UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Fr. Joe Freedy is the youngest of 5 children and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. Fr. Joe played football at the University at Buffalo where he was the starting quarterback for 3 years. After college he entered the seminary and was assigned to study in Rome at the Gregorian University and the John Paul II Institute. Ordained a Priest in 2008, Fr. Joe served as the vocation director and assistant evangelization director and is currently the assistant at Divine Grace Parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He is also a spiritual advisor for Dry Bones Ministries.

Fr. Joseph Gill is a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, a pastor, and a high school chaplain and teacher at a classical Catholic high school. Originally from Maryland, he grew up attending CFL, which was very formative in his faith journey and vocational discernment. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville (2005) and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland, having been ordained in 2013. He has published several albums of Christian music, available on Spotify and YouTube. 

Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. He has hosted multiple video series, written 8 books, and is a regular contributor to Hallow, the prayer app. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996.

Deacon Ben Gessler has the joy of serving at both Triumph of the Cross Parish – Holy Rosary Church, Steubenville, Ohio, and at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Mingo Junction. He has been privileged to work for Franciscan University in Advancement for 14 years and is currently Senior Donor Relations Officer. He completed his MA in Theology and Christian Ministry in 2024 and is currently pursuing his D. Min. at Franciscan. Deacon Ben, whose life was miraculously saved by the Blessed Mother, the extraordinary witness of his wife, Mariely, his family, and the prayers of so many, bears on his ordination ring John 11:25: “I AM the Resurrection and the Life.”

The Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown on May 19, 1973. Originally from Pottsville, PA, Bishop Gainer was appointed the Bishop of Lexington in 2003 and the Bishop of Harrisburg in 2014. He earned his Master of Divinity from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia as well as a licentiate degree in Canon Law and a diploma in Latin Letters from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. For much of his priesthood, Bishop Gainer served in parish, campus ministry, marriage and family ministry, and tribunal positions. Bishop Gainer’s request for retirement was accepted by Pope Francis on April 25, 2023. 

Fr. Jason Charron is a Byzantine Catholic priest, ordained in 2008, and pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. He has been married for 26 years and is the father of seven children. He is widely known for his work on behalf of Ukraine, especially for helping rescue 22 orphans and 20 children with their mothers during the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Fr. Jason holds a master’s degree in theology, and has taught theology, rhetoric, homiletics, and Eastern Christian spirituality in a variety of settings. He also serves as spiritual advisor to the College of St. Joseph the Worker in Steubenville.

Rev. Mr. Ryan Patrick Budd is a deacon of the Diocese of Steubenville, and is in ministry at Christ Our Light parish and St. Benedict school in Cambridge. He holds Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Sacred Theology degrees from the Dominican House of Studies (Washington, DC) and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary (Emmitsburg, MD). Deacon Budd has spoken at many retreats and conferences, and is the author of Salvation Stories: Family, Failure, and God’s Saving Work in Scripture, as well as several published essays and academic articles. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. 

 Abby Johnson went to work for Planned Parenthood believing she would be helping women. However, after witnessing a live, ultrasound-guided abortion procedure, it became clear: abortion only caused harm, destruction and devastation. Upon that realization, Abby left her job in the abortion industry and has been sharing her experiences ever since. Her story was chronicled in a best-selling book, titled Unplanned, which was later turned into a major motion picture.  Abby’s greatest blessing is her vocation of wife and mother. She lives in Texas with her husband and 8 beautiful children. 

Pete and Tricia DeMaio have been married for 20 years, have 7 beautiful children, and have taught marriage prep and NFP for nearly 15 years. They have participated in and led a variety of work in pro-life ministry. In 2024, Pete and Tricia launched Mission Love and Life, a Catholic, pro-life non-profit dedicated to fostering a culture of life and love. By promoting a culture of love that mirrors Christ’s love for humanity, they cultivate a nurturing  and educational atmosphere where individuals can learn, grow, and find purpose.

Full-time Catholic speaker Maggie Craig was born in New Jersey, raised in Ohio, and now currently resides in Southern California. Equipped with an M.A. in Theology, a B.A. in Catechetics, and a gift for humor and storytelling, Maggie travels the world as a speaker. Her first book, titled, Friendship Reset: Ditch the Drama and Find Your Crew, A Practical Guide for Christians was published in February 2025 by Ave Maria Press. For more info, visit her website (maggie-craig.com).

For over thirty years. Chris Padgett has been doing ministry across the country. Whether he’s giving keynotes or concerts, writing articles or giving interviews, Chris conveys the importance of who Jesus is and what He does, and will do, in the lives of His people. A convert to the Roman Catholic Church, he has been blessed with the most amazing wife and nine children. In 2006, Chris graduated with an M.A in theology from Franciscan University. He has done doctoral work at the International Marian Research Institute and has his doctorate in Sacred Theology.

Bryan Mercier is an on-fire Catholic speaker, YouTuber, author, and apologist who speaks to adults and teens all around the country. He is the president of Catholic Truth, an organization that reaches millions of people in 130 countries. He has been aired on TV and radio including Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Ave Maria Radio, Relevant Radio, and EWTN. As a college student, Jesus transformed Bryan from an angry, hateful, and depressed teenager who dressed all in black to someone who now shines the love and light of Jesus Christ!

Full-time Catholic speaker Maggie Craig was born in New Jersey, raised in Ohio, and now currently resides in Southern California. Equipped with an M.A. in Theology, a B.A. in Catechetics, and a gift for humor and storytelling, Maggie travels the world as a speaker. Her first book, titled, Friendship Reset: Ditch the Drama and Find Your Crew, A Practical Guide for Christians was published in February 2025 by Ave Maria Press. For more info, visit her website (maggie-craig.com).

Shahin Uddin’s life is a story of resilience, faith, and transformation. Born in rural Bangladesh, he grew up without electricity, running water, or shoes. At 12, he arrived in the U.S., and at 13, he quietly gave his life to Christ. Over the past 22 years, he has built a distinguished military career across multiple disciplines. Shahin is married to his high school sweetheart, Maggie, and together they are raising 12 children. His journey reflects unwavering perseverance, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of the American dream against all odds.