Austin Mathew Cruz

Credentials: BA, University of St. Thomas (Houston) / MTS, University of Notre Dame / PhD, University of Notre Dame (Present)

Denomination: Roman Catholic

Specific Field: History

Biography: 

Austin Cruz is a native Texan of Mexican-American descent. Raised in a Houston suburb, it was only when he formally studied theology that he gained an appreciation for the Latine expressions of the Catholic faith in which he was formed. Cruz’s research interests include the medieval genre of hagiography and the power of story in conversion and Christian discipleship. He is also interested in the historic development of the cult of the saints and the Roman Catholic canonization process. His dissertation focuses on the role of history and hagiography in the canonization of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Cruz hopes to serve the Church and academia by expanding access to theological education in underserved communities, especially Latine communities.