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Associate Professor of English
After he spent childhood summers on a relative’s farm in his native Wisconsin, assistant Professor of English Rev. James M. Pribek, S.J., PhD, enjoyed that way of life so much he decided to pursue a career in dairy farming. But after Father Pribek obtained his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin, God had other plans.
Father Pribek worked briefly in banking but realized that the finance field was not for him and work with people was exactly what he wanted to do. He first met Jesuits through his sister, who worked at Marquette University, and was immediately impressed by their preaching skills and senses of humor. Yet each in his own way was quite serious about his religious life.
Father Pribek, who was ordained in 1999, came to Canisius in 2004 and specializes in Irish literature. He is renowned James Joyce scholar and spent five years in Ireland to complete his doctoral studies in Anglo-Irish literature and drama. There Father Pribek enjoyed getting to know his relatives in West Cork and West Limerick. He now encourages his Canisius students to enrich their education through study abroad at the National University of Ireland in Galway.
Depending on where there is the greatest need, Father Pribek says weekend Masses at Christ the King Chapel, Sts. Ambrose and Agatha in South Buffalo, St. Aloysius Gonzaga in Cheektowaga and the UB Newman Center. In addition, he assists with Canisius College student retreats.
Father Pribek also leads the English Council, a group of faculty and students which promotes department activities. He regularly attends college events including the Contemporary Writers Series’ lectures.
Father Pribek firmly believes that education is an essential part of priesthood. He says: “What I like about being a priest and a teacher is that students can feel free to bring their spiritual and religious perspectives to class. I like to witness a unity between students’ intellectual growth and their religious growth.”