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Father Joseph Tham, LC MD, PhD is the Dean of the School of Bioethics at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum
He was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Toronto at the age of fifteen. He devoted his early training to the field of life and health, eventually graduating in Medicine at the University of Toronto, before working as a physician at Etobicoke General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto.
After his priestly ordination in 2004, he has devoted his energies to the publication and dissemination of bio-ethical research. He currently continues to explore the issue of secularism, moral relativism, pluralism and different models of bioethics, as well as the response from the Catholic moral tradition founded on natural law and personalism. “I started to explore the theological dimension missing in these matters, where I see an incapacity of secular bioethics to address the deeper questions of life, suffering and death, illness and healing, and the right use of technology. Theological perspectives of creation, idolatry, domination, suffering, aging, sin, and salvation can provide the necessary bio-ethical reflection on the human condition (anthropology), his ultimate end (eschatology), and the ability to hope and love (spirituality, virtue).”
Moreover, these interests have led Father Joseph to explore the themes of multiculturalism and other religions in the field of bioethics, in an increasingly globalized world. “My Chinese roots and my Christian commitment have allowed me to delve into this fascinating world of thoughts and cultures.”
As you might guess, Fr. Them’s vocation is a demanding one. In order to relax and “recharge his batteries” he discovered a passion with the simplicity of nature and th use of traditional Chinese watercolor painting to capture these moments . Over the years, he has developed a keen keen eye and a beautiful style in capturing these moments. While he creates these paintings for himself, a friend encouraged him to sell a few of them to help his order and his mission.
Ann and Eric are fortunate to know Fr. Tham and are happy to assist him with this endeavor. Fr. Tham has gratuitously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Oceanic Ventures Foundation to help with its mission in helping school children in Fiji.
