Fr Martin Poulsom SDB graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford University on June 9th 2007. He is a past pupil of Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton, and a member of the Salesian Community in Battersea, London.

Fr Martin's thesis, Creation and the Structure of Theological Discourse, required four years of hard research, including reading the works of the Dutch Dominican theologian, Edward Schillebeeckx.

The graduation day itself made a big impression on Fr Martin and his parents. He writes:

I graduated on June 9th in the Sheldonian Theatre on a lovely Oxford morning. My parents accompanied me and enjoyed the ceremony immensely, especially hearing me swear the University's medieval oath before being allowed to robe in my doctoral gown! We were very glad that we were at the morning Graduation, because by 2pm, the Oxford haze had cleared and the sun was shining brightly and was very warm indeed. My College, Campion Hall, kindly welcomed us back for a lovely champagne reception and lunch. It was a wonderful day, a great occasion, and a fitting conclusion to four years of hard work. I am very much enjoying my lecturing post in theology at Heythrop College, London, where I now have a year's experience under my belt. After Campion Hall, I am now well used to being a Salesian amongst Jesuits, so I feel very much at home!