Abbreviations After Priests' Signatures

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michael0830

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I wasn’t sure if this was the correct place to post this question, but as I saw a priest’s signature, followed by O.F.M in an article I was reading, I thought it might be OK. Is there a web site or info source where I can learn what the abbreviations mean? I assume they refer to the priest’s order, but don’t know for sure, and definitely don’t know what they mean.
 
The letters after a priest’s name can indicate that he is both a priest and a religioius. Secular priests do not have initials after their names, because they are not consecrated religious. However, they can be an academic signature. For example:

DD = Doctor of Divinity
STD = Sacred Theology Doctor
JCD = Doctor of Canon Law
STL = Sacred Theology Licentiate
JCL = Licentiate of Canon Law
MARE = Master of Arts in Religious Education
M.Th. = Master of Theology
D.Min. = Doctor of Ministry
D.Th = Doctor of Theology

Many priests have academic degrees in theology, canon law, sacred scripture, religious education or ministry. It is not a requirement, but it is becoming more common.

Only priests with a doctorate degree can become a bishop. It cannot be an honorary doctorate. It has to be an academic doctorate. Pope Benedict has two, an STD and a PhD.

Pope John Paul had three: STD, PhD and another PhD

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF 🙂

OSF = Order of St. Francis
 
One of the priest’s in residence at my Church has J.C.L. at the end of his title, and I though, “What does that mean?” I looked it up and discovered he’s a Licentiate in Canon Law! Pretty cool! 😃
 
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