Fr. Thomas J Loya, STB, MA is currently the pastor of Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, IL. He is also the host of “Light of the East Radio” heard on EWTN Radio affiliates, Ave Maria Radio,  and The Guadalupe Radio Network.  He is member of the Tabor Life Institute (www.taborlife.org) for the education and formation in the theology of the body and he is a conference speaker for TOBIA (Theology of the Body international Alliance, www.theologyofthebody.net.) Fr. Loya writes a monthly column in the HOMER HORIZONS newspaper and he also writes a bi-monthly column for the HORIZONS newspaper for the Eparchy of Parma which is also carried in the Eastern Catholic Life newspaper for the Eparchy of Passaic. Fr. Loya is one of the founders of www.easternchristianmedia.com and www.oltv.tv which are resources for information on the Eastern Catholic Churches.

Before entering the seminary, Fr. Loya earned a degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art and pursued a career in commercial art and design. He later completed his studies for the priesthood in both Pennsylvania and Rome where he attended the North American College earning an STB from the Angelicum University. During his time in Rome, Fr. Loya was first exposed to Pope John Paul II’s monumental teaching on the human person when he attended his weekly audiences about The Theology of the Body. Fr. Loya was ordained in 1982 and later added to his Bachelor of Fine Arts by earning a Masters in Counseling and Human Services in 1993. Fr. Loya has served the Church in youth and young adult ministry as well as an artist and design consultant. He has directed many retreats and has been a guest speaker at several conventions including World Youth Day 2002. Using his background in art, counseling, and Eastern Catholic spirituality, Fr. Loya brings the principles of The Theology of the Body deep into the lived experience of every aspect of human sexuality.