The Diocesan Lenten Retreat Series, which has been offered every week of Lent, will culminate with a special presentation by Father John Trigilio on Monday, March 18 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Father Trigilio is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy; a retreat director and speaker; and a Catholic radio and television host with over 25 years of experience as a TV host at EWTN.
Like the first four nights of the “Mystery of the Eucharist” series, offered at different parishes in the Diocese, Father Trigilio’s event will begin with Adoration at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7:30 p.m. and refreshments at 8 p.m.
Father John Trigilio, Jr.
Born and raised in Erie, Pa., Father Trigilio attended St. Mark High School Seminary and College Seminary and Gannon University. He earned a Doctorate (PhD) in medieval philosophy and a Doctor of Theology (ThD) in Biblical studies; is a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars; and has been President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy (national association of 600 priests and deacons) since 2002.
He was ordained in 1988 and has served in parish assignments in the Diocese of Harrisburg, on the Diocesan Tribunal, and as a Catholic hospital chaplain.
He was an adjunct spiritual director and formation advisor at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. in 2013 and in 2018 was appointed Director of Seminary Pastoral Formation. Currently, he is a formation advisor/spiritual director/professor-instructor at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.
He is the author of a number of books, including “Catholicism for Dummies,” “Catholic Mass for Dummies,” “John Paul II for Dummies,” “Women in the Bible for Dummies,” “Catholicism Answer Book,” and “Everything Bible Book.”
He is co-host of an ongoing weekly television series on EWTN, “Web of Faith 2.0,” and has hosted other television/radio series, including “Council of Faith: 16 Documents of Vatican II,” and “Crash Course in Catholicism.”
Other speakers
The first four speakers were staff of the Diocese.
Maggie Riggins, Executive Director of Evangelization and Formation, in the Secretariat for Evangelization, Education, and Formation, spoke about “Healing” on Feb. 19 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Roseto.
Riggins offered a reflection on “Jesus the Healer,” focusing on two healing miracles: The Cleansing of the Leper and The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant. Inspired by the words of the Centurion, “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed,” Riggins reflected on how we are called to proactively seek the Lord’s healing power, in faith and humility.
“We learn in the healing miracles that no matter what ails us – no matter our illness or disease, or struggle, we can always reach out and call out to our Lord to help us,” she said.
Lillian Fallon, Digital Media Specialist in the Office of Communications, talked about “Presence” on Feb. 26 at St. Ambrose, Schuylkill Haven.
Fallon spoke on St. John Paul II's “Theology of the Body” and how that informs our understanding of being made in the Image of God and His pursuit of our souls throughout salvation history.
Dr. Michael St. Pierre, Superintendent of Catholic Education,” addressed “Sacrifice” on March 4 at St. Catharine of Siena, Reading.
St. Pierre focused on the connection between our individual sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Through personal stories and references to the saints, he reflected on the power of an individual sacrifice to transform our hearts and connect us more fully to others.
Kristin Osenbach, Director of Marriage and Family Life, talked about “Promise” on March 11 at SS. Peter and Paul, Lehighton.
Osenbach took attendees on a journey back in time to discover how the Old Testament Covenants – filled with God’s promises, faithfulness, signs and wonders, and sacrificial offerings – shed light on the gift of Jesus, truly present body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the Eucharist.
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