Early Life and Education of Robert Barron: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 8, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Robert Barron. A timeline of key moments.

Robert Barron is an American Catholic prelate, currently serving as the bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He is widely known for founding the Catholic ministerial organization Word on Fire, through which he disseminates theological and philosophical content via various media platforms. Barron also hosted the Catholicism documentary series on PBS, aimed at educating the public about Catholic beliefs and practices. Prior to his current role, he served as rector of Mundelein Seminary and as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 19, 1959: Robert Barron Born

On November 19, 1959, Robert Emmet Barron was born. He is an American prelate of the Catholic Church.

Others born on this day/year

1977: Graduation from Benet Academy

In 1977, Robert Barron graduated from Benet Academy, a private Benedictine high school.

1981: Bachelor of Philosophy Degree

In 1981, Robert Barron earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the School of Theology of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

1982: Master of Philosophy Degree

In 1982, Robert Barron earned a Master of Philosophy degree from the School of Theology of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; his master's thesis was on the political philosophy of Karl Marx.

May 24, 1986: Ordained to the Priesthood

On May 24, 1986, Robert Barron was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

1986: Licentiate of Sacred Theology

In 1986, Robert Barron earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Mundelein Seminary.

1987: Death of Father

In 1987, Robert Barron's father, who was a national sales manager for John Sexton & Company, passed away.

1989: Sent to France

In 1989, Robert Barron was sent to France to study at the Institut Catholique de Paris.

1992: Professor at University of St. Mary of the Lake

From 1992, Robert Barron was a professor of systematic theology at University of St. Mary of the Lake until 2015.

1992: Doctor of Sacred Theology

In 1992, Robert Barron earned a Doctor of Sacred Theology at the Institut Catholique de Paris. His dissertation was titled "Creation as Discipleship: A Study of the De potentia of Thomas Aquinas in Light of the Dogmatik of Paul Tillich".

2002: Visiting Professor at Notre Dame

In 2002, Robert Barron was a visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame.

2007: Visiting Professor and Scholar-in-Residence

In 2007, Robert Barron was a visiting professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a scholar-in-residence at the Pontifical North American College.