Timothy brings a diverse background in creative expression, cultural and political history, philosophical and theological reflection, and public policy to his work in spiritual formation and the arts. His extensive experience in social analysis, community development and conflict resolution further define these concerns to help him foster projects integrating social reflection, spiritual discernment and creative expression.
Born into a multinational family, and moving around the world with his parents, Timothy grew up between cultures. His experiences of poverty and social turbulence while an adolescent in Indonesia aroused a desire to serve others, leading him to pursue cultural and international studies at university. After graduation, he taught high school and adult education classes on the Micronesian island of Saipan. Through his active involvement in the island’s tight-knit community, Timothy developed a sensitivity to the spiritual and psychological dynamics shaping emerging cultures as he watched his students and their families struggle with powerful social forces then reshaping Micronesian society.
Returning to the US mainland, Timothy joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) to prepare for priesthood. In the order, he trained in the Ignatian spiritual tradition of the “contemplative in action” during pastoral assignments in North America and Asia. He also served in various community development, social advocacy and conflict mediation projects while in the Philippines before and after the 1986 “People Power” Revolution. In many of these assignments, he developed and conducted retreats or other spiritual activities designed to encourage personal prayer, social involvement and spiritual discernment.
Deciding to leave the Jesuits before ordination, Timothy pursued a career in theatre — focusing on its ability to illuminate the dynamics of conflict as well as the seminal “moments of decision” that define individual and community identity. He directed a broad range of plays that includes both classics and new works, but he devoted most of his creative energies to assisting other writers and directors (from many different cultural communities) in the development of plays for the theatre as well as projects for radio, television and film. In addition, he taught courses or presented lectures on conflict studies, cultural dramaturgy and playwriting at institutes in North America and Asia.
In order to integrate his spiritual and artistic activities, Timothy took a sabbatical course in Ignatian spiritual direction and completed postgraduate studies in theology. He then developed projects placing poetry, storytelling and dramatic writing at the center of social and spiritual reflection. During this time, Timothy also began exploring the affinities between Ignatian and Celtic spirituality as part of his effort to develop an ecumenical formation course integrating personal, social and cultural aspects of Christian spirituality.
When his mother’s health required him to become her full-time caregiver, Timothy put most of these projects aside to pursue ecumenical online activities. He first created an online “retreat house without walls” called The Pilgrim’s Companion. Timothy subsequently created SilentHeron.net when his mother’s health worsened, allowing him to focus on short-term spiritual and creative conversations. Timothy also began writing during this latter period and has published twelve books addressing aspects of Ignatian, Celtic or Franciscan spirituality and prayer. In recent years, Timothy's books led to him being welcomed as a writer-in-residence at the Tobar Mhuire Retreat & Conference Centre in Crossbar, Northern Ireland, and at St. Columba's by the Castle Scottish Episcopal Church in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Timothy received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), magna cum laude, from Niagara University in a multi-disciplinary degree program focusing on cultural history and international affairs. He subsequently earned, with distinction, both his Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism from Yale University in the United States and his Master of Letters (M.Litt.) in Theology from the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland.
In addition, Timothy completed postgraduate studies in philosophy at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines as part of his Jesuit training.
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