Daniel Walter Hill: Empowering Change and Protecting Tradition at Oxford University

Daniel Walter Hill is proud to be part of the rich and storied history of Oxford University. This includes his vital role in restoring Roman Catholic theology and tradition to this esteemed and historical institution.

The story begins in 1535, following King Henry VIII’s (and England’s) break from the Church of Rome. As part of the Church of England’s reorganization, King Henry VIII reestablished Oxford’s Cardinal College as Christ Church, making the Church the cathedral of the then-recently established Diocese of Oxford. 

Centuries later, it was in this very building that the Dean of Christ Church (and head of Oxford’s Theology Faculty) invited Daniel Walter Hill to attend a meeting of Church leadership. Dan was invited at the introduction of his son, Joseph, and his brother, Luigi, each of whom was an Oxford student.

Hill’s mentor in life was Pere Athol Murray, founder of Notre Dame College, Wilcox, Sask. Sask was against sectarianism of any kind. 

At this meeting, Oxford Professor Dr. Donovan said he would support the appointment of a Roman Catholic Theology Lectureship at Oxford University. This would be the first time this has happened at Oxford in more than 465  years (since Henry VIII declared himself St. Peter’s successor).  

Dr. Donavan would explain how embarrassed and offended he was when, just a few years earlier, he had invited a Catholic Cardinal to speak not as a church figure but as a theologian and scholar. As a theologian, he had received significant hostility from many people, including Catholics, in large part due to theological biblical teaching.

Dr Donavan was adamant that he did not want to be embarrassed again. At the meeting, he stated that it would have to be Hill who needed to get the Catholic Halls on board before the appointment could go forward. At the time, Hill didn’t know anything about the politics at Oxford or the Church.  

This would turn out to be quite the challenge. At the time, there remained considerable hostility toward Roman Catholics across England, despite making up only about 10% of the country’s population. 

As a Western Canadian and US-educated person, Hill was amazed these hostilities still existed, particularly after nearly four centuries since Henry VIII’s decree. He was also surprised that Oxford, a prestigious academic institution, would succumb to the suppression of free intellectual dialogue about any issue, even those centered on religion. 

At the time, Dr. Donavan was rightfully responding to this issue, demonstrating an intellectual integrity often missing at universities today.

Hill asked Dr. Donavan, “How can we be assured the lectureship will teach accrual Roman Catholic theology, which dates back to the bible gospels and St Paul?’

This question was critical. Under the then-equality rules, the university had to advertise the position to anyone in the world, including atheists, occultists, witchcraft, and non-Christians. 

Dr. Donovan replied, “This position will have to be attached to a Catholic Hall, and you can choose which Hall, and they can accept or not accept the university choice.“

During this period, there were four Catholic Halls at Oxford. Benet’s, Benedictine, Campion, Jesuit, Black friars, Dominican, Grey Friars, Francian.

Hill and Annie, his wife,  met with the heads of the Halls at a dinner that Fr. Waynesboro set at Bennet’s.  The leaders were all interested in having the Lectureship attached to their Hall. After some prayer and meetings, Hill decided to go with the Grey Friars Franciscans and Fr. Wanaday, whom he had truly admired.

About Daniel Walter Hill

Hill’s educational journey is as diverse as his professional one. His academic pursuits took him from earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Georgetown University to studying Law at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with an L.L.B., and being called to the bar in British Columbia. 

Continuing his academic quest, he completed the esteemed Owner/President Management Program at the Harvard University School of Business Administration. He furthered his financial expertise at Oxford Templeton College, studying Executive Finance.

Charitable Pursuits and Influence

Running parallel to his business interests, Daniel’s path has been shaped by philanthropy. His close contact with Mother Teresa in the last years of her life deeply impacted him; he learned from it about compassion and charity, which were meant for the welfare of the poor. He set up Gratia International, a charity organization that seeks to restore honor for every person without regard to their background. 

This initiative also established Tansian University and other affiliated schools in Nigeria. His benefactors for Gratia International are FedEx, several U.K. entities, the Templeton Foundation, and wealthy individuals from Canada, the U.S., and the United Kingdom.

Affiliations and Honors

Hill’s achievements and dedication to serving others have earned Daniel accolades and affiliations. He has the honor of being a Fellow of Greyfriars Oxford University. He has been a member of renowned organizations like the Canadian Bar Association and the Institute of Directors London. His service to others has been recognized by his knighthoods of the Order Danilo and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. St Joseph Abbey, Oblate, Flaveny, France