Dr. Donald Komboh, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, United States
Rev. Donald Tyoapine Komboh, Ph.D., is a Nigerian-born Catholic priest and scholar of Practical Theology with a profound commitment to intercultural dialogue and healing. Currently serving at St. Lawrence Church in Indianapolis, he holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from St. Thomas University, Miami. Fr. Komboh’s decades-long pastoral and academic work spans Africa and the United States, marked by deep engagement with conflict resolution, inter-religious understanding, and spiritual leadership. ✝️📘 His scholarly output and service continue to inspire communities through theological insight and social transformation rooted in faith and compassion.
🎓 Education
Rev. Dr. Donald Komboh began his theological journey at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Jos, Nigeria, where he earned a B.A. in Theology in 1996. He advanced his studies with an M.A. in Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi in 2003, reflecting his commitment to academic and spiritual growth. 🎓🌍 His education culminated in a Ph.D. in Practical Theology at St. Thomas University, Miami, in 2017, where he focused on integrating theology with real-life pastoral challenges, especially those affecting African and diaspora communities across cultural and interfaith contexts.
💼 Experience
Fr. Komboh brings over two decades of diverse experience in pastoral ministry, higher education, and chaplaincy. From his early pastoral roles in Nigeria to his teaching position at St. Paul’s College Seminary in Liberia and chaplaincy at Mercy Medical Center in Iowa, his journey reflects a dedication to service and formation. 🏥🕊️ His recent roles at various parishes in the United States, including St. Norbert in Missouri and St. Joseph the Worker Cluster in Iowa, demonstrate his adaptability and pastoral care. His rich experience bridges local ministry with global theological discourse.
🔬 Research Interests
Rev. Dr. Komboh’s scholarly interests lie in Practical Theology, African Traditional Religion, and Inter-religious Dialogue. He is passionate about using narrative and cultural analysis to explore issues of conflict, violence, and spiritual healing. 🌍🧠 His research bridges African communal spirituality with Catholic theology, emphasizing pathways to dialogue, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. His ongoing work examines cultural memory, pluralism, and the role of religion in shaping ethical coexistence, particularly in post-conflict African societies and diaspora communities in the West. His vision is to transform theological discourse into action for societal healing.
🏆 Awards & Honors 🏆
Rev. Dr. Komboh is a distinguished scholar-practitioner recognized with multiple awards, including membership in Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for religious studies and theology, in 2015. He received the prestigious Practical Theology Scholarships from St. Thomas University for two consecutive academic years (2013–2015), amounting to over $35,000 in recognition of his academic excellence and pastoral leadership. 📜🎖️ Additionally, his theological training and public engagement have earned him invitations to serve as a convener and discussant at several high-profile theological conferences in the U.S., Africa, and Europe.
📚 Selected Publications
Komboh, D. T. (2025). Dangerous Memories and Violence in Religions. Journal of Religion and Violence, 16(4), 493.
Komboh, D. T. (2022). Making Sense of Conflicts in Africa: A Practical Theological Path for Transformation. The International Journal of African Catholicism, 11(1).
Komboh, D. T. (2021). Healing Social Violence: An African & Catholic Practical Theology Seeking a Dialogue of Life. Washington: Pacem in Terris Press.
Komboh, D. T. (2019). Bundle of Joy: Exploring the Blessings of Reflection. WestBow Press.
Komboh, D. T. (2003). Towards an Integrated and Vibrant Youth Ministry in our Churches.