years. In 1994, he was appointed the seventh Catholic Chaplain at Saint Thomas More (STM) and served in this capacity for nearly 25 years, making him STM’s longest-serving Chaplain.

Fr. Beloin was a driving force behind Catholic ministry at Yale, spearheading a capital campaign that resulted in the construction of the 30,000-square-foot Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Center, designed by Cesar Pelli, and the renovation of the STM Chapel and Residence.

Known for his tireless pastoral care and intellectual rigor, Fr. Beloin was a central figure in STM’s community. He worked at the Wednesday Soup Kitchen, directed spiritual development programs, and participated in interreligious activities on campus. A gifted preacher, his homilies were both inspiring and deeply meaningful to the STM community, helping many grow in their faith.

Fr. Beloin’s pastoral care was marked by gracious hospitality, thoughtful conversation, wry humor, and personalized attention to all who sought his guidance. He was also a Fellow of Trumbull College and, in recognition of his outstanding contributions, received the Yale Medal, the highest honor awarded by the Association of Yale Alumni, in 2011.

Beyond Yale, Fr. Beloin was actively engaged in pastoral work for the Archdiocese of Hartford and the wider Church. He passed away on September 23, 2018, from glioblastoma. He is buried in Riggs Garden near STM’s first Chaplain, Fr. T. Lawrason Riggs ’10.

Fr. Ryan Lerner became the eighth Chaplain of Saint Thomas More Chapel at Yale University in 2019, arriving at a moment of profound transition for the STM community. Following the death of the beloved Fr. Bob Beloin, Fr. Ryan stepped into leadership with humility and resolve, recognizing that his task was not to replace his predecessor, but to serve faithfully through his own gifts amid uncertainty and grief.

Less than a year into his chaplaincy, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped campus life and ministry. With no precedent to follow, Fr. Ryan guided STM through lockdowns, virtual worship, and the gradual reopening of the chapel, offering pastoral steadiness during a period marked by isolation and fear. His leadership during this time was defined by courage, adaptability, and a deep commitment to keeping the sacramental and communal life of STM alive—even when the pews were empty.

In December 2020, Fr. Ryan was appointed pastor of the newly consolidated New Haven Metro Parish, taking on additional responsibilities during an already challenging period. Throughout these years of overlapping crises and change, he embodied a faithful obedience to the Church’s call, consistently seeking to do what is right rather than what is easy.

While widely known for his preaching, teaching, and presence at STM, Fr. Ryan’s ministry extended far beyond what was visible. A devoted shepherd, he spent countless hours visiting the sick, accompanying families, responding to personal crises, and offering quiet pastoral care across the Archdiocese. His chaplaincy was marked by fidelity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to serving others—often in places far from public view.

Fr. MacNeill first heard the call to the priesthood in high school and entered the seminary for the Archdiocese of Hartford after graduating with a B.A. in Classics and Catholic Studies from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Seminary studies in philosophy and theology took him to Theological College and the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and ultimately to Rome, where he completed an S.T.B. at the Pontifical Gregorian University and an S.T.L. in Theology and Patristic Sciences at the Pontifical Patristics Institute. Fr. MacNeill has served in various pastoral assignments as a deacon and priest in West Simsbury, Manchester, Waterbury, Enfield, and – most recently – as parochial vicar of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish in New Haven. A lifelong musician, he also enjoys traveling and all things fitness.