Rev Dr Benjamin Johnson

OFMCap
Lecturer in Theology

Email: benjamin.johnson@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Benjamin Johnson is a Capuchin Franciscan of the Province of Australia. In 2022 he defended his doctorate at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome on the relationship between the sacraments of the Eucharist and Marriage in the thought of Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio. His research interests include the relationship between Franciscan theology and Christian experience, scholastic theology and contemporary sacramental theology.

  • Teaching Areas

    • Christology
    • Sacramental Theology
    • Franciscan Theology and Spirituality

  • Research Expertise and Supervision

    • Sacramental Theology
    • Theology of Saint Bonaventure

  • Books

    • The Embodiment of Charity: Bonaventure on the Eucharist and Marriage. New York: Franciscan Institute, 2023 (Forthcoming)

  • Journal Articles and Proceedings

    • “Mysticism in Vogue: Abandonment as the Unmarketable Experience in Ezekiel and St Francis.” The Cord 68.1 (2018): 13-18.

  • Conference Papers

    • “Christian Transformation: Bonaventure's appraisal of the Holy Spirit's gifts in the man Francis of Assisi.” Paper presented at Pneumatology at the Beginning of the Third Millennium Conference, University of Notre Dame, Australia, Sydney, July 2022.
    • Desire, Decision and Divine Inspiration: Affective Maturity and the Call to be a Lesser Brother.” Paper at the conference on the Earlier Rule of St Francis of Assisi, The Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure’s University, NY, July 2022.
    • “Franciscan Minority and the Embodiment of Catholic Social Teaching.” Paper presented at the Franciscan Legacy Conference, Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University, November 2019.
    • “The Signification and Efficacy of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Thought of Alexander of Hales.” Paper presented at Quidam enim dicunt: Mendicant Theologies before Aquinas and Bonaventure at The Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure’s University, NY, July 2019.

  • Professional Affiliations

    • Provincial Councillor for the Capuchin Province of Australia (2021-2023)
    • Member of the Liturgical Commission for the Archdiocese of Sydney (2023-2026)
    • Treasurer of the Catholic Scholars Guild of Australia (2023-)

  • Community Engagement

    • Retreat director
    • Workshop speaker
    • Catholic formation