Earlier this month, Father James Oliver left Philadelphia for his new assignment at the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy.

For Father Oliver — who most recently served in both the archdiocesan office for clergy and as pastor of St. Philip Neri in Philadelphia — the trip to Rome marks a return, rather than a maiden voyage.

Following his ordination in 1988, Father Oliver received his doctorate in canon law from Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, a course of study that kept him in the Eternal City from 1993 until 1999.

At the Vatican, Father Oliver will assist in supporting clergy worldwide, while connecting with old friends.