Home

Brendan D. Towell is a passionate and respected Catholic educator and writer with particular expertise in secondary education. He currently serves in the role of Director of Spirituality & Mission for the Secondary Schools & Schools of Special Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where he lives with his family.

Brendan’s academic and professional interests center on Augustinian Studies, Ressourcement Theology, and the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, through which he seeks to help students and educators encounter faith as an intellectual and spiritual adventure. His writing on Catholic education, theology, and culture have appeared in national and international publication and he has been cited in numerous works related to the early days of Pope Leo XIV's papacy.

Taken together, Brendan’s background reflects a sustained and invitational approach to formation, mission-driven leadership, and the integration of faith, culture, education, and lived experience.

Two decades of experience in Religious & Theological Studies, Enrollment Management, Alumni Relations, and Mission & Ministry.
Current faculty and administrator at St. Augustine Preparatory School (Richland, NJ).
Advisory Committee Member for the John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics & Social Communications at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (Philadelphia).
Regular Contributor to the National Catholic Register and other domestic and international Catholic publications, including his own Substack Page (@brendantowell).
International Trip Coordinator with DMAC Trips LLC, leading educational and pilgrimage travel abroad.
Ten-Time State Championship Rugby Coach, committed to forming character through sport.

Keynote Presentation below, entitled "Unity Through Ordered Communion: Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian Vision for the Church"
(2025 Cardinals' Forum at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary)
Full event video HERE.

"I have never found an individual that compares to Brendan Towell. His devotion to his faith is unmatched, yet not imposing onto others. His knowledge and passion for Catholic Education is nothing short of impressive!"

 ~ William E. Brannick
Superintendent of Secondary Schools & Schools of Special Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
(Philadelphia, PA)

"Brendan is interested in pedagogical innovation and creativity, always in service of the goal of conveying the perennial tradition of the Catholic faith to more and more complicated adolescent learners."

~ Rev. Bryan Kerns, O.S.A.
Chief of Staff & Professor, Merrimack College
(N. Andover, MA)

"Brendan Towell is a gift to Catholic education!
With nearly two decades of service in Catholic schools, Brendan brings a rare blend of theological insight, pastoral sensitivity, & educational expertise.
Whether he is teaching in the classroom, mentoring young men, writing with clarity and conviction, or speaking to broader audiences, Brendan consistently exemplifies the heart of a Catholic educator—one who forms minds, inspires hearts, and leads with both compassion & conviction.

~ James Horne
Principal, St. Augustine High School
(San Diego, CA)

Contact me