Ximena DeBroeck is an adjunct professor of Scripture and Theology at the Institute for Pastoral Studies of Loyola University, Chicago, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, and Divine Mercy University. Previously she served the Church in various roles including former Director of Pastoral Formation and full-time faculty at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD, Assistant Professor of Sacred Scripture at St. Mary’s Seminary, Director of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation at the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Above all, she is a student of God’s Word, learning to receive it and welcoming the transformation it brings.

Dr. DeBroeck’s publications include Forming the Hearts of Prophets for the Kingdom, an essay on Lectio Divina in Seminary Formation, various articles on Scripture interpretation and sacramental formation, numerous essays in the devotional Give Us This Day, and the Study Guide for Sherry Weddell’s book Forming Intentional Disciples. Additionally, she co-authored Manual para proclamadores de la Palabra for 2023 and 2022 (Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and Proclaimers of the Word).  She presented a doctoral seminar on “Ritual and Remembrance” at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland and has been an invited speaker at various events.

Ximena grew up in Ecuador and is fluent in English and Spanish. She earned a Theology MA, with Scripture concentration, from Saint Vincent Seminary, a License in Sacred Theology-Biblical Studies from St. Mary’s Seminary, a doctorate in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University, and a MS in Psychology from Divine Mercy University. In the theology field, her research has focused on sacrifice as a path to understanding the call to be self-gift. In the psychology field, her research explores self-concept and self-gift in relation to trauma, attachment patterns, memory, and vocational flourishing.