Meet Our Renowned Leaders, Speakers & Visitors

Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM is a member of the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching Religious Congregation based in Auburn, Kentucky. Ordained a priest during the Great Jubilee Year 2000, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Catholic Thought from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Toronto, Canada and his dual Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Degrees in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut where he also received an Honorary Doctorate in Moral Theology. His secular college degrees are in journalism and communications.

Fr. Wade has served as the Assistant General and as the Director of Vocations and Director of Seminarians for the Fathers of Mercy. Fr. Wade has also served as the Chaplain-in-Residence at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama. While at the Shrine, Fr. Wade was a daily Mass celebrant, homilist and confessor; he also gave spiritual conferences on specialized points of Catholic Christian doctrine to the many pilgrims who visit the Shrine. Both the Monastery and Shrine are affiliated with EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network. As an itinerant preacher for the Fathers of Mercy, Fr. Wade has preached throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Fr. Wade has been a contributing writer for the National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic Twin Circle, Catholic Faith and Family, The Wanderer, Pastoral Life, The Catholic Faith, Lay Witness, Legatus, and Christian Ranchman publications. Several homiletic series of his have appeared in Homiletic and Pastoral Review, an international journal for Priests. Fr. Wade has also been a guest on various episodes of EWTN’s “Mother Angelica Live” and “Life on the Rock” programs during which he discussed such topics as the sanctification of marriage and family life, vocations, and the Sacred Liturgy. He has also hosted several televised and online series for EWTN, which have covered such topics as the necessity of the spiritual life, the Four Last Things, the Ten Commandments of Catholic Family Life, the Gospel of Life vs. the Culture of Death, and Work Out Your Salvation: The Theology of Faithfulness to Daily Duty. He is also host of the EWTN interstitial series The Crux of the Matter, The Wonders of His Mercy, and In Defense of the Eucharist. His many theological and doctrinal presentations have been featured on EWTN Global Catholic Radio, Ave Maria Radio, Guadalupe Radio Network, Covenant Network Radio, Catholic Broadcasting Northwest and Voice of Virtue International. He is the author of four books: (1) The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell, (2) Overcoming the Evil Within: The Reality of Sin and the Transforming Power of God’s Grace and Mercy, (3) Catholic Essentials: A Guide to Understanding Key Church Teachings, and (4) Stand Firm, Be Strong: A Men’s Catholic Daily Devotional of Scripture and Saints (available from EWTN Publishing in conjunction with Sophia Institute Press). Fr. Wade is also the host of EWTN Global Catholic Radio’s Open Line Tuesday.

Father Jason Buck graduated Malvern Prep in 2003, Franciscan University in 2007, ordained a priest in 2014 for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He is the Dean of Men for the college at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, a board member at Archbishop Ryan High School, an Eagle Scout, enjoys golfing, and loves Philadelphia sports.

Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Father Jordan Kelly, O.P., is a Dominican Friar of the Province of Saint Joseph. Father Jordan currently serves as Chaplain at Philadelphia’s Convent of Divine Love. Father Jordan has been blessed with a varied and rich ministerial experience. Father is a seasoned Pastor; Catholic School Educator and Administrator; Health Care Executive Director; Director of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Chicago; and professional Church Musician.

Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM is a member of the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching Religious Congregation based in Auburn, Kentucky. Ordained a priest during the Great Jubilee Year 2000, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Catholic Thought from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Toronto, Canada and his dual Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Degrees in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut where he also received an Honorary Doctorate in Moral Theology. His secular college degrees are in journalism and communications.

Fr. Wade has served as the Assistant General and as the Director of Vocations and Director of Seminarians for the Fathers of Mercy. Fr. Wade has also served as the Chaplain-in-Residence at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama. While at the Shrine, Fr. Wade was a daily Mass celebrant, homilist and confessor; he also gave spiritual conferences on specialized points of Catholic Christian doctrine to the many pilgrims who visit the Shrine. Both the Monastery and Shrine are affiliated with EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network. As an itinerant preacher for the Fathers of Mercy, Fr. Wade has preached throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Fr. Wade has been a contributing writer for the National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic Twin Circle, Catholic Faith and Family, The Wanderer, Pastoral Life, The Catholic Faith, Lay Witness, Legatus, and Christian Ranchman publications. Several homiletic series of his have appeared in Homiletic and Pastoral Review, an international journal for Priests. Fr. Wade has also been a guest on various episodes of EWTN’s “Mother Angelica Live” and “Life on the Rock” programs during which he discussed such topics as the sanctification of marriage and family life, vocations, and the Sacred Liturgy. He has also hosted several televised and online series for EWTN, which have covered such topics as the necessity of the spiritual life, the Four Last Things, the Ten Commandments of Catholic Family Life, the Gospel of Life vs. the Culture of Death, and Work Out Your Salvation: The Theology of Faithfulness to Daily Duty. He is also host of the EWTN interstitial series The Crux of the Matter, The Wonders of His Mercy, and In Defense of the Eucharist. His many theological and doctrinal presentations have been featured on EWTN Global Catholic Radio, Ave Maria Radio, Guadalupe Radio Network, Covenant Network Radio, Catholic Broadcasting Northwest and Voice of Virtue International. He is the author of four books: (1) The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell, (2) Overcoming the Evil Within: The Reality of Sin and the Transforming Power of God’s Grace and Mercy, (3) Catholic Essentials: A Guide to Understanding Key Church Teachings, and (4) Stand Firm, Be Strong: A Men’s Catholic Daily Devotional of Scripture and Saints (available from EWTN Publishing in conjunction with Sophia Institute Press). Fr. Wade is also the host of EWTN Global Catholic Radio’s Open Line Tuesday.

Cabrini Mother Cabrini’s entrepreneurial spirit, passion and commitment to her vocation, perseverance, creativity, organizational skills, unwavering faith and love for everyone she encountered, have guided Eustace throughout his career, even naming one of his companies after her. In 2015, Sister Mary Louise Sullivan of the MSC order asked Eustace to help complete a film on Mother Cabrini. Her persistence wore down his initial resistance and he agreed to do it on two conditions: we make a film about a great woman who just happen to be a nun and we establish a 501(c)(3) where all the net revenues earned from the film go to charity. Eustace also was the executive producer of Bella, a 2006 American drama film co-written, co-produced and directed by Alejandro Monteverde, starring Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard which won the Toronto Film Festival.

Steve was a 20+ year Man of Malvern (6-3 Group), adoptive dad of two and healthy formal professional athlete when he arrived at retreat in June of 2018. Little did he know that his faith would be tested and he would be on death’s door before summer’s end. When he was at rock bottom, he was touched by an angel, who was present at one of the most pivotal times in this life and showed up again to help save his life.

Steve’s story of faith, love, positive mindset and determination will have you on the edge of your seat and walking away with a new perspective on the curveballs that life can throw your way.

From Retreat to Revival… How an Angel and the right Perspective Saved My Life

Phil Martelli has been presented numerous opportunities through basketball to impact lives. His mantra “Make A Difference” goes well beyond his esteemed coaching career at Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Michigan. Martelli spent 34 years at Saint Joseph’s starting as an assistant for 10 years before taking over as the head coach for 24 years. His accomplishments are incredible.

Martelli’s dedication to the profession in leadership roles has been a staple of his career. He was a member of the Board of Directors, National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and he served as its President in 2014. Phil was also Chair of the Coaches vs Cancer Council for 12 years, and he was the founder of the Philadelphia Chapter. Nationally acclaimed for his leadership and communication skills, Phil has received many awards including four honorary degrees from colleges in the Delaware Valley region, his alma mater Widener University among them. This past September, after his return to the Philadelphia area from his time in Ann Arbor; Phil received the Philadelphia Legacies Portrait & Community Award and has been inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

The Martelli family has basketball in its blood. Phil draws the spotlight for his achievements on Hawk Hill, but his wife, Judy Marra Martelli, is the Martelli in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Judy won three straight national championships at Immaculata from 1972 to 1974, and, in 2014, she was inducted along with her Mighty Macs teammates. Son Phil Jr. is the head coach of the Bryant University men’s basketball team, and son Jimmy is the assistant coach on the Penn State University men’s basketball team.

Phil is a devote Catholic and an active member of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Media, PA.

Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A.is the Prior Provincial to The Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. He currently serves as Villanova University’s Senior Associate Athletic Director and team chaplain for the Villanova football and men’s basketball programs. Fr. Rob first came to Villanova in 2003 and was ordained to the priesthood in September 2003. Fr. Rob is a 1987 Villanova graduate and earned a J.D. from the Widener University School of Law in 1990, he spent seven years as an attorney.

Ed is a lifelong member of the Catholic community in the Philadelphia area. He was one of 9 children raised in Delaware County.  He is the father of 6 children and five grandchildren and has been married for 35 wonderful years and is part of the St Norbert Parish.  He established his own successful commercial real estate company 20 years ago.  Ed has been a leader in many Catholic faith-centered organizations including the Flame of Love and Large Friendship Celebrations (35 to date) that attracts over 500 people to hear outstanding presentations on building one’s relationship with God and one another within his community.  About 7 years ago, in response to the unsatisfied need for people needing a place to go when they were in pain or simply wanted to help out a friend that needed spiritual support, he created Team Hope, which has over 6,000 active members that pray for whoever needs prayers on a daily basis. Part of this mission includes sending out a daily prayer request to over 1,200 people.

This Hall of Fame member of Archbishop Carroll High School, St Norbert’s parish and Children of the Father love to share his message of hope and healing with his fellow Christians and can often be heard on Sign Catholic Radio.  Ed is looking forward to bringing his message to retreatants at Malvern Retreat House in order to bring them closer to Christ.

Father Cocco was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, Our Lady of Lord’s Parish. He is the youngest of five boys and has two stepsisters.  Father attended grade school at St. Andrew’s in Drexel Hill and then attended Monsignor Bonner high school, graduating in 1985.   Father’s family moved to the Rehoboth Beach Delaware area in 1986.  He attended Delaware Tech and later transferred to the University of Delaware.

 Father Cocco was hired as a Police officer for the Ocean City Maryland Police Department in April of 1991, working in the Patrol Division for three years and then worked as a detective for 6 years and he was a member of the Swat team for 8 years.  Father often tells people that” he changed his vocation from police officer to priest so that he could go to the parties before the fights broke out.” Father Cocco answered the call to the priesthood in September of 1999 after studying at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, in Baltimore Maryland.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 29^th. 2004. 

Father Cocco’s first assignment was to St. John the Beloved Parish in Wilmington Delaware where he served as associate pastor for 5 years. In 2009 he was made Chaplain of St. Mark’s High School.  He became Pastor of Christ Our King Parish in Wilmington Delaware in June of 2010 while maintaining his duties as Chaplain for St. Mark’s.  In June of 2012 Father Cocco was appointed Pastor of St. John the Beloved parish in Wilmington.  In June of 2015 Fr. Cocco was appointed pastor of St Edmond in Rehoboth Beach where he is still currently assigned. 

He has served on the Diocesan Priest Council and the Diocesan Personnel Board.  Father has served as the Chaplain to the Wilmington Fire Department and Delaware State Police.  He is Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and Chaplain of the Fourth Degree, and he is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.   Father is a Third Order Franciscan. He enjoys cooking, traveling, gardening, collecting clocks and cigars! Fr. Cocco is also the proud father of one very special miniature Dachshund named “Zeek”.

8/24

For more information on Fr. Ambrose and his abbey please see links below.

https://www.stmichaelsabbey.com/

https://theabbotscircle.com/post/the-sacred-veiled-and-revealed (featuring Fr. Ambrose)

Is Professor of Historical Theology and Spirituality at Villanova University.  His interests as a teacher and scholar are in medieval theology and spirituality, mystical theology, and contemplative practice. He has given talks to academic and pastoral communities across the country for over 25 years, helping people to draw upon the deep and sometimes forgotten spiritual resources of the Christian tradition to help them grow in faith, hope, and love.  He is the author of Church History: Faith Handed On and Constructing Antichrist: Paul, Biblical Commentary, and the Development of Doctrine in the Early Middle Ages along with articles appearing in journals such as Modern Theology, Theological Studies, Franciscan Studies, and the Heythrop Journal. He is the father of three adult daughters and lives in Media, PA with his wife Bridget, a ceramic artist. 

Fr. Allan Fitzgerald O.S.A. was born in Washington, DC and educated by the Augustinians at Archbishop Carroll High School, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine after his first year at Villanova University (1960). He studied in Rome (1964-1968) and Paris (1968-1972), writing a doctoral thesis on penance in the 4^th and 5^th centuries in the Italian church.

Fr. Fitzgerald taught in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies from 1972-1997, and became the editor of Augustinian Studies in 1990, the only English language journal devoted entirely to Augustine’s thought and influence. He edited an encyclopedia of Saint Augustine (Augustine Through the Ages: An Encyclopedia), published in 1999. He also taught at the Augustinian Patristic Institute in Rome (1997-2009) and returned to Villanova as the director of the Augustinian Institute, a position that became a full-time position in 2011. He resigned from that position in 2019 but continues as Director of Special Events for the Augustinian Institute.

Deacon Tom McGovern, serves his home Parish of St. Joseph in High Bridge, NJ in the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ.  He was ordained in June 2012 receiving a certificate in Diaconal Ministry from Saint Elizabeth University in Convent Station, NJ.  As a member of St. Joseph Parish for over 25 years, he has served in various ministries including as Youth Minister, Catechist, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Deacon Tom serves as Vice President of Corporate Real Estate and Facilities for a Fortune 500 company.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Drexel University and an Associate degree in Architectural Design from the American Institute of Design. 

A native Philadelphian and graduate of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, he currently resides in Asbury, NJ in the beautiful hills of Warren County.  He  is a devoted husband to his wife of 30 years, Anne, and has two adult daughters. 

Father Pineda was ordained by the Most Reverend Paul Loverde for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, on June 7, 2014. He has served as a parish priest in different parishes and, for the last three years, as a full-time student at Divine Mercy University. Father Pineda describes his relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary as a key in his spiritual life. She is, for him, a loving and caring mother, a companion on his earthly pilgrimage, and in his priestly life and ministry. Fr. Pineda is a great supporter of the Legion of Mary. He admires how the legionaries help Catholic lay people fulfill their baptismal promise in an organized structure supported by fraternity and prayer.

4/2024

Cynthia is a licensed professional counselor who has spent over two decades helping people heal from addictions & other emotional issues. Working at Insight Psychological Services, they, offer individual & family therapy, psychiatric evaluations & medication management. Cynthia provides a safe, comfortable environment where you can gain personal insight, examine relationships & heal the past. She offers a unique approach to therapy, incorporating decades of professional & personal experience in both psychotherapy & spirituality. As a person in long term recovery for over 30 years she has working knowledge of the 12 steps.

Cynthia’s specialties include addiction/recovery, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues & body image issues. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, utilizing a combination of psychodynamic and cognitive strategies to help clients gain insight and achieve their goals. Emotional pain, like physical pain, signals that something needs our attention. It serves as a catalyst to new levels of insight & healing. 

Kris McGregor is the Founder and Executive Director of Discerning Hearts®, an innovator in producing podcasts, radio broadcasts, and written content that adhere to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and its profound spiritual tradition. Kris’s programs are featured on the Spirit Catholic Radio and Iowa Catholic Radio Networks and in international markets, including England, Australia, and New Zealand. She is a frequent contributor on EWTN Radio and Relevant Radio and has co-hosted the “Kresta in the Afternoon” radio show with her husband, Bruce McGregor.

Kris offers insightful commentary on the lives of St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Francis de Sales in the Eternal Word Television Network’s series “The Doctors of the Church.” She has authored articles for the National Catholic Register and Angelus magazine, a publication of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Additionally, Kris has penned numerous forewords for books on the spiritual life, most recently for “Women Mystics” by Fr. Louis Bouyer, published by Ignatius Press.

She has led numerous spiritual retreats with Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Dr. Anthony Lilles. In the past, she has served as Director of Religious Education and Director of Liturgy in several large parishes in her Archdiocese.  Kris’s educational background includes studies at the Pontifical Atheneum of Sant’Anselmo all’Aventino in Rome and Creighton University. Alongside her husband, Bruce, to whom she has been married for over 40 years, Kris is an Oblate of St. Benedict. They have three children.

Tom Strohmetz is a founding partner of the Chartwell Law Offices, a national civil defense firm, with 32 offices throughout the United States and over 450 employees. Tom has 30 years experience representing entities in litigated matters. He is the firms first Chief Communications Officer and is on the firm’s administrative committee. In addition to working full time at Chartwell, Tom is also an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church and serves at St. Patrick’s parish in Malvern, PA. Tom has a BS in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University, a JD from Widener University School of Law and a Master’s in Theology from St. Charles Seminary in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Tom is also President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Legatus, which is an international organization of Catholic business leaders and executives committed to study, live and spread the Catholic faith. Tom is also the Founders and President of the Faith 101 Foundation which is an organization focused on the mission of helping youth maintain their faith as they leave school and enter the world, helping those who do have faith deepen that relationship with God and bringing those to faith who have never known God. Tom and his wife Donna have four children and two grandchildren. Tom is in love with our Lord and he longs to share the joy of the gospel.

Elizabeth Strohmetz will be entering her Sophomore year at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA, in the Fall of 2024. She is a First Degree black belt in karate, plays both the piano and the flute, and is a member of the marching band at Bishop Shanahan, as well as the concert band. She also sings in the liturgical choir at Bishop Shanahan. She loves France and is learning to speak French.

Led to Jesus through Our Blessed Mother, Mary Bea is a passionate Catholic Evangelist, with a deep love for the Eucharist, Our Lady, and for our one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Her witness is one of giving her continuous ‘Yes’ at the calling of Our Lord – in the workplace, in the family and in the world. Most recently, she responded to the Lord’s whisper to create a place of Eucharistic Encounter for the youth at Malvern Retreat House, building upon the life and work of Blessed Carlo Acutis – and the challenge to become the saints we were created to be.

Mary Bea is the President of Vovéo Marketing Group, a full service B2B Marketing Agency which she founded in January of 1995.  A graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Mary Bea has served on the Haub School of Business Marketing Advisory Board, and is an active member of the Malvern Retreat House Board, as well as the St. Patrick School Board. She serves on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Eucharistic Revival Committee, and is an active member of St. Patrick Parish Malvern. Through her business, Mary Bea has worked to assist many Catholic Non-Profit organizations – such as World Meeting of Families, Miraculous Medal Shrine, and National Centre for Padre Pio.

She has been a retreatant at Malvern since 2018, and has attended nearly 30 retreats.

Susan Tassone has long been a passionate champion for the holy souls in purgatory and is recognized as leading a worldwide “purgatory movement.”

The award-winning author of thirteen best-sellers, including Jesus Speaks to Faustina and You. Day by Day with St. Faustina, St. Faustina Prayer Book for Adoration, and Day by Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory,Susan makes speaking appearances throughout the country. Over a dozen cardinals and bishops worldwide have endorsed her works. She’s a frequent and popular guest on national radio and television programs as well as social media. EWTN said: “Susan Tassone is the all time best selling author in the history of the network.”

Susan holds a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University Chicago and had the honor and privilege of being granted two private audiences with St. John Paul II, who bestowed a special blessing on her and her ministry for the holy souls.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. is a Dominican friar (Order of Friars Preachers) of the Province of Saint Joseph, which is located in the Northeastern portion of the United States. 

Crediting the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas in his discernment, Fr. Gregory joined the Order after graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he studied math as well as humanities and Catholic culture. After being ordained as a priest in 2016, he served as parochial vicar at St. Louis Bertrand Parish in Louisville, KY, where he also worked as an adjunct professor at Bellarmine University. He then served as the assistant director of campus outreach for the Thomistic Institute based in Washington, D.C. He has completed the coursework for doctorate in dogmatic theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, concentrating on the Christology of St. Thomas Aquinas, and plans to defend his dissertation soon.

Today, Fr. Gregory is an instructor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC.

In addition to his role as one of the hosts of Ascension’s new podcast Catholic Classics, Fr. Gregory is also a regular contributor to the popular podcasts Pints with Aquinas, Godsplaining, and The Thomistic Institute and has traveled widely to preach and teach the Catholic Faith.

When he’s not reading medieval tomes or administering the sacraments, Fr. Gregory spends his time enjoying great works of fiction and hiking in the nearby mountains.

Father Roger J. Landry, a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, serves as Catholic Chaplain to Columbia University in New York City and to the Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life. He is also Ecclesiastical Assistant to Aid to the Church in Need USA, a Papal Missionary of Mercy, a National Eucharistic Preacher for the USCCB’s National Eucharistic Revival, Chaplain to the New York Chapter of the Leonine Forum, and a Member of the Board of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs in Auriesville, New York.

A graduate of Harvard College (1992) and the Pontifical North American College in Rome (1999), he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York (2015-2022), and has been a pastor, newspaper editor and high school chaplain in the Diocese of Fall River. He writes for many publications, appears regularly on television and radio, and is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God (Pauline Books and Media 2018). His homilies, articles, retreats, conferences, educational videos and other offerings are available for free at catholicpreaching.com.

Born and raised in Philadelphia PA, Msgr Grous was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in May, 1987.  He is currently pastor at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Drexel Hill PA.

Fr. Grous has had the opportunity to live and give presentations and retreats for various Church related groups in the areas of Theology, Spirituality and Catholic Education in the United States, Canada and Italy. Here in the US he has been assigned to parishes in Missouri, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. 

Father Chris Alar, MIC, entered the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, the religious community entrusted with spreading the message and devotion of Divine Mercy, as a postulant in July 2006. Prior to that time, he received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan. After working as an engineering manager at a large automotive supplier in Detroit, he began his own consulting firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2000.

Answering the Lord’s call, he attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, for his philosophy studies; Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., for his theology studies; and he earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. He wrote and produced the popular “Divine Mercy 101” and “Explaining the Faith” YouTube series and is the author of the bestselling book After Suicide: There’s Hope for Them and for You, as well as Understanding Divine Mercy.

He is host of the EWTN show Living Divine Mercy, which airs on Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. EST. From 2014-2024, he served as “Fr. Joseph, MIC,” the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers.

In 2023 he was elected Provincial Superior of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in the United States and Argentina.

Vince DiPasquale is a renowned lecturer and teacher in the field of recovery. He serves on the Board of Trustees and is the founder of The Starting Point, Inc. of New Jersey, an education and referral center dedicated to spiritual development of individuals and their families.

Vince, with his friendly manner and down-to-earth lectures, has assisted many to enter a new sense of awareness and come to realize and accept that the power to institute change comes from within. While sharing his own spiritual and emotional growth, he guides his listeners in increasing their self-esteem and allowing old fears and behaviors to make way for a new and fulfilling lifestyle.

Vince has lectured nationally on issues surrounding all types of addictions, grief, loss and separation, addictive relationships, codependency and its effect on families as well as issues surrounding the adult child. He has appeared as a guest on radio and television broadcasts. Vince has also recorded for distribution numerous lectures and subjects on the topics of spirituality, addiction, and codependency.

Vince has authored two books; “Relationships – The Gifts of Life,”  and  “Learn to Value Your Childhood – Your History is Your Teacher.”
Vince has also recorded two audio series, respectively; “Personal Growth Series” and “A Journey in Simplicity,” which can be found on YouTube.”

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam, CM, is a Roman Catholic priest of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian, Nigeria Province). He was born into a Catholic family of seven in Calabar, in the mid-80s but he is originally from Central Uruan in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria.

Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam is a gifted priest just like many other Catholic priests. He has ministered to so many people who have encountered him through his retreats, conferences, therapy and counseling sessions etc.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam also holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from La Salle University of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a Marriage and Family Therapist who has helped a lot of families and individuals in this regard. He is the author of the book: Confrontingsituations.org

Joe McIlvaine grew up in Narberth, attended St. Margaret’s School and graduated from Lower Merion HS in 1965.  He decided at that juncture of his life to enter St. Charles Seminary to study for the diocesan priesthood.  The class he entered with had 133 aspirants seeking the priesthood and it was the largest class ever and to this date. Ultimately, 59 men were ordained from this group. Joe spent 4 years there and received his BA from the college department, but he had something else tugging at his sleeve.  Joe had an opportunity to sign a pro baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers as a RHP which was a question Joe had to answer before he could make a final vocational decision.  Joe signed in 1969 and for the next 5 years played in their minor league system.  Joe was not able to reach the Major League level but was able to procure a scouting position with the Baltimore Orioles the next year.  In all, Joe worked for 8 different organizations over the course of a 50-year career in a variety of positions.

Joe met his future wife, Martha Anne while he was teaching the 4th grade at Our Mother of Good Counsel school in Bryn Mawr between baseball seasons.  Joe and Martha got married in November 1973 and God blessed them with 4 children and currently 6 grandchildren.  Joe is also a 21 year Knights of Immaculata retreatant at Malvern Retreat House.

Fr. Timothy Tarnacki, O.S.P.P.E. is a priest of the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit, also known as Pauline Fathers and Brothers. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2016. Following ordination, Father Tarnacki began ministering at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. Since that time, he has been particularly involved with the Shrine’s youth and young adult ministry. He is also a Vocation Director for the American Province of his religious community. Fr. Timothy is also a doctoral candidate at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., working on the Doctor of Ministry degree, specializing in evangelization. In 2023 Archbishop Nelson Perez appointed Fr. Timothy Tarnacki as the Director of the Office of Ministry with Young Adults of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Throughout his priestly ministry Fr. Timothy conducted many retreats both locally and several states across the country. 

On April 30, 2021, the Holy See announced that the Reverend Monsignor William Edward Koenig, a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, had been appointed the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. At the time of his appointment as Bishop of Wilmington, Bishop William Edward Koenig was the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York.

Born on August 17, 1956 in Queens, New York, Bishop Koenig grew up in East Meadow, New York where he and his family were parishioners of St. Raphael’s Church. He attended St. Raphael’s Elementary School, St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale, New York, Cathedral College in Douglaston, New York and the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York. After ordination, he also attended Fordham University from which he received a Master of Social Work Degree.

Bishop Koenig was ordained to the Priesthood at St. Agnes Cathedral on May 14, 1983. His first assignment as a priest was to the Parish of St. Edward the Confessor in Syosset, New York. After five years at St. Edward’s, he served for one year in the Parish of St. James in Setauket. In 1989, he was appointed the Diocesan Director of Vocations with Residence at the Cathedral Residence of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston, New York. As a resident, he assisted the staff of four other priests in helping to form seminarians from the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre for the Priesthood as they completed college or Pre-Theology requirements. In 1990, Bishop Koenig was assigned as Diocesan Director of Ministry to Priests while continuing to serve as Diocesan Director of Vocations. Upon the completion of his assignment in 1996 as Directors of Vocations and Ministry to Priests, Bishop Koenig served from 1996 to 2000 as Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, New York. In 2000, he was appointed Pastor of St. William the Abbot in Seaford, New York where he continued to serve until 2009. During his term as Pastor at St. Williams, Bishop Koenig in 2007 was named Chaplain to His Holiness by Pope Benedict XVI. In 2009, he was appointed the Rector of St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, New York. His service as Rector concluded in 2020 when he was appointed the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Fr. Tom Newton, the Pastor of St. Damien Parish, comes to this position after being the pastor of the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light in Cherry Hill for eleven years. Prior to that, he was the pastor of St. Peter Celestine Parish in Cherry Hill for almost six years and the pastor of Queen of Heaven parish in Cherry Hill for three months. Fr. Tom has a Master of Divinity degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers University. Fr. Tom was previously the Vicar for Human Services of the Diocese of Camden.  

In addition to his primary assignment as pastor of St. Damien, he currently serves as Advocate for Priest’s Health and Wellness, a member of the College of Consultors, a member of the Presbyteral Council, a member of the Priest Personnel Board, the president of the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees, a member of the Housing Services of the Diocese of Camden Board of Trustees, a member of the Archbishop Damiano School Board of Trustees, a member of the Diocesan Health Services Board of Trustees, a member of the Diocesan Finance Council’s committee for Compensation and Benefits, and the facilitator and convener of the New Priests’ Peer Group.

Father David O’Brien is a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, currently assigned full-time in the education apostolate. He provides the sacramental needs for both Lansdale Catholic High School and Archbishop Wood High School, and helps to plan and present retreats throughout the year for both communities. He lives in Doylestown, PA at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and enjoys celebrating Mass on the weekends for the parish community whenever available. 

Father Davis O’Brien grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family in Chester County. He is the second oldest of seven children and entered Saint Charles Seminary in Philadelphia right after graduating from Bishop Shanahan in Downingtown in 2010. He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Philosophy from Saint Charles College Seminary in 2014 as well as two Master Degrees in Theology (MA and Mdiv) from Saint Charles Seminary in 2018 and 2019, respectively, focusing his senior thesis on the importance of preaching for the universal growth in holiness.

Father David O’Brien was ordained a priest on May 18, 2019 and spent the first few years of his priestly ministry at Saint Jude Church and Shrine in Chalfont, PA as the Assistant Pastor. Some of his hobbies include spending time with his family as well as outdoor activities, such as fishing, golf and snowboarding. 

Father Jim Mac New is an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, ordained in Philadelphia in 1980. After ordination, Father taught Spanish, History and World Cultures at Northeast Catholic High School.

Hailing from a military family, Father received permission to serve on active duty as a Chaplain with the Navy and Marine Corps. Father served God and country in uniform for a total of twenty six years in assignments ranging from Third Marine Division, Okinawa, the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA, the United States Naval Academy and a wide range of others. Retiring from the Navy in 2003, Father returned to Philadelphia where he served as Director of Campus Ministry at Holy Family University.

In 2022, Father “Mac” was appointed ‘Pastoral Care Specialist’ for the Philadelphia Police Union of 14,000 active and retired officers at Lodge 5. Father’s title is “Pastoral Care Specialist” rather than  “Chaplain” because of his Doctoral degree in Theology. Father’s current ministry extends from counseling, sacramental ministry, visits to police units across the city, hospital visitation and 24/7 emergency response. Father Jim summarizes his ministry succinctly, “Everything a priest does is real. There is laughter every day, as well as sacramental ministry, serious prayer and conversation with Christ as the focus, but particularly in emergency response, when it is ‘real’, it is very real.” 

Currently an Instructor of Moral Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University and the University Chaplain at Towson Catholic, Fr. Jaskowak was ordained a priest in 2022. He completed his BA at Gannon University and his Master’s degree in Theology at Duquesne University prior to entering the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington, DC. During his time at school he was a teacher, Youth Outreach Coordinator, Hospital Chaplain and copy editor to various religious publications. While English is his first language he is well versed in Latin and French. 

He barely survived making his first confession.  He cried and cried the night before, worrying, worrying  about what he would say, what the priest would say, what would happen next.  He cried to his mother, confessing his awful sin- that for two straight years he had been stealing candy from the corner grocer.  It was bad, very bad. What made it worse was that his mother owned the grocery store!  

But by the wisdom of his mother, the sense of humor of the priest hearing the confession, and the grace of God, he did survive and went on to become the Father J. Thomas Heron. Father Heron is currently retired, residing at Holy Savior in Norristown.  He is Pastor Emeritus of St. Matthew’s in Conshohocken, where he served the parish for 11 1/2 years, from June 2011 – November 2022.

He entered St. Charles Seminary in September of 1970  to deepen his relationship with the Blessed Trinity and to seek “satisfactory responses” to the many questions he had about life and its meaning and purpose.  After Father Heron’s ordination in 1978, he was in various parishes including Immaculate Heart of Mary in Andorra, St. Michael the Archangel, Good Shepherd, St. Gabriel’s, and St. James.  He also taught at Archbishop Kennedy and Bishop McDevitt  high schools and  served as chaplain at Hahnemann Hospital. 

Father has authored two books, We Are All Called, An Introductory Guide to Spirituality. He is currently working on a third book, a novel.

The Eagles, Notre Dame, shooting a basketball, swimming, and listening to music, are his major interests, but prayer and preaching are THE essential components in his life.  He is most grateful for the “gift of sharing in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ.”

Father Mike was ordained on May 16, 1987 by Bishop John J. Graham, and has served as a parish priest for all but 5 years as  he had served on the Faculty of Bishop Kenrick High School, Norristown, and St. Maria Goretti High School, Philadelphia from 1990-1995. In parish ministry, he has served as a Parochial Vicar, as a Parochial Administrator, and as a Pastor in several parishes. Currently, Father Mike is the Pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Feasterville. Father Mike loves the Blessed Virgin Mary, truly appreciates her spiritual motherhood, and firmly supports the challenging work of the Legionaries of Mary as her instruments to invite and encourage persons to connect to Jesus through His Mother.  Father Mike is the Spiritual Director of the Our Lady of the Assumption Praesidium in his parish, and is the Spiritual Director of the Bucks County Curia of the Legion of Mary. 

2023

Mr. Massimo Paris of Broomall, PA was born and raised in Rome, Italy. He has studied all aspects of the Holy Shroud, conducted research, and visited sites related to the Shroud. In the year 2000, he travelled to Turin for the exhibition and personally venerated it. Mr. Paris is a good friend of Emanuela Marinelli, whom he considers  his mentor, the internationally renowed Shroud scholar from Italy who has authored 20 books on the subject. He also knew the late Dr. Carlo Goldoni, the Italian hematologist who identified the blood type (AB) from the stains on the Sudarium of Oviedo (the cloth placed on the face and head of Jesus after His death, the same as is found on the Holy Shroud.

Msgr. McHenry received his B.A. degree (Philosophy) from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1969, his M.A. (Philosophy) from Villanova University in 1972, and his M. Div. (Theology) from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1973.  He completed his doctoral studies (Theology) in April 1983, receiving his Ph.D. from Fordham University.    

Msgr. McHenry has served as an Assistant Pastor, a Religion Teacher and School Minister in the archdiocesan high school apostolate, and in central administration for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He was appointed as Assistant to the Vicar for Catholic Education in 1985 with responsibility for all aspects of Religious Education.  In 1988, he was appointed Vicar for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  In 2023 Msgr. McHenry retired as Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Ambler, PA.

Throughout the years of his priesthood, Msgr. McHenry has led Retreats as well as given talks and lectures both to parent and student groups.  He has been involved with the spiritual formation of the men studying for the Permanent Diaconate and the formation of teachers for Archdiocesan schools and CCD programs.  He has been actively involved as a Spiritual Director.  He taught for ten years in the Religious Studies Program at the Seminary.  He also taught for ten years as Adjunct Professor of Homiletics in the Pastoral Theology Department at the Seminary, conducting the homiletics practicum course.  Preaching the Lord’s Word is his great love.

Gus Desimone (West Chester, PA) has been writing and performing music for over 15 years. His latest project is called Saints Alive: concerts that provide a space for Catholic musicians and artists to showcase their work. He has written over 50 songs about the Saints, Mary, the Psalms, the Eucharist, and his own spiritual journey that he uses to both teach the faith, and lead others to prayer. His music is informed by his theological formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary where he received a Masters in Divinity and Philosophical Studies. He also has extensive public speaking experience in his time as a Generation Life missionary, teaching the Pro-Life and Chastity messages. Aside from his music and speaking engagements, Gus also runs his own Video Production company Gusdmedia, which specializes in visual storytelling for Churches, schools, weddings and non-profits alike. He is also part of an artist collective in conjunction with Saints Alive that is creating music and art based on the theology of the Eucharist that will be shown in a special edition Saints Alive concert series called “True Presence”. His goal is to see the Saints Alive concert series spread throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and beyond.

Sister is from South Dakota. She attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas and studied Theology and Elementary Education. After graduation she served as a FOCUS missionary for four years in Texas and Louisiana. She had been a sister for 5 years and has just returned from 2 years serving in the sister’s mission in England. She is currently living in East Harlem at Blessed Solanus Casey Convent where she helps to run an inner city youth ministry.

Born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio. She felt a call to Religious Life at age 19 and began discerning a vocation with the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal (CFR) while attending Franciscan University. After graduating with a degree in Nursing, she served as a missionary in Jamaica for one year and soon after entered the CFR’s. Sister has been a religious for 17 years, of which 10 years she lived in the sister’s missions in England and Ireland. She is currently living in East Harlem at Blessed Solanus Casey Convent.

Father Thomas Maher was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey.  He entered the seminary in June, 1985, and was ordained a priest on November 25, 1994, in Mexico City.  He studied classical humanities in Salamanca, Spain, followed by Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) and Theology at the University Regina Apostolorum in Rome.  He is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, and currently serves as the Pastor of St. William the Abbot Parish in Howell.

Rev. Michael J. Shea, C.M. was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.  Michael, the youngest of six children, was ordained in 1970.  The first thirteen years of his priesthood were spent in teaching at St. Thomas More, West Catholic and Archbishop Wood High Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The next twelve years were divided between Niagara University in Western New York and Auburn University in Alabama.

In 2010, before coming to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Germantown, Pennsylvania as an Associate Director, he served as the Director of a retreat house in Spring Lake, Michigan for fifteen years.  Since coming to Philadelphia Fr. Shea has conducted a number of novenas and missions primarily but not exclusively in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Fr. Bryce Lungren was blessed to grow up in a family with deep Wyoming roots. After graduating high school in Worland, WY in 1998, he moved to Montana where he worked in the world and grew in his Catholic faith. In 2008 he entered seminary, earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, OR, followed by a Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Sacred Theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, CO. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cheyenne on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2018, and is currently the Associate Pastor of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and surrounding missions in Gillette, WY. Fr. Bryce is also the Author of The Catholic Cowboy Way.

Immaculée’s first book, Left to Tell; Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust (Hay House) was released in March of 2006. Left to Tell quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. To date, it has been translated into seventeen languages and has sold over two million copies. Immaculée’s story has also been made into a documentary entitled The Diary of Immaculée. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, The CBS Early Show, CNN, EWTN, CBS Evening News, The Aljazeera Network as well as in The New York Times, USA Today, Newsday, and many other domestic and international publications. Immaculée has written six additional books in recent years – Led by Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide, Our Lady of Kibeho, If Only We Had Listened, Visit from Heaven, and The Boy Who Met Jesus, and The Rosary.

Featured on EWTN and numerous Catholic publications around the world, Patrick and his wife Joy founded the Cross of St Benedict Society and Joyful Hope Missionaries.Together with various priests, they travel internationally, ministering to thousands with their Breakthrough Healing Workshops. The Healing Workshops have been approved and promoted as an online course by Franciscan University and are distributed to over 150 diocese worldwide. Healing and reconciliation occur on regular basis when the Campbells gather to teach, pray with and spiritually empower those who are searching for individual and family healing.

El Reverendo Gus Puleo es actualmente el Director del Programa de Inglés como Segunda Lengua y Español en el Seminario San Carlos Borromeo en Filadelfia, Pensylvania.  Recientemente él fue nombrado un Misionero de la Misericordia por el Papa Francisco.  Este sacerdote ha dado muchos retiros y celebraciones de 40–horas.  Padre Gus había sido párroco de San Patricio en Norristown, Pensylvania por doce años. 

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Reverend Gus Puleo is currently the Director of English as a Second Language Program and Spanish at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Recently, he was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis.  This priest has given many retreats and 40-hour celebrations.  Father Gus had been the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania for twelve years. 

Between 1993-95, Fr. Leo prayed regularly as part of a local MMP Cenacle group in Fort Worth, Texas as a way to foster discernment for a religious vocation.  In 1995 he entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) in Bronx, New York; he took Final Vows in 2000, and was ordained a priest in 2005. 

Only in recent years has Fr. Leo re-immersed himself with the MMP Cenacles.  He says, “Our Lady did not forget the consecration I made before I was a friar, and in these recent years, she has called me back to the MMP.  I had forgotten about my early consecration as a part of the MMP, but our Lady did not forget about it.”  Fr. Leo currently resides at San Juan Diego Friary, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Fr. Andre has been a friend of priests of the Marian Movement as a layman since 1992 and through the priests and laity of the MMP (Australia) was encouraged to seek the priesthood at a late age.  He spread many of Our Lady’s MMP Cenacles as a seminarian in the Philippines and was a close friend of now deceased Cardinal Jaime Sin, Archbishop of Manila.

He is currently assigned to Our Lady Queen of the Seraphic Order Friary in downtown New Bedford, MA where he fulfills his priestly duties of Holy Mass and many hours of weekly confessions. The apostolate of bringing Souls to the Immaculate (St. Maximillian Kolbe) is the most effective by presiding over at least 150 Marian Movement of Priests Cenacles each year, many of which are in Massachusetts.

Whenever he can, he attends the annual International Marian Movement of Priests retreats in Collevalenza and Fatima, and every year the annual U.S. Priests Retreat.  Most months, he travels interstate at requests from the headquarters to preside over Regional Cenacles.  Together with three other priest members of the “regional team,” he is available to “go”, with the necessary permissions.

Tim Sawick was born and raised in Montgomery County PA, Tim’s mission in life is “Dent Souls” with Kindness! Tim and his wife Maria have been married for 37 years, have been blessed with 7 children and 12 grandchildren.  He is an active member of the Our Lady Help of Christians church in Abington PA and a proud member of the prayer group, Old School Men of Faith.  

In 1973 he was diagnosed with kidney disease which eventually led to his first kidney transplant which he received from his Mother!  Over the years he worked, got married, started a family and obtained at degree in communications from Temple University. Over time he has had to endure two other kidney transplants due to rejection and contracting Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion ultimately requiring a liver transplant too.  

In 2016 the Sawick family formed Sara’s Shelter, a charity to build houses for the poor in Nicaragua in honor of their daughter Sara who passed away in 2014.  This is when Tim started his mission to “dent souls” with kindness.

Born and raised in Springfield, PA, Grace spent many years of her youth living for the promises of the world and not living for the Lord. Jesus came into her life in an intimate and profound way in high school and has been purifying her heart and changing her life ever since. Her faith came more alive when she started devoting her time to full-time mission work in Philadelphia, encountering the poor and the homeless and trying to bring Jesus to them. Grace wants people to know that it tis okay to follow where God is calling you, even if that means going against the strong current of the world’s expectations.

Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, lived the life of the prodigal son for most of his young adult life. Raised in a nominally Catholic family, who only lived the externals of the faith, Fr. Ken left the Catholic Church for many years. During that time he earned a business degree and worked as a business profession in Advanced R&D and software testing; a few years into his career he joined a few of his co-workers in establishing a $4.5 million Internet software company. Focused on money, fitness, and success, he made little room for God; but God did not give up on him. During this journey, God presented him with challenges that forced him to question his personal beliefs and the question “What is Truth?” Through a series of conversions, years of struggle, study and questioning, Fr. Ken found his way from agnosticism, to non-denominational Christianity, and ultimately back to the Catholic Church.

Fr. Ken joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2006 and was ordained in 2012. For two years, he served as an associate pastor of a medium sized parish and currently serves as a Missionary, webmaster and vocation director for the Fathers of Mercy. Fr. Ken has a great understanding of the personal and societal pressures that individuals face and knows what it is like to “hate coming to church.” His mission talks are for people of all levels of faith; from those who are madly in love with Jesus to those who struggle with church and religion.

Monsignor Arthur B. Calkins is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania and was ordained a priest in May 1970 for the Archdiocese of New Orleans where he served in various parishes as parochial vicar and was involved in other pastoral activities.  He has a master’s degree in theology from the Catholic University of America, a licentiate in sacred theology with specialization in Mariology from the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton and a doctorate which he earned summa cum laude in the same field from the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure (the Seraphicum) in Rome.

A list of his publications along with some of his articles may be found at http://www.christendom-awake.org/pages/calkins/calkins.html Monsignor Calkins was named a corresponding member of the Pontifical International Marian Academy in 1985 and a corresponding member of the Pontifical Roman Theological Academy in 1995. He served as an official of the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei” from 1991 to 2010. He was named a Monsignor at the level of Chaplain of His Holiness in 1997 and was promoted to be a Prelate of Honor in 2010.

In recent years he has been involved in the publication of some English translations of the works of the Blessed Concepción (Conchita) Cabrera de Armida (1862-1937). He retired from active priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans as of the first of July 2017 when he took up residence at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish in Sulphur, LA. He contributed to the recently published Oxford Handbook of Mary and has given several papers at the annual meeting of the Mariological Society of America as well as preaching a number of missions and retreats.

Keith Nester is a former pastor with more than 20 years in full-time ministry. Keith served in United Methodist, Assemblies of God, and Evangelical Free churches in various roles. In 2017, after a 20-year-long discernment process, Keith resigned from his full-time ministry position and joined the Catholic Church. In October 2018, Keith felt the call of God to write a book about what life is like for converts in their first year. The Convert’s Guide to Roman Catholicism: Your First Year in the Church is a down-to-earth, realistic look at the transitions, obstacles, joys and challenges new converts face in their first year in the Church. Keith hopes this book will help people who are making the transition into the Church to not only survive but thrive in their new home.

As the Executive Director of Down to Earth Ministries, Keith continues to use his preaching gifts to speak to audiences about faith, theology, and his journey to Catholicism. Keith also creates content on YouTube and his Podcasts “Unpacking the Mass” and “Catholic Feedback.” Keith’s newest book “Unpacking the Mysteries of the Rosary” is a helpful guide to praying the rosary. His meditations on the mysteries of the rosary are enjoyed by people all over the world through his daily live-stream prayer community called “The Rosary Crew.”

In his spare time, Keith loves to ride his Indian motorcycle, and spend time with his family and friends. Keith and his wife Estelle have three adult children and live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience working with teens, adults, couples, and families. She works with her patients to reach thier most important goals through effective therapy that combines the truths of the Catholic faith with research-proven therapeutic methods. 

She is also the host and co-producer of the show “Faith and Family Matter” which appeared on the Catholic Familyland channel.
Christine’s articles have appeared in the Catholic Standard and Times, The Main Line Times, and the Catholic best-selling book “Amazing Grace for Married Couples”.

She presents dynamic workshops and organizational development work for a variety of organizations including the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the dioceses of Allentown and Virginia, The Apostolate for Family Consecration in Ohio, The Malvern Retreat House, Walking with Purpose, and numerous Catholic schools and parishes.

Christine’s transforming counseling sessions and presentations weave together stories,music, faith, and research-proven methods for replacing anger and resentment with compassionate, solution-focused responses that build close connected relationships.

Fr. Welsh’s bio will be updated when we receive more information.  Currently he is the Parochial Vicar at St. Helena’s parish in Philadelphia.

Joe Crawford is a retired NBA referee, active in the league from 1977 to 2016. During his career, he officiated over 2500 regular-season games, 313 playoff games, and 50 NBA final games, which was more than any other active referee in the league. Joey officiated his 2,000th NBA game between the Lakers and 76ers in 2005.

Joe was born in Haverford and graduated from Cardinal O’Hara. He officiated high school basketball games in Pennsylvania from 1970 to 1977 as well as games in the Eastern Basketball Association.  In addition to his referee career, Joe was also active in off-court mentoring programs, including Next Level Referee Training, in conjunction with the men’s basketball team camp at Villanova University. For the NBA, he was Referee Development Performance Director, mentoring and developing young officials. Joe has also participated in Basketball Without Borders events in India, Japan and Serbia.

There was a period during his NBA career that Joe recognized his life was challenged, and he “didn’t always lean on my faith unfortunately to get me through those times.” While officiating a game in 2007, Joe called 2 technical fouls on Tim Duncan from the Spurs. What came next changed his career and life, the story of which he shares during his talks.

Joe lives in Newtown Square, with his wife, Mary. He has three children and several grandchildren.

Father Guest, currently pastor of Sacred Heart in Camden was the pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lindenwold, from 2016-202. He previously served as pastor of the Parish of Holy Cross, Bridgeton, 2013-16, after serving as parochial vicar there for a year.

Born in Philadelphia, Father Guest studied at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia; Temple University Law School; and the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government.

He was ordained May 19, 2012, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Glassboro, by Bishop Joseph A. Galante.

As a civil lawyer, he practiced immigration, family and housing law in South Jersey before becoming a priest.

Fr. Eugene “Gene” (of the Eucharist) Wehner, OCD has been a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites for 27 years, but was ordained for the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota 47 years ago. He was born in Dickinson, North Dakota in 1949. After graduating from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota, he attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado. After priestly ordination in 1975, he served as a parish priest and was on the diocesan ecumenical commission. Discerning a call to religious life, his first profession in 1995 at the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After various ministries and studies, he served in Kenya as a formator, spiritual director, retreat director, chaplain to Discalced Carmelite nuns, pastor, secondary school teacher, and librarian.

ENow, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery in Washington, DC, he is the main librarian for his community and spiritual assistant for three Secular Carmelite communities. He also gives spiritual direction, retreats, and occasional conferences. He is the author of the e-book Dear Daddy: The Love Letter Method of Meditation.

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR, is a dynamic speaker and well known, gifted Spiritual Director. He is one of the eight founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, founded in the spring of 1987. Fr. Glenn is a master tactician in the spiritual warfare of our day.  You will not want to miss his incisive analysis and his battle plan to lead your family to safety.

Fr. Glenn is from Brooklyn, and briefly pursued a career in television before entering the Capuchins in 1978 with the encouragement of the well-known Father Benedict Groeschel.  He continues to serve the community and others through spiritual direction, pastoral counseling, spiritual deliverance ministry, and more. Presently, the Community has over 140 members and 15 friaries in five countries.

Fr. Glen has led retreats for groups and parishes throughout the United States and in Europe. He has appeared on EWTN, Relevant Radio and at Marian Conferences. Currently, Father Glenn resides at Holy Family Farm, a faith-based initiative of Catholic laity. Their mission is the formation of men between the ages of 18 and 30 for a fulfilling life of faith, commitment, and purpose. Father Glenn provides leadership, spiritual guidance and counseling for both the staff and the residents.

The Reverend Tom Scornavacchi is a pastor and mission developer at Common Ground Recovery Community. Common Ground Recovery Community offers programs that educate about addiction and recovery, small groups that provide support, Bible studies that deepen our faith, and worship experiences that inspire hope and healing. He joined Common Ground in 2010 and was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2013. As a person in long-term recovery, Pastor Tom works with individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health. In his work he combines the wisdom and practice of the 12-steps with the forgiveness and grace that comes from his faith.

Pastor Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Health and Addiction Studies from Alvernia University and a Master of Divinity from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

Dr. Mary Healy is professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and a bestselling author and international speaker. She is a general editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, The Gospel of Mark and Hebrews. Her other books include The Spiritual Gifts Handbook and Healing. Dr. Healy serves the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian unity as a member of the Pentecostal-Catholic International Dialogue. She is one of the first three women ever to serve on the Pontifical Biblical Commission, and is a consultor to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Ralph Martin is the president of Renewal Ministries (www.renewalministries.net), an organization devoted to Catholic renewal and evangelization. Renewal Ministries is the sponsor of The Choices We Face, a widely viewed weekly Catholic television and radio program distributed throughout the world, and engages in a wide variety of mission work in more than thirty countries. Ralph also is the director of Graduate Theology Programs in Evangelization and a professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit (www.shms.edu). He holds a doctorate in theology from the Angelicum University in Rome. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Ralph as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization, and he continues to serve in this capacity. Ralph also was appointed as a theological expert for the Synod on the New Evangelization. He is the author of the widely read The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints, and many books on spirituality and evangelization, such as Will Many Be Saved? What Vatican II Actually Teaches and Its Implications for the New Evangelization, and The Urgency of the New Evangelization, as well as many articles in scholarly and popular publications. Ralph and his wife, Anne, reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and have six children and seventeen grandchildren.

Award-winning and best-selling author Bill Yoh is a lifelong writer, leader, and learner. His first book, Our Way, chronicles the life of his father, Spike, and the profound forces that shape family, business, and community relations. His recently published second book, Unvarnished Faith, is a vulnerable dive into an overseas mission trip and the life-changing lessons it evoked. Bill has launched and facilitates two ecumenical small groups in Bible study and Gospel reflection.

Bill is a third generation owner and executive at Day & Zimmermann, his family’s 45,000-employee business. He serves on the boards of Cape Regional Health System, Duke Catholic Center, Leadership Institute for Black Women, Select Greater Philadelphia, Military Veteran Partners, Quake Media, and Unbounded Media. He is the former chair of The Haverford School, one of the largest independent schools in the United States.

Bill holds a BA from Duke, an MBA from Wharton, and a Master’s in ministry and theology from Villanova. He teaches a family business class at Wharton and enjoys writing poetry, playing guitar, cooking, and fishing. He and his family and their many pets live in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mother Superior and foundress of the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will, Mother Gabrielle began her religious life as a Poor Clare of Perpetual Adoration in the US. For thirty-three years she worked under the guidance of the late Abbess Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN. During that time she fell in love with the Divine Will writing of the Servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta from a book received from her Grandmother.

In 2009, Mother Gabrielle received a sabbatical during which time she made a retreat at a Benedictine monastery with her friend and spiritual director, Fr. Jacques Daley, OSB.  While on retreat, they felt God placed a call on their hearts to found a new monastic community in Italy dedicated to Eucharistic Adoration and Luisa Piccarreta’s writings on how to live in God’s Most Holy and Divine Will.

In 2011, this became a reality when Msgr. Luigi Negri accepted the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will in the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro. The Benedictine Monks followed later under Bishop Andrea Turzaai. In 2016, the family was completed when their bishop gave permission to found the Third Order of Benedictine Oblates of Divine Will.

Born in Newark, NY, Fr. Tom Celso entered St. Bernard Seminary in 1974 and was introduced to the Divine Will during Clinical Pastoral Study in 1976.  Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1979, he faithfully served parishes throughout upstate New York. In 1994, Fr Celso was given permission to work with the Secretariat of the Cause in Italy for the promotion of the Servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta. He was present for the opening of the Cause of Luisa in 1994. In 1996, he was asked to help to copy the original writings of Luisa in the Secret Archives of the Vatican, under the Direction of then-Cardinal Ratzinger. He also attended the closing of the Cause of Luisa Piccarreta in 2005, in which the Diocese of Trani asked the Vatican for approval to have Luisa Canonized.

Fr. Celso gives Retreats and days of Recollection throughout the US and Europe focusing on the Servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta and the Divine Will.  He became a Third Order Benedictine Oblate of the Divine Will in 2016.  Now a retired senior priest, he helps out weekly at local schools in East Rochester, NY, offering Holy Mass and Confession for faculty and students. 

Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. became a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1998. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2004 he has provided spiritual direction for many men and women, including married couples, seminarians, consecrated religious and priests, even as he completed his Ph.D. in computer science at Penn State University. He became the programming manager and an on-air contributor for We Are One Body® Catholic radio in 2010 and has recorded thousands of radio programs on theology and the spiritual life. He has extensive experience as a retreat master for laity, consecrated religious and priests. He became the Director for Spiritual Formation for Saint Vincent Seminary in 2016 and Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2019 and has offered many courses on spiritual direction and the spiritual life.

While continuing his other responsibilities he is also currently enrolled in the STL program at Sacred Heart Seminary on the New Evangelization. He is author of Through the Heart of St. Joseph and together with Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB he is author of the book Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love and Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love, all published by Emmaus Road Publishing.

Father Francis E Chambers, OSA has been an Augustinian Friar for fifty-one years and a priest for forty-five years. Most of his ministry has been in higher education at several universities. His primary interest is Spirituality leading to both a Master’s degree and a D.Min in the subject. He has given many retreats and Days of Recollection over the years. He is a regular confessor at Malvern Retreat House. He also has served as a week-end assistant at St. Elizabeth Parish in Uwchlan, PA for the past twenty-one years.

Fr. DiMauro was ordained on June 9, 1973.  Since his ordination he has spent time at various high schools and colleges as a faculty member, Associate Campus Minister, Director of Formation and Vocations and Principal.  Some of those schools include Northeast Catholic HS, Allentown Central Catholic HS, Holy Family College, Brisson Seminary, Temple University.  Currently Fr. DiMauro is the Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish in the Diocese of Camden. If you were to ask him for his favorite quote it would be “Do whatever he tells you.”

Mark Houck is the Founder and President of The King’s Men, Inc.  He is an author and internationally known motivational speaker who developed in 2004 a highly successful ministry to help others become better leaders, protectors and providers.  As a former All-American collegiate athlete and high school coach, Mark has drawn on his personal pursuit of excellence in sports to encourage and mentor thousands across North America and Europe.  Through his seasoned life experience as a human resource manager, youth counselor and high school teacher, Mark brings practical insight and wisdom to all his presentations. Mark is a husband and father of seven children.  He has a B.A. in Human Resource Management from Catholic University and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Holy Family University

Deacon John is a husband, dad, business man, as well as an experienced counselor, educator and author.  Deacon John worked for 24 years in Campus Ministry at Villanova University and as a part-time instructor in the department of Theology and Religious Studies. John also worked as the director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Norbert’s parish. His two books, “Good News in Bad Times” and “Becoming a Fervent Disciple” are published by twenty-third publications. Additionally John has produced a Podcast site: “Real Life Christianity with Deacon John Lozano” that he welcomes all to visit.

Deacon John loves retreats! Catholicism’s treasured way to encounter Jesus in our lives today!

10/4/22

A 20 plus year retreatant with the Good Shepherd Group. The almighty has done great things to me. 

“Deacon Cody has become increasingly engaged both nationally and internationally as a spiritual director in the work of recruitment and formation for the Legion of Mary. Deacon Cody is a musician, a missionary troubadour like his guiding force, St. Louis Marie de Montfort. It was not surprising that Cody was led to this work since the charism of the Legion’s founder Frank Duff was inspired by Montfort’s spirituality of “True Devotion.” Deacon Cody has been active in formation work at the praesidium, Senatus, Comitium, Concilium levels of the Legion.”

Rev. Sidney O. Speaks, a native of Baltimore and the oldest of nine, is the son of the late Sidney Oscar and Lillie Speaks. As a young boy, he attended many Legion of Mary Retreats with his family at Malvern. Sidney felt that the Lord was calling him to serve as a priest at sixteen. Soon after, he began priestly formation for the Josephite Fathers and Brothers, a religious community dedicated to evangelizing African-Americans (since 1873). After completing his Masters of Divinity in Washington DC, he was ordained a Josephite priest in 1999. Father Speaks currently serves as the pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Marrero, Louisiana, where he is also the Spiritual Director of a Legion of Mary praesidium.

Fr. Pachomius Walker grew up near Nashville, TN with five brothers.  He attended Vanderbilt University during which time he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church through the campus ministry and was confirmed at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville.  After a brief time working, he attended seminary for three years.  During this time, he met the Order and was introduced to the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.  Through this experience, he discerned an invitation to be a Dominican.  “My desire to be a Dominican is ultimately founded upon my desire to be holy and truly happy.  I am convinced that true happiness lies in being a son of God and, in a particular way for me, a son of St. Dominic.”

A native of Voorhees, NJ and a graduate of Eastern Regional High School, Fr. Surovick received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Scranton and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University Camden before joining the Jesuits in 2003 (he was ordained in 2013). While in formation, he received a degree in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, a Masters in Divinity and a license in sacred theology from Boston College.

Nick Gibboni was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania where he attended Lower Moreland schools. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a Minor in Music from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

Nick has served as Executive Director of the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania since 2018. Prior to this, he worked for seven years as Director of Operations and later Director of Development for the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia. Earlier in his career, he also gained experience in the field of Catholic Development while working as the Stewardship Coordinator for the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey.

Nick has enjoyed serving as a Pre-Cana marriage preparation team member, Extraordinary Minster of the Eucharist, and a youth basketball and baseball coach. He and his wife Nicole are enjoying raising their two sons in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. His personal interests include studying Catholic theology and apologetics, art history, music history, and playing the piano.

Although I was raised at St. Agnes in Arlington, Mass. — a parish staffed by diocesan priests — I was one of the nine candidates who joined the Franciscans of Holy Name in 1951. St. Anthony Shrine in downtown Boston happened to be my first contact with the friars. Their joy and ministry immediately impressed me.

After working for ten years as a salesman in Boston, I entered the Franciscan brothers training program in Rye Beach, N.H., followed by a year in the novitiate in Paterson, N.J. During these formative years, we practiced discipline and learned the rule of the Order of Friars Minor, plus the history of the Order and of the Province. My love for the Order and Province grew deeper.

In mid-summer 1957, I was transferred from the lush rolling hills of the scenic Delaware Valley at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., to the gritty, noisy, busy streets of midtown Manhattan, a half-block from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. It proved to be quite an adjustment for me. As always, the community of friars — 77 in number — at St. Francis of Assisi Church on 31st Street was welcoming and fraternal.

Archbishop Lori was born in Louisville, KY and attended the Seminary of St Pius X where he received his bachelors degree, followed by his masters at Mount St Mary’s Seminary and doctorate at The Catholic University of America. Ordained in 1977 in Washington, Archbishop Lori has worked in parishes, as secretary to Cardinal Hickey, Aux Bishop of Washington, he was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport in 2001 and in 2012 was installed as the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore. Since then he has also worked on various committees addressing issues like religious liberty, marriage, racism and more. He is also the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of St Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD

Jillian Buhl is a passionate convert to the Catholic faith. She is deeply committed to helping people encounter Christ as a spiritual director, through small group ministry and hosting retreats. Jillian is married to Keith Buhl who endlessly supports her in her creative ways to let people know they are loved and that there is so much more to life! If you want to know more, join Jillian for a cup of coffee and find out why she is Joyfully Jillian.

Fr. Francisco J Aisa, Sch.P., is a catholic priest from the Order of the Piarist Fathers. He was born in Spain, where he professed solemn vows and was ordained priest. Following the charism of the Piarist Fathers, his main ministry is the education of young men. He was formed in Salamanca and Rome. He has been also General Secretary of the Order, Delegate of Fr. General for Initial Formation, Formator, Provincial Assistant, Local Superior, Pastor, and Principal. He has been ministering in Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the United States. Right now, he is the Headmaster of Devon Preparatory School and he collaborates with the Hispanic Community of St Norbert’s Parish at Paoli

 Fr. Robert G. Suskey was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1963.  After high school, he attended Villanova University and St. Charles Seminary where he received a BA in Philosophy and a Master of Divinity.  Fr. Suskey was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 19, 1990.  Since ordination, he has had the privilege of serving as a parochial vicar in two parishes in Philadelphia and four parishes in Bucks County before beginning his current assignment as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Southampton, PA in November 2013.

Jeannine Peters is a certified Spiritual Director. She received her Certificate through Divine Mercy University. She is also certified in Theology of the Body through the Theology of the Body Institute and is trained in Unbound Healing Prayer through Heart of the Father Ministries. She holds an MA in Religion and Religious Education from Providence College and an MA in Theology from the Catholic University of America.

In addition to her spiritual direction practice, Jeannine is a Spiritual Director on courses at the Theology of the Body Institute as well as a Residency Facilitator for the Spiritual Direction Certificate Program at Divine Mercy University. She is a former Member of the Theology of the Body Institute’s Board of Directors from 2013-2018 and is currently the Acting Chair of the Theology of the Body Foundation’s Board of Directors.

She leads retreats for women, speaks on faith related topics, and is a contributing author to various books and websites on topics ranging from adoption, faith, prayer, and Theology of the Body.

Jeannine resides in Devon, PA with her husband, Michael, and their two teenage daughters. She and her family served as a Foster Family through Chester County Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Father Dennis Gill, ordained a priest May 21, 1983 for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is currently the Rector and Pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Director of the Office for Divine Worship. He served as a parochial vicar at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Warminster, and at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Southampton. Father Gill completed his graduate studies in the Sacred Liturgy at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC and the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Saint Anselmo in Rome. After his graduate studies he served a five year term as the Director of Liturgy at the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City State. He has been and continues as a professor of Sacred Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. He lectures on the Sacred Liturgy throughout the country and recently published the book, Music in Catholic Liturgy: A Pastoral and Theological Companion to Sing to the Lord. He recently completed the book, Ars Celebrandi: An Artful and Careful Celebration of the Eucharist, for Hillenbrand Books.

Nicky Verna is a Catholic wife of 30 years to her Deacon husband, Tom, and mother to their 4 young adult children. She entered into the fullness of the Catholic faith in 1992, holds a Masters degree in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s School of Theological Studies and is currently Director of the New Evangelization at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Drexel Hill. Nicky has served the Church as a substitute teacher for area Catholic schools, a prayer intercessor and leader for Unbound, a board member for AbbeyFest Ministries and has served on the planning committee for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Catholic Women’s Conference. Nicky is also a leader and regional ambassador for SoulCore, a Marian prayer apostolate which combines movement, core strengthening and functional exercises with the prayers of the Rosary. She is genuinely in love with Christ.

Fr. Wilde is a member of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, was associate professor of music at Villanova University from 1977 to 1998, before he joined Priests for Life. A Long Island native, Fr. Wilde is a professional pianist and presents piano recitals around the country in conjunction with pro-life ministry. Father Wilde received his Ph.D. in music from The Catholic University of America (1984) and had been professionally engaged as choral director at Villanova and as guest conductor in five continents. Father feels a unique interest in relating music and pro-life ministry much as the heart is moved through beauty in life.

Fr. Denis has been actively involved in pro-life concerns since before Roe v. Wade. In the 80s he personally witnessed to the “rescue” movement and thereby developed ecumenical ties from the expression of common faith in God as the Author of Life. Beyond preaching and teaching on campus he has now traveled to over 750 venues in 47 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe, delivering the Gospel of Life and supporting the local pro-life efforts of clergy and laity.

Fr. Denis writes: “There is sadly no more dangerous place to live than the womb. This bizarre situation of a culture of death propped up by law and camouflaged as medicine perpetuates a lie of a colossal order. Its consequence is a dead end street to baby, mother and civilization.

“Our days, seen against this backdrop, can be foreboding. But they can also serve as a national and church wake-up call to act on the promise God has given us all – to thwart evil and reclaim His Victory over death. A priest therefore needs to be at the front, side by side and supporting his flock in this battle for life. Ours is not an option to wait for someone else to come along. What a joy it is to know that God is in charge and will not fail to lead us forward to end this ‘unspeakable crime’.”

Fr. Frassati Davis was born into a military family and calls Bellevue, Nebraska home. He grew up with two older sisters and a younger brother, all of whom currently live in three different time zones. Attending St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Fr. Frassati was taught by a Dominican Friar of the Central Province and earned a BA in Philosophy. “The natural rhythm of prayer, study, and preaching attracted me to the Order of Preachers, and the joy of the friars living out a consecrated religious vocation drew me deeper into the call to be a son of St. Dominic.”

Fr. Matthew Tralies has been ordained for 12 years and he is currently the Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Springfield, PA. Previous assignments include: St. Bede the Venerable in Holland, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills and St. Robert Bellarmine in Warrington.

Originally, from West Norriton, Montgomery County, Fr. Tralies and grew-up attending Visitation BVM in Trooper. He attended Kennedy-Kenrick High school in Norristown and received his degree in Political Science from Villanova University prior to entering the seminary in 2003.

He is the youngest of three boys and feels blessed that both of his parents are still living. He is grateful for his family and friends and likes to spend his free time traveling to explore new places.

Kevin Reilly is an acclaimed keynote speaker, author, former broadcaster for Philadelphia Eagles Network, and former professional football player. He has motivated thousands with his journey of overcoming illness and unbelievable obstacles.

First drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1973, Kevin then played for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he captained the special teams, and the New England Patriots. In
1976, Kevin was diagnosed with a rare tumor that led to the amputation of his left arm, ending his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.

Kevin underwent an intense radical surgery to remove his left arm, shoulder and five ribs. The procedure altered his body and life forever, forcing Reilly to end his professional football career and look at a new future, one with obstacles he never could have imagined.

Through perseverance and strength, Kevin achieved accomplishments many thought impossible, seeing success in the corporate world, broadcasting, and reaching thousands with his inspirational message.

Deacon Bob was ordained in 2013 and is currently assigned to Holy Eucharist Parish in Cherry Hill, NJ. He is an adoptive father and grandfather. He has worked in Information Technology for the vast majority of his career. He has spent 35 years with one company and is delighted in his current position as “Captain Communicator” for the IT organization which has a lot of overlap with diaconal ministry. His responsibilities include connecting people, promoting fairness, confronting biases and creating a fun environment.

He volunteers in pastoral care at Cooper Hospital. At his parish, he is deeply involved in evangelization. He gets great joy from performing Baptisms.

He lives in Audubon, NJ with his 20 year-old grandson, which also benefits his ministry – confirming the deep need for humility, patience and a sense of humor.

Johnnette B Williams is Founder and President of Women of Grace®, a Catholic apostolate for women featuring a number of outreaches including conferences, media, study groups and more. She is also Founder and President of Living His Life Abundantly® International, Inc. a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation. After years of being a non-practicing Catholic, in 1981 Johnnette experienced a deep conversion back to her Catholic faith. Her conversion sparked a new vocation: that is, one of sharing the Gospel message through the utilization of media. She has been an inspiring and consistent presence on Catholic radio (1987) and in Catholic television (1988) ever since.

Johnnette is the Executive Producer of the Women of Grace® television program, a program highlighting contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective which also discusses authentic femininity™ in the world today. She is also host of Women of Grace® Live, a call-in radio talk show airing five times a week. She is heard nationally on AM/FM stations, Sirius Satellite 160, and internationally via short wave radio.

In addition, Johnnette is a popular conference speaker, published author, retreat director, and seminar presenter. She is the author of several books including:

Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life
Grace-Filled Moments
Living Life Abundantly: Stories of People Who Have Encountered God
Experience Grace in Abundance: Ten Strategies For Your Spiritual Life
The New Age Counterfeit

She also developed the internationally recognized Women of Grace® Foundational Study Series which has transformed thousands of women worldwide through the healing love of Jesus Christ.
On the personal side, Johnnette lost her son Simon in a tragic vehicular accident, just after he returned from Iraq as a decorated soldier. Soon after Simon’s death, she lost her beloved husband of more than thirty three years, Anthony, to terminal brain cancer. Through these tragedies, Johnnette was strengthened by her faith, family, friends and the prayers of the many wonderful supporters of Living His Life Abundantly® and Women of Grace®. Family life is very important to her. She enjoys time with her daughters, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

After graduating from college in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), FR. JOSE FRANCISCO “JOCIS” SYQUIA entered the seminary in 1989 and completed his training from both San Carlos Major Seminary in Makati City and the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Theology from the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties and a Licentiate in Spiritual Theology from the Angelicum in Rome. He finished both courses with magna cum laude honors. He also has a Master’s degree in Psychology from the UST Graduate School.

Fr. Jocis is the Head of the Commission on Extraordinary Phenomena for the Archdiocese of Manila. He is the Director of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism, an exorcist of Manila and a member of the International Association of Exorcists based in Rome. He completed the Vatican Course on Exorcism and Deliverance at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University.

He is the author of the bestselling book Exorcism—Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult (Shepherd’s Voice Publications), as well as Exorcist: Volume 1—A Spiritual Journey and Exorcist: Volume 2—Spiritual Battle Lines published by ST PAULS. He is also a full-time formator, spiritual director, and professor of spirituality and psychology at the San Carlos Major Seminary. (less)

Adam Blai (pronounced “Bly”) is a Church-decreed expert on religious demonology and exorcism in the Pittsburgh diocese. He is an auxiliary member of the International Association of Exorcists based in Rome. Over the past decade, he has helped educate priests regarding exorcism at national conferences, seminars, and through consultation on many cases in a number of dioceses.

He has assisted at many dozens of solemn exorcisms, house exorcisms, and resolutions of hauntings. In addition to Church cases, he reaches out to educate people on the current paranormal craze, the dangers therein, and ethical ways to resolve hauntings. He has put together a pastoral manual for priests on exorcism and resolving human spirit hauntings.

He has a master’s degree in adult clinical psychology from Penn State and is all but dissertation (ABD) for his Ph.D. His professional life has been spent working as a psychological services specialist in the Pennsylvania State prison system, where he has done hundreds of psychological evaluations for the parole process and worked with the full range of mental illness and human evil.

Deacon Hank Fila of St. Norbert Parish in Paoli shared his own road to the permanent diaconate in the Philadelphia Archdiocese began as he drove by Immaculata University each day. Eventually he asked what time the weekday Mass there took place.He started attending as often as possible and developed a relationship with one of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She asked him if he had any interest in becoming a deacon but he was already 52 years old at the time and the age limit was 50. But when that limitation changed two years later, he believed it confirmed his call to the diaconate and he responded.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ita-Sam CM is a Roman Catholic priest of Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian), Nigerian Province.He is from Akwa-Ibom State in Nigeria.He studied Philosophy at St. Joseph’s Major Seminary, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria and Sacred Theology in Bigard Memoria Seminary, Enugu State, Nigeria.He was ordained into the sacred priesthood on 13 July 2018 in Enugu, Nigeria.

He was sent on Mission to the United States in 2018 to serve with the Vincentian in the United States, (Eastern Province).Presently, he is stationed as parochial vicar in St. Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church, Germantown.He is also studying to gain his master’s degree in Clinical Counselling in Marriage and Family Therapy the La Salle University Philadelphia.

Fr. Jeff Putthoff, SJ is a Jesuit priest.  He is deeply interested in creating communities of healing, empowering young people, brain health, and finding God in all things.  He has worked as a high school teacher, associate pastor, executive director and high school president, and educational consultant using his unique experience in organizational dynamics, leadership, brain health and Ignatian spirituality, applying it to youth education and organizational life.

He is a retreat leader and a director of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola deeply desiring to help others connect to God.  He has directed over 50 directed retreats and 150 preached retreats nationally.

He is a gifted, national speaker on trauma-informed care, organizational dynamics, youth formation, Ignatian spirituality, and leadership.

Sister Eileen Tiernan, IHM

Sister Eileen grew up in the Philadelphia and Delaware County areas of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and made her profession of vows in 1982. Her ministries have included being a Catholic School Teacher and Principal, a Catechist, and a Director of Religious Education in various parishes around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as well as in the Dioceses of Camden, Allentown and Savannah, GA. She currently serves as the Director of Religious Education at St. Patrick Parish in Malvern.

Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, author and well-known speaker who presents to tens of thousands of people around the world each year.He has written several best-selling books, including No Greater Love; Who Am I to Judge?; and Walking with Mary. He is the presenter of several faith formation programs used by thousands of parishes, including the celebrated film series Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained. With Curtis Martin, he is a co-founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and currently serves as Sr. Vice President of Apostolic Outreach.

Dr. Sri leads pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land each year and is the host of the acclaimed podcast All Things Catholic. His latest book is The Art of Living: The Cardinal Virtues and the Freedom to Love.

He and his wife Elizabeth are blessed with eight children and reside in Littleton, Colorado.

Married 16 years
Parents of Four

Dave was recently named Executive Director of The Papal Foundation, which provides grants to Roman Catholic charities, religious and educational organizations serving the vulnerable in developing nations.
Prior to joining the Foundation Dave was the co-founder of and chief marketing officer at Content Watch Holdings, Inc., the makers of Net Nanny software, Tom’s Guide’s “Best Parental Control App” for 2020. Dave also spent 20 years as managing partner of and investor in two direct response advertising agencies.
As a volunteer in the Catholic Church, Dave has served on the board of directors for Catholic Leadership Institute, Theology of the Body Institute and Abbeyfest Ministries.
Kim is the chief executive officer of Valley Forge Mountain’s busiest household. In addition to managing four demanding clients ages 10 to 15, Kim is also responsible for operations, including oversight of the family’s giant paper calendar populated with soccer, Scouting, theater and school events, as well as the family’s travel logistics, healthcare and Dave’s hygiene and wardrobe. She is also the best-selling author of I Can’t Believe You Just Said That to Me: Living with Four Boys and a Man-Child.
Prior to her dream of domestic bliss becoming fully-realized, Kim was the founding director of Generation Life, a pro-life and chastity education apostolate which provides presentations to college, high school and middle school students in the Philadelphia and surrounding dioceses. Kim has served on the board of directors of Generation Life for 15 years. Kim recently completed four years of service on the Archbishop’s pastoral council.
Kim and Dave are parishioners at Saint Norbert’s in Paoli, where Kim serves as a lector and Children’s Liturgy of the Word leader, and Dave serves as a eucharistic minister.
They can’t believe they’ve been asked to speak to you about marriage.

Fr. Stephen DeLacy first learned about the process of discernment after hearing a Call from God to enter the Seminary and become a priest.  He developed this skill in the spirituality year at St Charles Borromeo Seminary—a year dedicated to spiritual formation and personal growth.  Before his current assignment, he guided young men in discerning God’s will to enter the Seminary while serving as Vocation Director. He is currently the Vicar for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Father Hayes is currently assigned as a full-time mission and retreat preacher based at Saint Patrick Priory, Columbus Ohio. He is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and has seven brothers and sisters and rejoices in his Irish heritage. He holds an A.B. in Biology from Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire, a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and an S.T.B. from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception (the Dominican House of Studies) in Washington, DC.

After practicing law for a few years, he entered the Dominican Order in 1982, made solemn profession in 1986, and was ordained a priest in 1988. Has served as a priest, pastor, and preacher for 33 years in Ohio and Kentucky. Fr. Hayes currently enjoys the priestly faculties of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. In addition to parochial service, Father Hayes has had experience in retreat work, parish missions, pilgrimage direction, and as a spiritual director and confessor, as well as experience in Catholic radio and print media.

He has for many years been active in the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is particularly interested in Holy Scripture, sacramentology, and medieval Christian history.

Ken Johnston and his wife of 34 years, Susan, have 4 children and two grandchildren. Ken has been a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Glenside, PA since 1988. To make ends meet Ken had worked in the IT field for 40 years before serving full-time in addiction ministry.  He is past-President and current Board Member of The Calix Society, an international organization for Catholics in recovery from addiction, after bringing Calix to Philadelphia in 2007. He has been active in the retreat movement at Malvern Retreat House, in Malvern, PA for 30 years.  For the last ten years, he has served as the Captain of his annual weekend.   Most recently, he became Executive Director of Our House Ministries founded by Fr. Douglas McKay after serving as Chairman.

Br. Samuel is from Manhattan, IL. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University, Steubenville in 2015. He served with NET Ministries as a Missionary from 2015-2018 and entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in September 2018. He loves reading, basketball, running, and spontaneously praising the Lord. He currently serves at St. Michael’s Friary in Paterson, NJ.

Fr. Emmanuel Mansford, CFR, was born in London, England. He served as a missionary with NET Ministries from 95-98 and joined the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in September of 1998. He was ordained in 2007 and spent 7 years at the Friars’ Mission in England. He has served as the Vocation Director, is now Director of Formation for the Community. He currently resides at St Michael’s Friary in Paterson, NJ. Fr. Emmanuel has been involved in the Charismatic Renewal since 1992 and wrote his Master’s Thesis on Baptism in the Holy Spirit, entitled, “A Catholic perspective on ‘Baptism in the Holy Spirit’.”

EWTN Employee Chaplain

Rev. Fr. John Paul Mary, MFVA was born and raised in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.  While growing up he enjoyed skateboarding and rollerblading.  After high school he worked full-time for a hardware store and devoted much time and attention to his fixing and modifying his show car.  He went back to school in the late nineties and earned an associates degree in engineering from DeVry Institute of Technology in 2000.  Feeling a call to the priesthood he became a seminarian for the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA shortly after his graduation.  During his philosophical studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum, he visited the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word.  Following his graduation from Seminary, he entered the MFVA community in October 2004 and he professed final vows on August 14, 2010.  Br. John Paul completed his theological studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary on May 4, 2012 and earned a Masters in Divinity.  He was ordained a deacon on June 2, 2012.  On June 22, 2013 he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert Baker.  Father now serves as the EWTN Employee Chaplain.

Commissioned by Pope Francis in 2015 as a Missionary of Mercy, Father John Paul has a special mandate to be the face of mercy and bring people to Christ through the sacrament of reconciliation. Numbering a little over a thousand, the Missionaries of Mercy were commissioned to facilitate a human encounter with Christ, as living expressions of the Father’s love for us and the Father’s embrace in the sacrament of penance.

Luke was a cradle Catholic who fell into the habit of simply going through the motions. Amidst a series of challenging and life-altering events, the Holy Spirit went to work on Luke, divinely interceding as the catalyst for an epiphany that would lead to sobriety in 2015. The experience ignited in Luke a burning desire for God’s love and mercy and the passion to share his transformation with anyone looking for encouragement. Luke spent 19 years working within supply chain operations for a global company and focusing on leadership development, now he is blessed to be Co-Founder and CFO (Chief Fellowship Officer) of Live Vertical with his brother in Christ, Rob Longo. Luke and his wife Mary are blessed with eight children. In 2021, Luke after two years of formation, took a public profession with the Secular Franciscan Order (Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis, OFS).

Rob and his wife Megan are blessed to have five awesome kids ranging from 19 to 10 years old. After 33 years of checking the box when it came to his faith, Rob surrendered his life to the Lord on December 31, 2003. The age that Jesus died for his life Rob gave his life back to God. After 17 years serving in various sales and marketing roles in large, mid-size and start-up healthcare companies, Rob transitioned into full-time ministry when he helped start Stewardship: A Mission of Faith where He now serves as co-founder and Mission Ambassador. Faith and family are the two most important things in Rob’s life and he is all in for both!

Jeff Cavins Biography

Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as an exciting public speaker and bible teacher. He communicates the Catholic faith at a level that everyone can understand, taking theological truths and expressing them in a practical way.

He is the creator and founder of the popular Great Adventure Bible Study series published by Ascension Press. The foundational study, The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation, has enabled students to understand the chronological flow of Scripture. The teaching methodology is best expressed in the best-selling Great Adventure Catholic Bible. Other Great Adventure Bible Studies taught and recorded by Jeff include Matthew, Acts, Revelation, Psalms, James, Galatians and Ephesians. Over one million Catholics have benefited from these studies in the US and other countries, and they have helped them to engage in scripture in a life-changing way.

Jeff is the founding host of EWTN’s weekly program “Life on the Rock” as well as Relevant Radio’s daily show, “Morning Air.” He currently has a weekly podcast, “The Jeff Cavins Show.” He is author of several books including Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible co-authored with Dr. Tim Gray. Two other popular titles are Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life and When You Suffer: Biblical Keys for Hope and Understanding both published through Franciscan Media. His latest book is The Activated Disciple: Taking Your Faith to the Next Level.

Jeff and his wife Emily host annual pilgrimages to the Holy Land and have guided thousands of pilgrims in the steps of Jesus, Mary and the disciples.

Jeff received an MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the Director Emeritus and teacher at the Catechetical Institute at the St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Jeff and his wife Emily of forty years are the proud parents of three daughters, Carly, Jacqueline and Antonia and grandparents of three, Dominic, Francesco and Fiona.

Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, son of the late Dr. William F. X Coffey, M.D., and Roseanita Schubert Coffey, was born in Rochester, MN, on May 31, 1960. He is the fifth of nine children and the proud uncle of 46 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews. He was raised in Philadelphia and is a life-long fan of all the Philly sports teams.

Bishop Coffey graduated from La Salle University in 1982 with a double major in English/French which included a year of study at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. After college, Bishop Coffey worked as a grade school teacher, a ski instructor in Switzerland, and in the automobile industry in Germany and Belgium for five years.

Heeding a call to the priesthood, he attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) and was ordained in 1996 by Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. He earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Moral Theology, also from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 2000.

While still in seminary, Father Coffey was given permission by Cardinal Bevilacqua to enter the U.S. Navy Chaplain Candidate Program in May of 1992 with the rank of Ensign. He stayed in the Navy Reserve for the next nine years.

Following ordination in 1996, Bishop Coffey was assigned as an Associate Pastor to St. Katherine of Siena parish in Philadelphia, PA. After five years in parish ministry, he was given permission by Cardinal Bevilacqua for full-time active duty as a Navy Chaplain in September of 2001.

Bishop Coffey’s duty assignments have included: Combat Assault Battalion, Okinawa, Japan; Division Officer and Command Chaplain on board USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), homeported in Norfolk,VA, with a 6 month deployment to the Arabian Gulf; Command Chaplain at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, NJ; Marine Air Group 39, Camp Pendleton, CA, an assignment that included a seven month month deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Provence, Afghanistan; U.S. Navy Recruiting Command, St. Louis, MO; Command Chaplain on USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), home ported in Yokosuka, Japan, with a six-month deployment to the South Pacific Ocean; and his final assignment as Assistant Chief of Staff for Religious Ministry, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. 

Bishop Coffey’s military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars, the Navy Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars, the Navy Sea Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the NATO Service Medal, 3 Battle E Ribbons

Dan has been married to his wife Joanne for over fifteen years and is the father of three adopted children, two from Uganda and one from Philadelphia. Dan and Joanne’s story of how God led them to each of their children is a truly powerful and inspiring one about how a personal relationship with God and obedience to Catholic teaching will lead you to a love you would otherwise have never known. As a father in a biracial family, Dan is especially in awe of how God has made his dinner table a place where in many ways the sons and daughters of former slaves and former slave owners sit together at the table of fellowship as Martin Luther King dreamed. However, Dan shares his story with great honesty and humor revealing that being a dad for Christ in his house is not always so dreamy! Dan’s journey as a father is a reminder that God’s plans are always greater than our own and that a personal relationship with God, while not always easy, is always worth it.

Born in Lima city, capital of Peru. I love the rich nature and folklore of my country, I love the ocean, the arts, and silence. I did four years of humanistic studies which opened my quest for deep existential questions. After finding Christ in the Catholic Church in 1999, I joined the Sodilitium Christianae Vitae (SCV). I studied three years of Philosophy and three of Theology, followed by a master’s in Dogmatic Theology and finally a Certificate in Theological Anthropology. My ministry has been dedicated to the youth, families, and Theology teaching.  

Fr. Remigio is the Spirituality Director of St Agatha-St James Parish in University City.  The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae is a Society of Apostolic Life made up of laymen and priests who live in community as brothers and have fully given their lives to God, proclaiming the Gospel in the diverse circumstances of human life. Born in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, the Sodalitium embraces the guidelines presented in the major Church documents of the time.  It was approved by St. John Paul II in 1997.  The SCV community serves the parish community of St Agatha-St. James in University City and the Catholic Center at the University of Penn and Drexel University. 

The Blessed Mother was instrumental in bringing Gloria Coyne back to the one true faith in 1996. Upon her return, she asked the Lord to show her how to use her gifts and talents to serve Him and continue to build up His Kingdom. God took her up on her offer, and He has always provided new and exciting challenges in ministry and service.

After developing a great devotion to the Holy Spirit, she was led to Renewal in 1996. She has been the Bishop’s appointed Liaison for Charismatic Renewal since 2008. She has also served on the National Service Council, National Service Committee, Association of Diocesan Liaisons, and most recently, on the Pentecost Today, USA board.

She has also served on the Board of Catholic Charities, the Archbishop’s Benefit for Children, and currently on the Catholic Social Services Community-based Services. She was the local administrator for the WMOF International Charismatic Event in 2015, and Gloria was one of two Liaisons invited to the Vatican in 2019 to launch the CHARIS initiative. She has been married to her husband, Joe, for over 40 years and is a member of the St. Ignatius of Antioch parish community.

Samantha is the Founder and current President of FIERCE Athlete Inc. She played Division 1 Soccer at UConn, and is currently involved in competitive rowing. She has spent the last 10 years working for Catholic nonprofits and outreaching to female athletes. She graduated with a Masters in Catholic Psychology, holds certification in Strength & Conditioning and has extensively studied the Theology of the Body. It was actually through the teachings of Theology of the Body and the Catholic Church that she has discovered what it means to be both feminine and athletic. These teachings have the power to heal and through FIERCE Athlete she desires to share those truths with female athletes and women across the world.

Father Chris Walsh serves as a professional consultant with the Saint John Vianney Center providing religious workshops and convocations for Clergy and Religious across the country.

Father Chris is also the Pastor of St. Raymond of Penafort Church in Northwest Philadelphia. Prior to St. Raymond he was the School Minister at Archbishop Wood High School as well as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Ransom. Raised in Chester County, he is a graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School, Temple University (B.A. in Sociology) and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (M. Div.; M.A. in Systematic Theology). Father Chris received training in the Spiritual Exercises at the Jesuit Center at Wernersville and has preached retreats and days of recollection throughout the country. In addition, he serves priests throughout the United States and Canada in leadership formation through the Catholic Leadership Institute.

Fr. Sanjai Devis is currently the Diocesan Director, Hospital Chaplaincy and Stephen Ministry, Camden, New Jersey.   He has served as the Parochial Vicar of Church of the Holy Family in Sewell, New Jersey, and was the Catholic Chaplain at Shore Memorial Hospital, Somers Point, New Jersey.  He also served as the Assistant Director of Tabor Ashram (a retreat center), Bombay, Maharashtra, India.  Among other assignments, Fr. Devis was the Principal of DePaul High School and Secretary of the Vincentian Mission Service Society in Maharashtra, India, Coordinator Integrated Tribal Development Program; Finance Officer, Vincentian House and a member of Popular Mission Retreat team,  Kerala, India.

The Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic Religious Order reviving the charism and religious observance of the ancient Carmelite Fathers. Zealous for the glory of God, the spiritual renewal of the Church, and the sanctification and salvation of souls amidst a secular and hostile culture, they are consecrated to a contemplative religious life of prayer and sacrifice. Thus united to Christ Crucified and the omnipotent prayer of that Great High Priest, they intercede for persons especially in those matters which only prayer and divine grace can remedy: “Human activities cannot help us, but only the suffering of Christ. It is my desire to share in it” (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross). However, in addition to the hidden influence of the community’s prayers and sacrifices, the community’s priests offer a specific, zealous apostolate of theological education, moral formation, spiritual direction, conferences, and retreats, especially for Catholic leaders, thus invigorating the spiritual vitality of the heart of the Church and deepening the Christian formation of priests, religious, seminarians, and the lay faithful. The community also produces spiritual writings and works to re-publish out-of-print Catholic spiritual, theological, and devotional books for the intellectual education and spiritual edification of the faithful. In addition, the Hermits translate into the English language spiritual and theological works that do not yet have an extant English version. Thus, striving to emulate their saintly predecessors, the Hermits labor night and day to form the next generation of Catholics at the most vital levels of their Catholic faith and spiritual life in order to bring the light of Christ into the darkness of the modern world and effect authentic spiritual renewal in the Church. The community has its monastery foundation in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, where it is working to accommodate its many young vocations, with an average age of 27 years of age in the Order. The Hermits will be establishing its next monastery foundation elsewhere in the country once the foundation in Fairfield is complete.

Fr. Thomas Mary of Jesus, Er. Carm. was ordained a priest by His Eminence, Cardinal Raymond Burke, who is an outspoken supporter of the Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and their spiritual mission. Fr. Thomas Mary presently serves in the office of Prior in the community. Fr. Thomas Mary of Jesus entered the diocesan seminary upon his graduation from high school, but he eventually discovered a vocation to the contemplative religious life in addition to his priestly calling. He was formed as a religious according to the Carmelite spiritual heritage, and he has spent years in the study of spiritual theology and sacred doctrine, especially as articulated by the Thomistic School of Theology and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church. In addition to providing spiritual direction for numerous individuals, he has preached retreats and conferences for various parishes and lay and religious organizations and religious communities.

Father Arechabala is the Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish in West Chester PA.  He previously was a Parocial Vicar at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church.  He was ordained into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 16, 2015. Fr. Arechabala, who was called to the priesthood from a young age and attended Franciscan University in Stubenville, Ohio.

For twenty-five years, and in thirteen countries, Kathleen Beckman has served in the Church’s ministry of evangelization through Catholic radio and television, writing and speaking. Sophia Institute Press publisheS her four best-selling books including, “Praying for Priests”, “God’s Healing Mercy”, “When Women Pray” and the newest, “A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare”. Her newest Sophia Press book, “Beautiful Holiness: A Path to Divine Intimacy with Blessed Conchita Cabrera” will be published in 2022.

At the invitation of the clergy, Kathleen has served in the Church’s ministry of exorcism and deliverance for sixteen years. She was on faculty for the Pope Leo XIII Institute at Mundelein Seminary for six years, and completed the Association of International Exorcists course at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University, Rome, in 2017. She presently serves as the lay administrator of the exorcism and deliverance ministry and is a member of the exorcist’s team.

In 2013, with encouragement from Cardinal Piacenza, then the Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy, Kathleen co-founded (with Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk, J.C.D.) the “Foundation of Prayer for Priests” a ministry of prayer and sacrifice for the holiness and protection of clergy. www.foundationforpriests.org.

A wife, mother, she and her husband are small business owners, and parishioners at San Antonio de Padua Parish where Kathleen has been a daily communicant for thirty years. She is a popular presenter on these topics: Prayer and Divine Intimacy, Spiritual Warfare & Healing, Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement.

Father Francis Berna is a member of the secular institute Voluntas Dei. He currently serves as the director of graduate programs in Theology and Ministry at La Salle University. He received his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology and prior to coming to La Salle he taught Theology at St. Bonaventure University for eight years.  On weekends Fr. Berna assists at different parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as well as the Diocese of Trenton. He was ordained while a member of the Franciscan Friars in 1980. He has been a frequent presenter for adult faith formation and retreats.

Father James Blount is a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity, Georgia Mission. A very gifted spiritual director and confessor, FatherJim is a bold, charismatic preacher endowed and empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He speaks of living a life in relationship with each of the Persons of the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. His humble boldness and untiring drive to minister to the lost and ill are particularly noteworthy.

Dedicated to his healing and deliverance ministry, Father travels preaching and proclaiming the Gospel whenever and wherever he can, in the United States and abroad.

Rev. Msgr. Richard Bolger is the Pastor Emeritus of St. David Church in Willow Grove, PA. Rev. Msgr. Bolger has been in the priesthood for more than 43 years, and says that serving people as a priest is what he has always wanted to do with his life. While at St. David Church, Rev. Msgr. Bolger worked with the parish’s parochial school as well as Our Lady of Confidence Day School, which is a program for 4 to 15-year-olds who are mentally challenged or developmentally delayed.

Susan Brinkmann, OCDS, author and award winning journalist is a member of the Third Order Discalced Carmelites.  She is the staff writer for Women of Grace and is a frequent guest on EWTN’s  Women of Grace television show.  In addition to two historical fiction novels published Harper Collins, she is also the author of a book on Carmelite prayer, Lord Teach Us to Pray, published by The Catholic Standard and Times.  Her book, The Kinsey Corruption, which details the fraudulent research of Alfred C. Kinsey was published by Ascension Press.  Susan also published The Learn to Discern Compendium: Is It Christian or New Age? with Simon Peter Press which has an impramatur from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  She recently published the story of her conversion entitled, We Need to Talk: God Speaks to a Modern Girl, published by Liguori Publications.

Lydia Britton is the Director of Liturgy & Music for St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kissimmee, Florida.  She has been married to Tim Britton for 25+ years and is the mother of four children, one of which is a Seminarian of the Diocese of Orlando.  In 2007, for a period of four years, she also served as Director of Liturgy for St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Avalon Park, Florida where she helped the newly formed community develop their Liturgical Ministries. She was commissioned by the Diocese of Orlando in 2007 as an Ecclesial Lay Liturgical Minister. She has served as a bilingual Instructor of the Foundations of Liturgy courses for the Lay Minister Formation program. Currently, she serves as a bilingual instructor for the Office of Evangelization and Family Life and is an instructor for ‘La Academia Inmaculada Concepcion’ a program of the Hispanic Ministries Office with a focus on the spiritual development and formation of the laity on a parish level.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, Patron of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, Prefect emeritus of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apoostolic Signatura, Archbishop emeritus of Saint Louis (USA), was born on 30 June 1948 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, USA. He was the youngest of six children and attended high school and college at Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, Wisconsin, before becoming a Basselin scholar at the Catholic University of America in 1971.

He studied for the priesthood at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and was ordained a priest by Pope Paul VI on 29 June 1975 in St. Peter’s Basilica. After his ordination, he returned to La Cross and served as associate rector at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman and taught religion at the Aquinas High School.

In 1980, he returned to Rome and earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University. In 1984, he served as moderator of the curia and vice-chancellor of the diocese of La Crosse. In 1989, he was nominated defender of the bond of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

On 10 December 1994 he was appointed bishop of La Crosse and received episcopal ordination on 6 January 1995 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

On 2 December 2003 he was appointed Archbishop of Saint Louis.

On 27 June 2008 Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature.

On 8 November 2014 Pope Francis nominated him Patron of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta.

He participated in the conclave of March 2013, which elected Pope Francis.

Reverend Dennis Carbonaro is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  Ordained in 1981, in addition to his parish assignments as both parochial vicar and pastor, he has served on the faculty of Saint Charles Seminary for 19 years, in the capacity of  formation advisor of seminarians, teacher of theology in the College Division, and Director of the Permanent Diaconate Department.  Since 2017 he has served as the Director of Spiritual Formation for the College Seminary.  Since 1991, he has ministered to Religious in the capacity of retreat director, spiritual director and spiritual conferences.

Dr. Carmina Chapp is a Catholic theologian, educator and speaker who, with her husband Larry, started the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm in 2013. Having learned of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement during her undergraduate years at the University of Notre Dame, she admired the radical nature of Day’s commitment to her faith, and was inspired to try to imitate it. Led by the Spirit, she earned her doctorate at Duquesne University, and began her academic career at DeSales University. She then served as Academic Dean at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. She presently works from her farm for Saint Joseph’s College Online Theology Programs. She enjoys shearing her sheep and spinning their wool.

Monsignor Ralph Joseph Chieffo is pastor of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Media, PA and enjoys sharing the presence, power and peace of Jesus our Lord and Savior with others through witness stories based on scripture reflections. Father was ordained in 1975 after studying at Saint Charles Seminary and Villanova University. Father was born in Italy and came to Marcus Hook, PA when he was eight years old. He writes: “As a shoe shine boy, I polished shoes; now I pray I can polish your soul to prepare to join the Communion of Saints. Please pray that our retreat experience will help us grow in friendship with Jesus and all those dear to us who reveal the face of God to us.”

Fr. Chiriaco is the School Minister and a Faculty member at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown. He has taught in Archdiocesan high schools for 27 years. Ordained in 1986 by Cardinal Krol, Fr. Chiriaco is a proponent of Catholic education and works tirelessly to promote and support it 

Sarah Christmyer is a Catholic author, Bible teacher, and speaker with a special love for lectio divina and journaling as ways to draw close to Christ in Scripture. She co-developed with Jeff Cavins, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program, serving as founding editor. Her latest book, “Becoming Women of the Word: How to Answer God’s Call with Purpose and Joy” will be published in 2019 by Ave Maria Press. Sarah has a Masters degree in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, where she is an adjunct faculty member. She served as member of the Board of Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA from 2014 – 2024. She blogs at www.ComeIntotheWord.com and for Women in the New Evangelization (WINE) and the American Bible Society.

Deacon Cincotta was ordained in 2013 and assigned to St. Mary Magdalen in Media, PA.  Deacon Tony attended the University of Maryland and received advanced degrees in Criminal Justice and American History.  After a thirty-year career with the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Police, he became a business executive with MVM, Inc. in McLean, Virginia.  After moving to Pennsylvania with his wife, Eileen, in 2002, he taught history at Widener University prior to entering St. Charles Seminary to study for the diaconate.  Deacon Tony has directed in numerous retreats at the Malvern Retreat House.

Al Clay is a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ordained in 2002, and serves at

Immaculate Conception Church in Jenkintown, and the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

At Immaculate Conception Parish, he serves on the Parish Council, Liturgy Committee, and is Chairman of the Finance Committee. He is a regular homilist at the parish and performs many other pastoral duties in his role as deacon. He is a frequent speaker in the Archdiocese at parish, retreat, and other church functions on topics of the diaconate, stewardship, and other aspects of living the Catholic faith.

Al has worked in financial services for over 30 years, most recently as CEO of Davidson Trust Company, and of Pitcairn Trust Company before that. Currently, he is an independent consultant to the Wealth Management industry.

His charitable endeavors include The Archbishop’s Finance Council of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the National Catholic Bioethics Center and St. Charles Seminary.

Formerly, Deacon Clay served on the Boards of BLOCS (Business Leaders Organized for Catholic Schools); Stewards of St John Neumann; the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Board of Education; LaSalle College High School; Pennsylvanians for Human Life; the Investment Committee of the Augustinian Friars; The Center for Study of Church Management at Villanova University; Bishop McDevitt High School: Mann Center for Performing Arts, and the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia,

He is a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, PA and is a member of its Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia CYO Hall of Fame. He is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

Al is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO), and is a Past President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Legatus.

Al earned a BS in Accounting and a Master of Taxation degree from Villanova University and is a CPA and a CFP. He has served on the Villanova School of Business adjunct faculty and is the author of a professional reference manual on partnership taxation. He has also published a series of columns for The Philadelphia Inquirer on the subject of Business Ethics. He is a frequent speaker on the taxation of investments, and other matters affecting wealth management for individuals and trusts, as well as business ethics.

Deacon Clay is one of ten children of Alvin (dec’d) and Nancy Clay of Springfield, PA. He and his wife Kathleen have seven children and four grandchildren and reside in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Meghan Cokeley is the Director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of New Evangelization. Cokeley models her work after Pope John Paul II’s message of spreading the Catholic faith, and she brings Catholicism to modern people who have lost touch with the church or who have never experienced faith at all. Cokeley helped to organize efforts during the World Meeting of Families and regularly speaks on the importance of marriage and family roles in the Catholic Church.

Sister Anita Constance is a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. For more than 15 years, she directed a pastoral healthcare facility. Now, as a full-time minister, Sister Anita leads Matt Talbot and Serenity retreats that focus on letting go, forgiveness, healing, emotional sobriety, anger and resentment.

Sister Anita also has experience as an editor and has published her own books, including “Night Vision…Praying Through Change.”

Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Father Nathan Cromly has been a Brother with the Community of St. John. Working in fields as varied as youth ministry and book publishing, Father Nathan serves as Prior of the brothers of St. John in Laredo, Texas. While he was in formation, Father studied in France for five years, and traveled extensively in Europe and North America, preaching and teaching. He is the founder and director of Eagle Eye Ministries. He works extensively to promote Marian consecration through video, the web, and written publications. Father has hosted radio series through Radio Maria, has been a guest on EWTN’s Life on the Rock, Focus TV, and is a member of the Apostolate for Family Consecration’s teaching faculty. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Biblical Studies from John Paul the Great Catholic University.

As a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Sr. Clare currently ministers as a staff member at the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, Pennsylvania. For half of her 45 years in ministry, Clare has served in retreat work, offering spiritual direction, directed and conference retreats, especially in Franciscan spirituality, throughout the United States. She also serves on the staff of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, leading pilgrims through the holy sites in both Assisi and Rome. Her other ministerial experience has included congregational and provincial leadership, secondary and collegiate education and a variety of additional administrative roles both within and outside of her congregation.

Rev. DeLacy was ordained in 2004 and in 2021 he was assigned as Vicar for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults for Philadelphia Archdiocese.  He was previously the school minister at Pope John Paul II High School.  His dynamic witness to the Gospel through his preaching and joyful approach to living the Christian Vocation has made him a popular preacher.

Fr. Frank S. Donio, S.A.C., D.Min. is Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center. He is former Provincial Rector of the Immaculate Conception Province of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate(Pallottine Fathers and Brothers). Fr. Frank holds additional provincial, national and international leadership positions in administration, formation, development, and finance in the Society of the Catholic Apostolate and in the Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC), an international public association of the faithful founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1835. Some of his prior assignments include Provincial Director of Formation, Pastoral Director of St. Jude Shrine in Baltimore, MD and Chaplain of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken, NJ. Fr. Frank is a Consultant to the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Lisa Duffy is a Catholic author, speaker and divorce recovery expert, who experienced an unwanted divorce in the early 1990s. She has more than 20 years of personal experience helping people rebuild their lives after divorce. Author of “A Road to Healing: Daily Reflections for Divorced Catholics”, “The Catholic Guide To Dating After Divorce”, and “Divorced. Catholic. Now What?”, she has also instituted the Journey of Hope program for Catholic divorce support groups in parishes across the U.S. and in Canada. She blogs at Patheos’ A Million Unheard Souls as well as Catholic Match and contributes to many print and online publications, such as Aleteia. Aside from her dedication to her family, Lisa speaks at conferences, appears on television and radio, coaches one-on-one and in groups and holds online events. She resides in South Carolina with her husband and three children.

Monsignor John Esseff serves in the Diocese of Scranton as a Priest & Exorcist. He was ordained in 1953. Padre Pio was one of his spiritual directors, & he also served as the spiritual director for Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  He promotes the urgency of  Devotion to the Sacred Heart with his Mission, “Building the Kingdom of Love: The Triumph of the Sacred Heart.” 

Fr. Fortunato is an ordained priest with the Capuchin Franciscan Friars. He has served his community for 20 years in formation ministry and as provincial minister for 6 years. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Darlington Seminary and a Master’s Degree in Spirituality from Creighton University. He has certifications in spiritual direction and directed retreats.

During the month of June, Fr. Vinny, with Fr. Joe Kelly, teaches a seminar on spiritual direction to priests and spiritual directors for the Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University. He has taught spiritual direction at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall and Washington Theological Union.  He is a presenter of spiritual direction for groups and training programs. He also is a preacher for parish missions and retreats. Presently, Father lives in Wilmington, DE.

Michelle Francl-Donnay is a Catholic writer, teacher, wife, and the mother of two college-aged sons. She has been a cantor and altar server and regularly joins the Augustinian community at Our Mother of Good Counsel to celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours. Michelle also is a professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College, where she teaches and does research on molecules, and she is an Adjunct Scholar of the Vatican Observatory in Rome.

Michelle’s column, Catholic Spirituality, appears at the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s news site, CatholicPhilly.com, and her reflections on struggling to live a contemplative life in the midst of the everyday chaos can be found in a number of print and online venues, including Loyola Press’ DotMagis and in Liturgical Press’ Give Us This Day. She periodically directs retreats and also blogs on life, prayer and God at the blogspot Quantum Theology.

Catherine Frompovich has been a widow since August 27, 2005 and wrote a book about the journey a bereaved spouse embarks upon during grieving the loss of his or her spouse.The book is titled “Lord, How Can I Make It Through Grieving My Loss.” Catherine came to the realization of what she calls “Obedience of the Mind: Let go; let God.”  She shares how her faith and trust that she would overcome grief with God’s help made all the difference in coping with and managing grief.

Now retired, Catherine enjoyed an exciting career as a consumer health researcher, practicing nutrition consultant and health rights advocate since the late 1970s. Catherine’s latest book is Eat to Beat Disease, Foods Medicinal Qualities, which was published in July of 2016.

Rev. William F. Gaffney, a veteran Redemptorist Missionary of 54 years, has been a pastor, a coordinator of a retreat house and now is a spiritual director for the Sisters of Life. He has given parish missions throughout the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Fr. Gaffney has directed retreats for priests, deacons, and sisters, and over the years he also has led countless Marriage Encounter weekends. This work has enabled Fr. Gaffney to develop a deeper understanding of the joys and trials of families.

Simeon Gallagher, OFM Cap., is a member of the Mid-America Province of the Capuchin Order. Fr. Gallagher is currently the Director of the Preaching Ministry Office of the Mid-America Province of the Capuchin Order. He conducts retreats, parish development programs, parish missions and religious education workshops. His association with the Emmaus Spirituality Program for Priests has gained him an international reputation in conducting retreats for priests.

His work has taken him to Central America (El Salvador). He was instrumental in founding Emmaus in Great Britain, and he has presented ecumenical lectures at the Jean XXIII Centre, Geneva, Switzerland. For the past several years, he has worked closely with the US Armed Forces at military bases around the world. He recently returned from engagements in Asia and Australia. In June, 2011 he was a featured speaker at the Society of University Neuro-Surgeons (SUN) International Symposium in Athens, Istanbul, and Ephesus.

Sister Sheila is a Professor of Theology at Immaculata University. She has been teaching at Immaculata since 1990 and has also held courses at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Her studies include extensive research on C.S. Lewis and Pope John Paul II, both of whom she examines in a literary and theological context. She also studies the theological basis of forgiveness. Her volunteer experiences include the Villanova Consortium for Mission Effectiveness, the Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Generation Life and serving as Immaculata University’s “Macs Respect Life” Club moderator.

Father Gillespie is the Preacher and Retreat Master at Montfort retreat houses in Litchfield, CT, and Bay Shore, NY. He is responsible for planning and presentation of weekend retreats and programs of formation in the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort. His ministry includes itinerant preaching of parish missions, days of renewal and recollection in English and Spanish, Youth retreats and Catechetical programs for youth and adults. He is the author of Preparation for Total Consecration according to St.Louis de Montfort and Presenting Total Consecration (DVD). Fr. Gillespie is Acting Director at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Island. He serves as the Managing Editor of Montfort Publications, and National Moderator of the Association of Mary, Queen of All Hearts.

Fr. Gillespie is the Spiritual Director of The Legion of Mary Regina Cordium Praesidium. He was born in Jim Thorpe, PA. He graduated from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, MDiv, STL in Systematic Theology. He was ordained in 2006 at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church, Ozone Park, NY.

Pat Gohn is a nationally-known Catholic writer, speaker and host of the popular Catholic women’s podcast “Among Women.” She writes regular columns for Patheos, Catholicmom.com, and Amazing Catechists, and has contributed to Catholic Digest, Catholic Exchange, and many other websites.  Gohn holds a Master’s degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, plus certificates in adult faith formation leadership and theology of the body from the University of Dayton and the Theology of the Body Institute, respectively.  She has led parish-based ministries for more than 30 years, including service in the largest parish in the Archdiocese of Boston. Gohn’s media company, Behold Communications, produces Catholic content for catechetical publications, commercial and non-profit clients and voice-overs for radio, internet, and audio books. Gohn and her husband live in Massachusetts and have three grown children.

Carrie Gress has a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. She is the editor at Helena Daily, a faculty member at Pontifex University and a member of the International Marian Association.

Carrie is a regular blogger at The National Catholic Register and has written for numerous publications, including Aleteia, Catholic Vote, Catholic World Report, The Catholic Thing, The Federalist, and The Stream. She is a regular guest on Catholic Answers and is frequently on Ave Maria Radio, EWTN Radio, and Relevant Radio, and has appeared on BBC, CBC, EWTN and Shalom World television.

Carrie has lived and worked professionally in Washington, D.C. and Rome, Italy and her work has been translated into nine languages.

She is the author of Nudging Conversions (Dynamic Catholic 2015), Ultimate Makeover (Dynamic Catholic, 2016), The Marian Option (TAN Books, 2017), and Marian Consecration for Children (TAN Books, 2018). She co-authored City of Saints; A Pilgrim’s Guide to John Paul II’s Krakow with George Weigel. Her latest book, The Anti-Mary Exposed (TAN Books) was released in March 1, 2019.

Father Matt Guckin is a graduate of Father Judge High School and Penn State University. He worked as a Consultant to the Transportation Industry for Manugistics, Inc., outside of Washington D.C. and in Strategic Planning for Rite Aid Corporation in Camp Hill, PA. He entered the Seminary in 1992 and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1999. He was assistant pastor at St. Cecilia’s Parish in Philadelphia and Chaplain at Fox Chase Cancer Center. He has also been an educator and chaplain at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Fr. Guckin currently serves as Director of Catholic Mission and Identity for Universities and High Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Fr. Anthony was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2012. In his first year as a priest, he served in Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Buckingham, PA. For the past four years, Fr. Anthony has served as Parochial Vicar at St. Philip Parish in Lafayette Hill, PA. Fr. Anthony will thrust us into the heart of the gospel where Jesus heals us from our flawed ways and transforms us into more faithful disciples.

Dr. Mary Healy, professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, is a bestselling author and international speaker. She is a general editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, The Gospel of Mark and Hebrews. Her other books include The Spiritual Gifts Handbook and Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World. Dr. Healy serves as chair of the Doctrinal Commission of CHARIS in Rome. She was appointed by Pope Francis as one of the first three women ever to serve on the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

Mark Houck is the founder and president of The King’s Men, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and forming men into authentic leaders, protectors and providers. He lectures internationally and is a popular speaker at many Catholic men’s conferences in the United States. Mark is a published author and is considered one of the leading experts in the fight against pornography and the healing of those who are its victims. Mark is a graduate of Catholic University and holds a masters degree in Education from Holy Family University. He lives in Quakertown, PA with his wife Ryan-Marie and 5 children.

Jennifer Hubbard graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a BA degree in art history and communications. Upon graduating from college, she worked for a Fortune 100 company for nine years. Jennifer left the professional workforce to raise her two children, Frederick and Catherine. Her youngest child, Catherine Violet, was a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Jennifer and her husband, Matthew, established the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, Inc.® to support those causes that best represent their daughter and her life. The foundation’s current focus is in creating and developing programming that will sustain the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary® in Newtown, CT. Jennifer is a monthly contributor for the Magnificat. Her essays focus on God’s healing presence and His faithfulness. She is the recipient of a 2014 and 2015 Catholic Press Awards and has had her work published in Fairfield County Catholic.

Anna and Bob have served the Church for over 40 years through Living Bridges, a Catholic lay ministry of Evangelization to families .

Their ministry is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Some of the outreaches have been conferences, radio, television, camps, education, orphaned children and publishing.

Fr. Carl Janicki is the Director of Campus Ministry at Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania. A priest for more than 20 years, he has also worked in ministry at Cardinal Dougherty High School. He served that community for 12 years as Campus Minister, then President, before moving on to his current position at Cabrini. Fr. Janicki represented Cabrini during the 2015 Papal visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, at which he served in Media Relations, and provided “color” commentary during the Pope’s Closing Mass on the Parkway for CBS 3, Philadelphia.

Father Killian grew up in Philadelphia. He has a Master’s degree in Government. Before entering the seminary, he worked for 16 years as Imagery Analyst for the US Government. He has a MDiv and certificate in Hispanic Ministry from Mount St. Mary Seminary. Father Killian was ordained a priest in 2008. Currently, he serves as a procurator/advocate in the tribunal of the Diocese of Arlington. He  made his Legion Promise in 1997. He has served as praesidium president, curia secretary and curia president. He is the Spiritual Director of two praesidia at St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg, VA.

Ann M. Koshute, M.T.S. holds a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. While studying at the JP II, Ann and her classmates founded Theophany Catholic Theatre Company to perform the plays and poetry of Karol Wojtyła /John Paul II, including at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. Following graduation Ann served as Assistant Director of the Family Life Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, assisting couples in preparing for marriage. Ann is currently Adjunct Instructor at St. Joseph’s College of Maine, where she teaches theology online. She is a writer and speaker, and recently co-founded an apostolate dedicated to offering support for women and couples bearing the cross of infertility (www.springinthedesert.org). Ann is a columnist for The Eastern Catholic Life, the official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. She and her husband Keith live in Palmyra, PA.

Deacon Mark Kuhn was baptized into the Catholic faith as an infant, but he was raised Protestant and belonged to three very different denominations in his formative years.  He was led back to Catholicism while getting his bachelor’s degree in modern foreign languages at Holy Family University, partly through the kindness of the nuns and mostly through the example of his girlfriend Suzanne, now his wife for over 36 years.  They have been active members of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Southampton for most of their married life and have raised four children in that parish.  Mark is a longtime employee of Kingsbury, Inc., where he works as Business Development Manager, overseeing the work of the firm’s international sales representatives.

Deacon Mark began his studies at Saint Charles Seminary after his youngest child turned 10 and was ordained by Archbishop Chaput in June 2015.  The primary focus of his diaconate ministry has been evangelization work, as in 2003, he felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to help revitalize the Church.   With the help of several faith-filled parishioners, he formed an evangelization team that now includes members from other local churches.  From the very outset, it has been an extraordinary experience for all involved in this ministry, and with the Lord’s help, Deacon Mark trusts that more workers will join the evangelization team in the vast harvest fields.

Fr. John Large currently serves as Pastor Emeritus at St.Paul Parish Philadelphia.

Fr. Dan Leary is the pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Silver Spring, MD. In addition to serving his parish at home, he has also completed missions trips in Jamaica with his parish.

Deacon Paul Logan was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2015 and is assigned to Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in North Wales. He is a principal in the Philadelphia law firm of Post & Schell and has a trial lawyer for over 40 years, having tried well over 500 cases. His practice focuses on commercial and real estate litigation, construction claims, government contracts and major lawsuits arising from engineering and construction related accidents and failures. He represents owners, contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers and other businesses that deal with local, state, and federal governments. He earned his J.D. with Honors from the University of Toledo College of Law after his B.S. degree from the University of Illinois. Deacon Paul is a member of the Bar in five states, the federal district and appellate courts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware and the United States Supreme Court. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in Drexel University’s College of Engineering.

Titles of presentations:

1. “Objection sustained.” – A lawyer’s look at Jesus’ trials on Holy Thursday (Sanhedrin) and Good Friday (Roman).

2. The Real Presence in the Eucharist. – The first Christians believed in the real presence in the Eucharist; what did they know that we don’t?

3. A personal walk on the Road to Emmaus. – ”Jesus, will you walk a bit further with me?”

4. “If there really is a loving God, explain brain cancer in children to me.” – Did Job get it wrong and the atheists are right?

5. Tough moral theology questions – “What do I do when it happens to me?” (Divorce and remarriage; terminal illness and euthanasia; “gay marriage” in my family; abortion)

6. Catholic “Jeopardy” – Answers to questions about the faith that we think we know, but really don’t.

Fr. Lowe has a Doctor of Education degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and both a Master of Divinity degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. He serves as the University Chaplain and assistant professor for Neumann University in Aston, PA. He previously served as director of the Doctor of Education program at Neumann and as the Director of the Newman Center at Temple. In addition, Father was previously the principal of St. Pius X High School in Pottstown and served in several other educational roles over the years.      

A local to the Philadelphia area, Lozano works with Heart of the Father & Unbound Ministries on their Local Ministry Team. She is the Intake Coordinator, managing Prayer Team Events and Unbound Conferences. Lozano also serves as the ministry’s coordinator for media and communications. She is married and has four sons.

Heather Makowicz is a Certified Spiritual Director,  Trauma-Informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and seasoned Retreat Director.  Additionally, she is the Founder of Peak Encounter Ministries whose mission has been taking young adults into the beauty of creation and integrating scripture through experiences to encounter God. 

 With her background, she deeply desires to integrate natural human experiences in everyday life with God. 

 She and her husband are the proud parents of three young adults, the first of whom has multiple special needs.  She is no stranger to complex, challenging situations and has a heart for caregivers, balancing the joys, sorrows, and demands that this vocation brings.

MSGR. MANNION is the Director of Community Relations for the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey. Ordained to the Priesthood in 1971, Msgr. Mannion is a pioneer in the field of post-abortion healing, having authored some of the first and finest books on the topic, including Abortion and Healing – A Cry to Be Whole (1986). He has conducted training for clergy and lay professionals throughout the world on this topic. His work has helped to develop the Church’s understanding of the wounds abortion brings and of the path to healing. His ministry inspired Dr. Theresa Burke to focus on the topic of healing after abortion and to develop the Rachel’s Vineyard retreat program, now the world’s largest ministry for post- abortion healing. Msgr. Mannion is now developing a new line of thought linking the path of healing with the traditional schools of spirituality in the Church.

Monsignor Marino entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1975. He also attended St. Joseph’s University for undergraduate studies in Sociology, and received a Master’s degree in sociology from Temple University in 1975. After working as pastor, secondary school teacher, administrator and spiritual director for many years, Monsignor Marino was appointed Rector of Malvern Retreat House in 2013.

Additionally, after serving for 10 years as a member of the Archdiocesan School Board, Monsignor now serves as a member of the Archdiocesan Executive Board for Elementary Education. He is also the current president for The Foundation for Catholic Education in Chester County.

Fr. McBurney has served as both a Pastor and Parochial Vicar in parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  He has also served his Augustinian Community as a Vocation Director and Director of Formation.

In addition to presently being the Parochial Vicar at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr, PA, he offers days of recollection and retreats.  He has been exploring spiritual direction with religious clergy and laity for 15 years.

Kathleen McCarthy is President of In His Sign Catholic Radio Network, a Retreat Director, and Published Author.  Her current books are titled In The Silence of My Heart. These writings, spanning over ten years of prophetic locutions, have received the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat of the Catholic Church. Kathleen is also a world-renowned Catholic Evangelist and has led a healing Apostolate for over four decades.  Her message is focused on the “Fire of the Holy Spirit” and the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Kathleen has dynamic gifts of Preaching, Teaching, Healing, and of bringing the Sacred Scriptures to life through her story-telling. Kathleen has been hosting a daily radio program for close to two decades which can be seen live on Facebook as well.

Anne McGlone previously served as the Director of Marketing for Malvern Retreat House and is the retired President and Founder of McGlone & Associates and Agnus Dei Communications, Ltd. She is a seasoned retreat director and motivational speaker with forty years in corporate management and ministry. As a radio host, Anne broadcasts weekly on In His Sign Catholic Radio Network and formerly hosted a weekly program on Radio Maria USA for nine years. Many of her Catholic documentaries have appeared on EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network and the Arts & Entertainment Network (A& E); most notably, Marian Apparitions of the 20th Century with Ricardo Montalban and The Father’s Gift. As an international event planner for the Sacred Heart Apostolate in New York, Anne also managed marketing operations for several renowned Catholic personalities in her daily work. She authored a book in 2013 entitled, “‘The Whisper in the Wind,’ Does God Really Hear Me.”  Married for close to forty years to her husband, Jim, they are the proud parents of two married daughters and four grandsons.

Father Jim is the Son of Eddie and Mary McGuinn, both of whom were born in Ireland.  He has one brother, three sisters, and lots of nieces and nephews.  He grew up in Philadelphia, went to college in Massachusetts, and lived for a year in a monastery in Pittsburgh.  He attended St. Charles Borromeo seminary in Wynnewood, PA. and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1988.  He has been a parochial vicar, a high school teacher and chaplain, the director of the Newman ministries at two universities and a pastor.  He is the author and founder of CONNECTIONS, which is a new process that inspires and equips Catholics to grow in their faith and be fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.  He loves Catholic evangelization, helping parishes achieve their redemptive potential,and forming leaders.

Fr. McKay is a nationally-recognized retreat director, author and evangelist. He became a priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1982, and later founded Our House Ministries, a recovery-based ministry group located in Grays Ferry, Philadelphia. The Ministry is dedicated to helping those who are dependent on alcohol or drugs, who are depressed, or who have turned to crime. He has previously served as Chaplain for Holy Family Home and worked with Little Sisters of the Poor. Fr. McKay was awarded the St. Rita Peace Award in 2015.

José Antonio (Tony) Meléndez Rodríguez is a Nicaraguan-American guitar player, composer, singer and songwriter. Tony was born without arms and plays the guitar with his feet. He has performed during the Knights of Immaculata Men of Malvern retreat as well as given a general performance at Malvern Retreat House in November of 2016.

In 1987, Meléndez sang Never Be the Same while playing the guitar in a special performance for Pope John Paul II. The Pope was visibly moved by Tony’s performance. Currently, Tony and his band have a busy concert schedule. He also gives motivational talks, has written a book and campaigns for the pro-life cause.

Deacon Cody has served the Diocese of Lafayette Louisiana for 30 years. Upon completing his assignment at St. Joseph Church in Milton Louisiana, he was re-assigned by Bishop Michael Jarrell to extension work in the New Evangelization.
Eighteen years ago Deacon Cody encountered St. Louis Marie de Montfort and his spirituality of baptismal renewal and total consecration to Jesus through Mary in his classic work “True Devotion.” Since then the saint has remained the guiding force of his ministry of spiritual missions, retreats, workshops and days of recollection. Deacon Cody is a musician, a missionary troubadour like his patron St. Louis Marie. Before ordination to the diaconate, Cody spent many years as a professional recording artist and composer. Since being ordained to the diaconate, he has written, produced and performed five CDs inspired by the spirit of Montfort’s canticles. His songs are essential to Cody’s missionary work as they were to the missionary work of his patron. Cody’s missions are increasingly popular among young people. In them through his words and music, he seeks to root their hearts in Jesus through his Mother by living the consecration, no matter what their life calling might be. He has designed a new mission on Montfort’s “Secret of the Rosary” which cultivates a listening heart for Jesus and His Blessed Mother by deep contemplation and meditation on the Rosary’s mysteries.
Deacon Cody has become increasingly engaged both nationally and internationally as a spiritual director in the work of recruitment and formation for the Legion of Mary. It is not surprising that Cody was led to this work since the charism of the Legion’s founder Frank Duff was inspired by Montfort’s spirituality of “True Devotion”. Deacon Cody has been active in formation work at the praesidium, curia, senatus, comitium concilium levels of the Legion.
He has collaborated with Fr. Stephen McGraw and students of Christendom College in extended home-outreach evangelization to homes in Venice, Florida. Deacon Cody attended Loyola Institute of Ministry in the Master’s Program of Pastoral Ministry. He and his wife Cyndi have been married for 37 years and own and operate Astro Products Inc. in Milton, LA. Their son, C. J. Miller is a practicing attorney working in Lafayette La.

Morro is an RN/BSN Healing Minister at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media, PA. She has been married for 30 years, and she and her husband Bob have four adult children.  They have been involved in the Pre-Cana Ministry, the Cursillo Movement, the fostering of young children, Kairos teenage retreats and adult faith formation. In 2007, with the encouragement of her pastor, Monsignor Chieffo, Morro established the St. Mary Magdalen Parish Healing Ministry dedicated to promoting spiritual, emotional and physical healing. The ministry’s focus is to provide a visible, tangible source of Christ’s light during a family’s time of need. Morro has been a nurse RN/BSN for 35 years and has been involved in end of life, critical care, homecare and addiction counseling.

Rev. Mullan was ordained as a Legionary of Christ, where he spent most of his 14 years of training in Europe, receiving degrees in Philosophy & Theology. From 2007-2013, he was director of the Faith and Family Centre in Dublin, Ireland. In 2014, he began discerning to come into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He has served at St. Stanislaus in Lansdale and now at St. Agnes Parish, West Chester. He continues offering Retreats.

Msgr. Tom Mullelly was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. He is a graduate of Queen of Peace School, Ardsley and Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote. Monsignor graduated in 1974 from Mount Saint Mary’s University (summa cum laude) with a degree in political science. He has received master’s degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (counseling in higher education); Immaculate Conception Seminary, the graduate school of theology and pastoral ministry of Seton Hall University and from Princeton Theological Seminary. Monsignor received his J.D. and LL.M. degrees from the Beasley School of Law at Temple University.
Ordained a priest in service to the Diocese of Trenton in 1980, he has served in parish ministry, as director of the diocesan office of the Pontifical Mission Aid Societies and as Master of Ceremonies to the Most Reverend George W. Ahr. From 1989 till 1995 Monsignor Mullelly served as an administrator and lecturer in the sociology department at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD. In 1995 He was appointed Director of the Aquinas Institute and Roman Catholic Chaplain at Princeton University. While at Princeton University he served as a lecturer in the Politics Department (teaching precepts in Constitutional Interpretation and Civil Liberties). He served in that capacity until 2011 when he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life and Director of Seminarians by The Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton. In addition to his diocesan duties, Msgr. Mullelly is currently serving as interim Roman Catholic Chaplain at Princeton University.

Rev. Murphy hails from Dublin, Ireland and is a priest of the Camden Diocese. Ordained on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima in the Jubilee Year 2000, he has served as Parochial Vicar in St. Mary’s, Gloucester City and St. Peter’s, Merchantville. He is presently chaplain to a Carmelite Monastery in New York and giving retreats for the Marian Movement of Priests.

Father Zachary Navit is Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care at Saint Mary Center and Saint Mary Villa in Lansdale, PA.  Ordained a priest in 1994 for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Father Navit has served in parishes in Montgomery and Bucks County and in Philadelphia, as well as in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.  An active pilgrimage promoter and group leader, Father Navit often incorporates his encounters with the Lord during travel to sacred places and for special events in his preaching to help bring the Scriptures to life.  Father Navit has degrees in pastoral and systematic theology from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and in law from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and is admitted to the bar in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In residence at Saint Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale, Father Navit regularly assists at local parishes. 

Fr. Matthew was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in the suburbs.  He received an BA in Finance from Michigan State University.  He was working at the Smithsonian in Washington DC when he joined the Capuchins.  He has an STB from The Catholic University of America, and he was ordained in 2005.

Fr. Matthew has worked as a parish priest in Washington DC and in Philadelphia, PA.  He has also served as a hospital chaplain in Harrisburg, PA.  Fr. Matthew is currently the chaplain at the city jail in Philadelphia.

Deacon Michael Pascarella, Jr. grew up in Saint Lucy’s Parish in Manayunk, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University, a Master of Science degree from West Chester University, and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. He is a 1992 graduate of the Church Ministry Institute. In 2006, he entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, and was ordained a permanent deacon on June 2, 2012, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He is currently assigned as the Associate to the Vicar for Clergy for Permanent Deacons. Prior to his appointment to his Archdiocesan post, he enjoyed a 35-year career in law enforcement.

Deacon Pascarella has been married for more than 30 years and has twin sons. He is also a Man of Malvern, having made more than 40 weekend retreats. He was originally a member of Our Lord of the Sea group. He is a former Associate Captain of Our Lady of Lourdes Group, and the founding Captain of Our Lady of the Rosary Family Retreat.

Father Leonard Peterson was ordained for service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1967. After two years as a parochial vicar, he spent the next 23 years in the Education Apostolate. In 1991, he was appointed pastor of St. Bridget parish in Philadelphia until 1993, followed by a dual assignment as parochial vicar at St. Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, PA and adjunct professor at (then) Immaculata College from 1993 – ’97. In 1997, he was appointed pastor of St Maria Goretti Parish in Hatfield until 2012.

For more than 20 years, he wrote both op-ed pieces and homilies for the Catholic Standard and Times archdiocesan newspaper. Retired in 2012, Father now assists part time at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Marmora, NJ.  He also writes weekly Scriptural Reflections for the John Patrick Publishing Company.

Dr. Antone Raymundo is a pro-life physician, Wharton MBA alumnus, and former senior medical director who had practiced anesthesiology and currently works as a medical consultant specializing in disability. He is the US National Spokesperson for the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Movement. He is a lay Carmelite, a spiritual director, and an experienced prayer team member/assistant in the healing, deliverance, and exorcism ministry for the region’s Archdiocese. He is a passionate Catholic speaker who inspires people with his personal testimony and stories of miraculous healings. He has delivered conferences, internationally and nationally, and is a sought-after retreat director. He has volunteered over 230 hours in prison ministry and evangelized hundreds of inmates.

He hosts a popular radio show/podcast that is nationally broadcasted on Radio Maria called “The Flame of Love Show” and hosts two more one hour radio shows: a weekly Thursday show and a monthly First Friday call-in show on In His Sign Catholic Radio Network aired through WTMR 800 AM and via streaming apps.  Additionally, he speaks on the Eucharist, The Secret of the Rosary, Spiritual Warfare, Exorcisms, Angels & Saints, Resurrection Stories, St. Joseph, Catholic Masculinity, Marriage & Family, Fatherhood, and Discovering One’s True Self and Mission in Christ. He is a happily married man and resides in southeast Pennsylvania with his wife and six children. His oldest son is an ordained Roman Catholic priest.

        “As a lay Carmelite and medical doctor directly involved in spiritual warfare, I helped save numerous lives from disease, disability, demons, and death. I also                 help save souls by assisting our priests, who are the spiritual doctors of our soul. In union with our priests and our Church, I help bridge the gap of faith and               reason for regular everyday life so LOVE and MERCY can cross over to hearts and minds. I am a lay emissary to re-evangelize people so they can go back to the           Catholic Church, our spiritual hospital, and experience more fully the saving medicine of God from the Divine Physician Himself and from his priests, through               the sacraments and sacramentals.” -Dr. Antone Raymundo

Fr Scott Reilly LC is from Kankakee, IL. His parents, Gerald and Frances Reilly have just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He has two sisters and one brother who is a Legionary priest, Fr Steven. In 1983-1984 he attended the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in Center Harbor, NH. In September 1984, he entered the Novitiate in Cheshire, CT. He professed his first vows in Salamanca, Spain, and eventually made his perpetual profession on June 23, 1991. On December 24, 1997, he was ordained a priest for the Legionaries in Rome, Italy. He has earned a Bachelors in Philosophy from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas and Theology with the Legionaries of Christ. In 2019, he earned an M.A. in Theology of the New Evangelization from the Augustine Institute. As a priest, he served in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1997-2010 as Chaplain to Pinecrest Academy, Chaplain to St. Pius X Catholic High School, Regnum Christi, and nationally as the Territorial Director. From 2010-2015, he served in Houston, TX as the Regnum Christi Director, Adult formation in Regnum Christi, and President of Northwoods Catholic School. From 2015, he is currently serving in Philadelphia, PA, as the Regnum Christi Men’s Section Director, Chaplain to the Lumen Institute (Philadelphia Chapter), and the Regnum Christi Director. He enjoys golf, tennis, hiking, fishing, movies, reading, and pastoral ministry.

Fr. Salvatore M. Riccio lived and grew up in Montgomery County, PA.  He entered St. Charles Seminary in September of 1956 and was ordained on May 21, 1966 by John Cardinal Krol.  His assignments have all been within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  Father Sal was a Parochial Vicar in five parishes, an Administrator in one parish and served as Pastor of St Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield for 18 years.  In addition, he studied Music Composition at Temple University for three years and served on the Diocesan Music Commission for many years. Father Sal is now retired and assists in local parish work and at Malvern Retreat House.

Fr. Larry has directed hundreds of retreats, parish missions, and conferences for those of all ages. His inspirational talks, presentations, and books are always authentic and enthusiastic, and they have changed the hearts, minds and lives of millions of listeners and readers worldwide. He speaks from experience as a pastor of an inner city parish, a high school chaplain, a counselor and evangelist.

Fr. Larry is the author of several best-selling books including, “Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You to Be,” challenging men to be strong . His second book, “Surrender! The Life Changing Power of Doing God’s Will,”challenges you to let go of attachments and assumptions.

Father Larry can be seen on the EWTN televised programs “Living Right with Dr. Ray” and “Crossing the Goal.” He also hosts a radio show called “Changed Forever with Father Larry Richards.” Visit his website, thereasonforourhope.org, to learn more about his life and work. 

A native New Yorker, Fr. Dermot Roache has served as a missionary priest with the S.M.A. Fathers in rural parts Africa as well as in US urban parish settings in Jersey City and Boston. He is currently the vice provincial of the American Province of the S.M.A. Fathers located in Tenafly, New Jersey.

Fr. Dermot directs retreats and missions in many dioceses around the US for both laity and religious. He has a deep love for Our Lady and the Eucharist. Through an experience Fr. Roache had in South Africa, a special apostolate was founded. (Family Divine Mercy) is dedicated to the healing of the family through The Divine Mercy.  It is most associated with a particular prayer he authored called, “Act of Consecration of the Family to the Divine Mercy.”

Fr. Roache recently published a book of Marian reflections entitled, I am the Virgin Mother of God and your Mother Too.

Sister Mercedes is a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Sister Mercedes attended LaSalle University for her Bachelor’s degree in humanities, then went on to earn Master’s degrees in education and pastoral care and counseling from St. Joseph’s University and Neumann University, respectively. Today, she is a psychotherapist at a Sharon Hill mental health clinic and volunteers her time to the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, PA. Sister Mercedes has years of experience as an educator, a health professional and an impactful spiritual presenter.

Jesse is a full-time bilingual Catholic Lay Evangelist, who is nationally acclaimed for his dynamic, upbeat Christ centered preaching. His preaching apostolate is “On Fire Evangelization.”

Jesse is a resident of Arizona and a retired Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff who has been married to his wife Anita since 1983, and is parent of three children and grandchildren.

He has a B.A. from Mount St Mary’s University in Los Angeles and an M.A. in Catholic Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a bilingual Catholic author. (1) Recipient of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Award, (2) The Fullness of Truth “Defender of Faith” Award & (3) “Sports Faith International Award”.

Jesse has been on Catholic radio for over 12 years now hosting teaching and speaking in English & Spanish. Currently on The Terry and Jesse Show, & En Familia Radio. Also, an occasional co-host on “Chips N Salsa” radio show.

He speaks on all things Catholic such as:
 Catholic Evangelization
 Apologetics
 Marriage & Family
 Male Spirituality
 Spiritual Warfare
 Culture Wars
 Teen & Chastity talks

Jesse has been preaching since 1995. He has also defended Holy Mother Church in several official debates with different Protestant Pastors, and on Spanish television against secular humanist.

Jesse’s motto is: Love God, Save Souls, & Slay Error!

Deacon John is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ordained in June, 2001. He and his wife have been married for 33 years. They are the proud parents of five grown children – two sons and three daughters. They also have a daughter-in-law whom they consider another daughter. Their faith and the practice of their faith have always been an important part of their lives. Through all of life’s ups and downs, they have always found strength in Our Lord.

Marty Rotella is a singer, songwriter, evangelist who presents music and message to diverse audiences. He has presented the Gospel message of Jesus’s love in forty-three states in addition to Australia, Europe, Central and South America and Canada. With over thirty years of ministry through teaching and motivational speaking, he has presented in churches, schools, conferences, and prisons.

As a three-time Grammy nominee, Marty integrates his gift of music with his unique preaching style to men, women, young adults and teens. Countless endorsements from bishops and clergy, religious, families and prison inmates comprise his repertoire. As a noted evangelist, Marty delivers a compelling message of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and mercy to all who encounter him.

“Spirit Power” is his trademark platform for music and evangelization; bringing the fire of God’s love to retreat houses, conferences, parishes and, most notably, to the streets.

Father Scalia, son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, grew up in the Diocese of Arlington and attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He then studied theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.  Since his ordination in 1996 he has served as parochial vicar at several parishes and as pastor of Saint John the Beloved in McLean.  He currently serves as the Episcopal Vicar for Clergy.  He has written for various publications and is a frequent speaker on matters of faith and doctrine.  Father Scalia’s first book, That Nothing May Be Lost, was published by Ignatius Press in 2017.

Deacon David Schaffer was ordained a permanent deacon in May 1986. He currently serves at Saint John Neumann Parish. Deacon David is a graduate of Neumann University with a Master’s degree in pastoral counseling and a Master’s degree in religious studies from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Deacon David worked for many years at the Archdiocesan Office Center in the areas of Family Life, Respect Life and Evangelization.  Deacon Schaffer and his wife Mary, now deceased, raised two children, and he has two grandsons.

Megan Schrieber, is the Chief Creative Officer of Helena Daily, Theology of Home and Source & Canvas. She is a married Catholic mother of six, entrepreneur, writer and speaker who is eager to address and defend the Catholic Church’s beautiful vision of womanhood and religious freedom.

The Rev. Paul Schenck is a married Catholic priest.  You may think that’s a poorly written sentence that should read “…a former Catholic priest who is now married.” But, no, Schenck, of York, really is a married Catholic priest, one of about 200 in the nation and another 200 worldwide. He and his wife, Becky, have been married 37 years and have nine children,  including “one in heaven.”

And that’s not all. Schenck, 57, was raised Jewish, converted to Christianity at age 16 and was a Protestant pastor for about 20 years before becoming Catholic in 2004.

Ordained in the Catholic Church in 2010, Schenck has served as director of respect life activities and continuing education for clergy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg since 2008 and chairs the Washington, D.C., National Pro-Life Center, an ecumenical mission at the Supreme Court, which he founded in 2004.

Schenck’s journey began in Western New York, where he was raised. There he attended Hebrew school for six years, learning Babylonian Aramaic. When he was in ninth grade, two classmates — one a son of a United Methodist minister and the other who became the first female minister ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — introduced him to Christianity.

“I listened to them very closely,” Schenck said. “I grew up in a home where Jesus was respected. I was told Jesus was a great rabbi that Christians mistakenly turned into a God.  “He began reading the New Testament, which he found very familiar, with names such as Isaiah, Solomon and David and references to circumcision and bar mitzvahs.  “There was nothing non-Jewish about it,” he said.

Schenck used the Yiddish word mishmash to describe his family, explaining that his mother was baptized a Catholic and raised an Episcopalian before marrying the son of Jewish refugees and converting to Judaism to please her husband’s father. The priest, whose twin brother is a UMC pastor in Chicago, confirmed his mother and baptized his father in the Catholic Church before they died.

Schenck graduated in 1979 from Elim Bible Institute, in Lima, N.Y. He then attended the Institute of Jewish Studies at the State University of New York because he wanted to study the Old Testament in Hebrew. He graduated from Luther Rice Seminary in 1982.  By then, he and his wife, who married at 19, had six children and lived in a garage apartment without enough heat.  “We were in desperate straits, but we didn’t know it. We were enormously happy. Our family life and ministry fulfilled us. Our children were our treasures and still are.”

Although Schenck was a Protestant clergyman, he said he felt Catholic. When he learned that Pope John Paul II would grant pastoral provisions to married Anglican priests, allowing them to become Catholic priests, he joined a Reformed Episcopal Church, a member of the worldwide Anglican communion.

“I have tremendous respect and admiration for my brother unmarried priests,” Schenck said, “because they voluntarily surrender what is a right that every Christian man has — a wife and a family. They do that for the love of Christ and his church. And I think that’s heroic.”

Nancy Scimone is a classically trained singer who has performed in concert halls and churches throughout North America. She has composed a melody of the Chaplet used at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy and the National Basilica in Washington, D.C. She spreads the message of Mercy through her drama on the life of St. Faustina.

JEN SETTLE is a Consecrated Virgin in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She was consecrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, February 2, 2017. She has been a staff member at the Theology of the Body Institute in Aston, PA since 2008 where she currently serves as the Director of Programs. She has Bachelor and Master degrees in Theology and Parish Ministry from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Jen worked in religious education and adult faith formation for 15 years before joining the TOBI staff, teaching Theology of the Body throughout the country. She is the co-author of the book Consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph: An Integrated Look at the Holy Family.

Sr. Ann Shields, SGL, is an internationally noted conference and retreat speaker, and the author of numerous books on Catholic spirituality, including “Deeper Conversion,” “To Be like Jesus,” and “More of the Holy Spirit.” She currently hosts the popular daily radio program Food for the Journey. She is part of Renewal Ministries’ leadership team and a member of The Servants of God’s Love, a charismatic religious community established in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan. Sr. Ann was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Benedict XVI in September of 2012 for service to the Church. She also is a recipient of the Aggiornamento Award, given by the Catholic Library Association in recognition of outstanding contribution through her books and articles for the renewal of parish and community life.

Michael Skinner is the founder of Gratia Reflections and the author of Men of Virtue Rosary, a special Marian devotion designed for men and their families. Inspired at Malvern during the 2016 Our Lady of Fatima retreat, Men of Virtue – and its motto “There has never been a greater need for good men!” – debuted at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Victory. Since then, Men of Virtue has grown in popularity across the world, and has been featured in the Catholic Review, on Radio Maria USA, and at Mount Saint Mary’s University. In 2017, during the centennial year of the Fatima apparitions, Michael was invited to share his testimony and the story behind Men of Virtue on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), the largest religious media network in the world with a reach of 250 million households. Today, the Men of Virtue podcast (available on iTunes and Google Podcasts) has been downloaded in 40 countries across the world and in 48 states in the U.S. Michael is blessed with his wife of 25 years and their three wonderful boys, and is inspired by Saint John Paul II’s declaration, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.”

Fr. Speziale was ordained to the priesthood in 2009. Previously, he attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree. He taught Theology at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor and in 2021 was assigned as Parochial Administrator of St. Ephrem parish.

Father James F. Sullivan is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  He is a graduate of Malvern Prep, Villanova University, and St. Charles Seminary.  Father Sullivan was ordained a priest in 1987.  He has served in parish ministry as a parochial vicar and since 2014 has had the privilege to be the chaplain of Holy Family Home in southwest Philadelphia.

Father Michael P. Sullivan, O.S.A., travels the country year-round providing parishes with unique and dynamic retreats.

The letters from pastors seeking his services come to the Province Office, where Father Sullivan reviews them and sends a letter of confirmation if the time and place are suitable to his schedule. If airfare is required the Parish reimburses the Augustinians for expenses incurred. Father Sullivan only asks for a ‘love offering’ that is taken up the last day of the retreat. This offering goes to retired Augustinian priests. This is all that Father Sullivan requires for his services.

Father Sullivan’s mission schedule concentrates on the seven Sacraments. The first night is Baptism, Confirmation, and the power of the Spirit. The second night is reconciling, healing, and forgiveness. The third night is fidelity and commitment. The fourth night is “call to be one bread, one body.” Father Sullivan makes his message known while adding a bit of humor and fun to the mission. Fear is not part of Father Sullivan’s mission talk approach. People leave with a smile, his message well taken, and a feeling of pride in being Catholic.

Originally from Havertown, PA, Fr. Sullivan joined the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy in 1998. This group is dedicated to parish missions and retreats across the U.S. Before joining this Congregation, Fr. Sullivan owned his own roofing company and did extensive charity work. After his time with the Fathers of Mercy, Fr. Sullivan graduated from Holy Apostles Seminary in Connecticut, where he was ordained in 2004.

Rev. Peter Walsh is the Spiritual Director of Regina Pacis Curia.

Jack Williams is the General Manager of EWTN Radio.  After a radical conversion in 1981 Jack traveled college campuses in the United States and Australia as part of a charismatic, evangelical campus outreach.   He later spend a decade providing sports talk radio programming and live high school sports coverage in the Des Moines, IA market.  After entering the Catholic Church in 2002, Jack began doing an hour long Catholic program every weekday on a local evangelical radio station.  He was later a member of the team that transformed that very station into a Catholic Radio Station.  After spending time at the local EWTN radio affiliate in Birmingham, AL, Jack joined EWTN in 2014.  EWTN Radio programming can be heard on over 350 affiliated stations in the United States, online at ewtn.com, on the ewtn app, on Sirius/XM channel 130 and on a myriad of streaming and social media platforms.  In addition to his responsibilities as General Manager, Jack can be heard Monday through Friday at 3pm ET on EWTN Open Line.

Bill Wingard is the speaker for SHROUD TALKS, a recently established organization dedicated to presenting the history, the science and the passion of Jesus Christ as seen in the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the world. Bill attended Maryknoll Seminary in Glen Ellen, IL for a year and graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy.

Sister Anne Winkelmann is the Chief Clinical Officer of SODAT of New Jersey, Inc. Sister has more than 25 years of clinical experience in the addiction field. She is a licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has opened and supervised various inpatient and outpatient programs in New Jersey. Sister is a member of the Congregation Assistance Core Team for the Diocese of Camden. For the past 25 years, she has been a retreat leader for recovering men and women in the numerous states. She also has experience with children of alcoholics and victims of incest and co-dependency.

Sister also is a consultant for St. Mary’s Parish in Williamstown, New Jersey. She has given many lectures for local community schools and organizations and has a hot line to direct those needing help in the parish. In 2006, she received The Prodigal House Foundation Service Award in recognition of her Spirit of Generosity in giving of her time to all who suffer from addictions. Also in 2006, the Addiction Treatment Providers of New Jersey awarded her the Denis Mansmen Award for her dedication to the addiction recovery field.

Father Joseph Zaleski

Gary Zimak is the author of “A Worrier’s Guide to the Bible,” “Listen To Your Blessed Mother,” “From Fear To Faith” and “Faith, Hope and Clarity.” He is a frequent speaker at parishes and conferences across the United States and Canada, has an international radio following and is recognized as the leading Catholic speaker on the topic of overcoming anxiety. In addition to hosting his own daily radio show on BlogTalkRadio, Gary is a regular guest on EWTN television and radio. For more information, visit his website www.followingthetruth.com.

Father Zlock was born in Pottsville, and grew up in Warminster and Doylestown. His parents were Dr. Charles Zlock (d’ced) , a retired dentist, and Loretta (Walko) Zlock (d’ced), a real estate agent. He has one brother, Dr. Gregory Zlock who is a dentist. Gregory and his wife Margot (a nurse) live in Missoula, Montana.
After high school at St. Joseph Prep, he graduated from Susquehanna University with a BS in Management with a Business Certificate in German. He later matriculated at the University of South Carolina with a Master’s in International Business. After graduation, he worked in industry both in Germany and the United States.

Fr. Zlock entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1989 and was ordained by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua in 1994. Previous assignments included St. Martin of Tours parish then 10 years in education (Archbishop Wood in Warminster; Neumann-Goretti in South Philadelphia then Chaplain-Director at the Newman Center at the University of Penn). Later he served as a member of the Office for Clergy, responsible for “Ongoing Formation” organizing retreats, continuing education, assignment specific training, etc.) for the priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. After serving as Rector of Malvern Retreat House, he was 10 years as Pastor of the Parish of St. Monica in Berwyn, PA and then assigned as Pastor of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in the Mr. Airy section of Philadelphia.

Among his interests are various outdoor activities—fly-fishing, back packing, canoe camping, golf, reading and cooking. He was involved in martial arts for many years, achieving second-degree black belt in Korean Tang-Soo-Do karate.