Garden Grove, Calif., (Sept. 26, 2016) – The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, has appointed Pia de Solenni, SThD and associate dean of the Augustine Institute, to serve as the first Theological Consultant to the Office of the Bishop. In this newly created position within the Diocese of Orange, the Theological Consultant collaborates and advises key members of the Curia, including the Bishop, on pertinent matters of theology, doctrine and Church history and the impact and import of these issues within the modern Catholic family and culture. Dr. Solenni’s appointment is effective immediately. “Pia is an inspirational and well-respected theologian and leader,” said Bishop Vann. “We are blessed as a Diocese to benefit from her expertise, passion, and faith. I look forward to the many gifts that she will bring to the people of Orange.” In her role as theological consultant Dr. de Solenni will, at the request of the bishop, review and offer her observations concerning his writings and teachings, as well as her opinion regarding questions of doctrine or dogma. In addition, she will vet articles for clarity and accuracy that will appear in the diocesan newspaper and on its website. Upon request, Dr. de Solenni will review religion textbooks to assure they are aligned with magisterial teachings, and perform the duty of a censor librorum. As requested by the bishop, she may author an occasional newspaper or website column on current matters related to the faith. Ultimately, Dr. de Solenni will assist the bishop in promoting and guarding the integrity of the Catholic faith. Solenni received her doctorate in sacred theology, summa cum laude, from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. She received the 2001 Award of the Pontifical Academies for her doctoral work, presented by St. John Paul II. With extensive experience in the areas of women’s health, bioethics, the new feminism, Catholicism and culture, she is a sought-after expert on these subjects. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal Europe, The Washington Post, The National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor and other respected publications. “I’ve been given a unique education and role as a woman theologian,” Solenni told OC Catholic, “so I also hope to fulfill another way that women can have an active role in the Church.” She currently heads the new Augustine Institute satellite campus, based at Christ Cathedral as associate dean and will continue in that role. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is the growing Catholic community in Orange County, California on a journey of faith together. We are one of the most diverse Catholic communities in history, but we are united through our salvation in Christ, serving across languages and cultures, politics and lifestyles, to live out the Gospel and share the love of our Lord. Officially established in 1976, the Diocese of Orange’s history dates back to 1776 with the founding of Mission San Juan Capistrano, our diocese’s Historic Mother Church. Today, as it is home to more than 1.3 million faithful believers, the Diocese of Orange is the 12th largest and one of the fastest growing in the nation.   Pastoral Center: Communications Department 13280 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA 92840 office: 714-282-3075         fax: 714-282-3029