About Us

The origin of our educational establishment can be traced to 1992, with the foundation of the Catechetical Institute in Riga. It came into existence on the basis of close cooperation with the city’s Theological Seminary, where aspiring Catholic priests are educated. In 2000, the Institute was affiliated to the Pontifical Lateran University, which is known worldwide for the high academic level at its faculties of philosophy, theology, psyhology, pastoral care and law.

The Institute subsequently acquired its current name. And is eager to maintain the established traditions of education in the Catholic Church, in accordance with the same standards of exce-llence that apply in Western Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Catholic universities have been in existence since the 13th century in several countries, including Italy, France and Great Britain. Their teaching traditions have had a tremendous impact and have contributed greatly to the deve-lopment of civilization in Europe.

What do we offer?

• Academic Bachelor’s study programme Bachelor of Humanitarian Sciences in Religion (Baccalaureato in Scienze Religiose). Open to students with a general or professional high school (i.e. secondary school) education. The length of this part-time study program is 3 years.

• Second-level professional education study programme in Religion. Qualification awarded – Ethics and Christian education teacher. Open to students with a university degree in peda-gogy (education), as well as to students with a higher education in other fields, on the condition that they have completed additional studies in pedagogy worth 40 credit points or have five years of professional experience in teaching. The length of this part-time study program is 3 years.

• Professional Master’s study programme in Religion. Qualification awarded – Philosophy, ethics and Christian education teacher (Licenza in Scienze Religiose).
• Professional Master’s study programme in Religion. Qualification awarded – Pastoral consultant (Licenza in Scienze Religiose). Both Master’s programmes are open to students with a Bachelor’s degree in Religion, or an equivalent level of education in Religion or Theology, which has been obtained in an educational institution that is recognized by the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education. The length of this part-time study program is 2.5 years.

Our goals

We offer a comprehensive study program with courses in theology, philosophy, pedagogy and a variety of other related subjects, but do not wish to restrict our activities to the conveyance of academic knowledge. We also wish to promote each student’s spiritual development and involvement in the life of the Catholic Church.

We hope to provide our students with a firm foundation for continued spiritual growth, as well as the establishment of new and meaningful relationships with their fellow human beings. We wish to raise their interest in topical issues that concern all mankind, and to ignite a desire to respond to the needs and aspirations of each individual and the entire community.

By promoting the intellectual development and spiritual growth of our students, we wish to enrich their sense of being Christian. We also encou-rage them to take part as active and responsible citizens in the social life of their communities, which includes participation in different activities initiated by our Institute and the Theological Seminary in Riga.

Duc in altum! (latin) – put out into the deep

„Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth” (John Paul II, Encyclical letter "Fides et ratio").

„And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Thank you for your support! (Our supporters are always in our prayers.)

Foundation Riga Higher Institute of Religious Sciences affiliated to the Pontifical Lateran University

Registration No. 40003501407

Legal address: Katoļu Str. 14, Riga, LV-1003, Latvia

SWEDBANK

IBAN: LV25HABA0001408056042

S.W.I.F.T.: HABALV22

iBank abbreviation: LPU filiale RARZI

Individuals and enterprises who donate to the needs of RARZI can obtain a tax rebate under Latvian law. RARZI enjoys the status of a public benefit organization in accordance with Regulation No. 137 of 21. 05. 2009 of the Latvian Ministry of Finance. The Latvian regulations regarding tax rebates to public benefit organizations are as follows: Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 556 of 04. 07. 2006 (Section 20, Paragraph 1), and Latvian Cabinet of Ministers Regulation On Personal Income Tax (Section 10, Paragraph 1, Clause 3).