Tuesday, May 3, 2016

The Q Boasts 5 Featured Speakers

The main presenters at the 2016 Quinquennial Congress include three well known friars and two Secular Franciscans immersed in JPIC (Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation) and YouFra (Franciscan Youth).


-- Father Dan Horan, OFM. A young priest (ordained in 2012) who already has become a prolific author and sought-after speaker, Friar Dan studied theology and journalism at St. Bonaventure University before joining the Order of Friars Minor Holy Name Province. Among his books: Dating God, Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith, The Last Words of Jesus, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton.

-- Father Lester Bach, OFM Cap. A long-time traveler with Secular Franciscans, Father Lester is well known to U.S. Secular Franciscans. He is a former national spiritual assistant and prolific author of spiritual and formation books. Among them: Franciscan Family Connections, Capturing the Spirit of Francis and Clare, Seeking a Gospel Life, Take Time for Sunsets, Called to Rebuild the Church, Catch Me a Rainbow, Catch Me a Rainbow Too, Come and See.

-- Brother Keith Warner, OFM. He is a practical social ethicist in the Franciscan tradition. Friar Keith holds an MA in Franciscan Spirituality from the Franciscan School of Theology and a PhD in environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz. He is director of education and action research at the Center for Science, Technology and Society at Santa Clara University, where he directs a fellowship in social entrepreneurship.

-- Carolyn Townes, OFS. The JPIC Commission chair since October 2013, Carolyn has been immersed in Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation since working with Holy Name Province friars in 2003 when she became JPIC animator for St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manhattan. A spiritual life coach and grief counselor, Carolyn is now based in South Carolina.

-- Ana Fruk, OFS. She brings a youth/young adult perspective to the Q as Ana is the former international YouFra coordinator. She currently serves on the order’s international executive council as a CIOFS Presidency councilor. She hails from Croatia and is active in the CIOFS YouFra and Communications commissions.