St. Athanasius once wrote that the Son of God became man so we might become God.” What does that mean? And how does it affect the Christian’s pursuit of holiness?
Guest Father David Meconi, SJ, author and professor of early Christian history at St. Louis University, will answer those questions and more on the process of divine adoption in this lively discussion led by host Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement at Franciscan University, and panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University’s Theology Department.
Download the free handout: “Conversion and Deification”
Do Christians belong in the public square? Should we check our faith at the door of political discourse? Why do these questions matter in a free society?
Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement at Franciscan University, leads this timely discussion on statecraft as soulcraft with Dr. Francis Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church-state studies at Baylor University and author of Politics for Christians, and panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University’s Theology Department.
Download the free handout: “Politics Forms (or Deforms) Souls”
Do Christians belong in the public square? Should we check our faith at the door of political discourse? Why do these questions matter in a free society?
Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement at Franciscan University, leads this timely discussion on statecraft as soulcraft with Dr. Francis Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church-state studies at Baylor University and author of Politics for Christians, and panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University’s Theology Department.
Download the handout: “Statecraft as Soulcraft”
How can the saints, the sacraments, and psychiatry help break the grip of depression? What can friends and family members do for those struggling with depression?
Psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, author of The Catholic Guide to Depression, will offer many insights on understanding and overcoming the trial of depression in his discussion with host Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement, and theology panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University.
Download the free handout: “The Problem of Depression”
How can the saints, the sacraments, and psychiatry help break the grip of depression? What can friends and family members do for those struggling with depression?
Psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, author of The Catholic Guide to Depression, will offer many insights on understanding and overcoming the trial of depression in his discussion with host Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement, and theology panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University. Download the free handout: “The Problem of Depression”
For over 30 years, Catholics have found in Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body a guide for living the truth of the Church’s teachings on human sexuality. But what does the Theology of the Body have to do with the rest of life?
Learn the answer to that question and more as Emily Stimpson discusses her book, These Beautiful Bones: An Everyday Theology of the Body, with host Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement, and theology panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University.
Download the free handout: “Theology of the Body and Everyday Life”
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Mike Aquilina, Executive Vice President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, as they discuss the roots of Christian marriage and its impact on society.
HANDOUT: Get Mike Aquilina’s handout for this episode.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Donald Asci, and special guest Dr. Scott Hahn, as they discuss Dr. Hahn’s latest book, Consuming the Word.
Is Catholicism a religion of the Book or a religion of the Word? Is that Word a Page or a Person? Is the New Testament a Document or a Sacrament? Explore these questions and discover how the answers can enrich your Lenten journey on this episode of Franciscan University Presents.
Listen to the free audio handout: “Consuming the Word”
With special guest Emily Stimpson, author of “These Beautiful Bones: An Everyday Theology of the Body”, as they discuss how John Paul II’s well-known writings can be applied to every aspect of our lives.
Download the free handout: “Theology of the Body and Everyday Life”
With special guest Mike Aquilina, Executive Vice President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, as they discuss the roots of Christian marriage and its impact on society.
Download the free handout: “Transforming Witness”
With special guest Dr. Scott Hahn, as they discuss Dr. Hahn’s latest book “Consuming the Word”.
Listen to the free audio handout: “Consuming the Word”
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Doug Keck, President and COO of EWTN, as they discuss the modern media and how we can consume and create media while remaining faithful Catholics.
HANDOUT: Get Doug Keck’s handout for this episode.
With special guest Dr. Anne Hendershott, Professor of Sociology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, as they discuss Dr. Hendershott’s book “Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops Is Revitalizing the Catholic Church”.
Download the free handout: “Renewal: How a New Generation of Priests and Bishops Are Revitalizing the Catholic Church”
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Dr. Anne Hendershott, Professor of Sociology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, as they discuss Dr. Hendershott’s book “Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops Is Revitalizing the Catholic Church”.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Hendershott’s handout for this episode.
With special guest Fr. Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville, as they discuss the first encyclical published by Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei, and its impact on our daily lives.
Download the free handout: “Lumen Fidei and the Life of Faith”
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Fr. Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville, as they discuss the first encyclical published by Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei, and its impact on our daily lives.
HANDOUT: Get Father Sean’s handout for this episode.
With special guest, the Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as they discuss the unique role that Hispanic Catholics have in the New Evangelization.
Download the free handout: “Hispanic Catholics and the New Evangelization”
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Curtis Martin, Founder and President of the Fellowship Of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), as they discuss the challenges facing today’s Catholic.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Fagan’s handout for this episode.
Doug Keck, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of EWTN, delivers his talk entitled “Real Leadership in a Virtual Universe”. Doug’s talk was part of the Distinguished Speakers Series at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Doug Keck, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of EWTN, talks about our perceptions of fairness in this excerpt from his talk entitled “Real Leadership in a Virtual Universe”. Doug’s talk was part of the Distinguished Speakers Series at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Mike Sirilla, and special guest Dr. Scott Hahn, as they uncover the rich heritage left behind by one of the 20th century’s most polarizing figures. From his impact on Vatican II to the return of the Holy Week liturgies, explore the papacy of Pope Pius XII on Franciscan University Presents.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Hahn’s handout for this episode.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, Director of the Institute for Marital Healing, as they address the current crisis of fatherhood in our society: what factors are contributing to this problem and what can men do to buck the trend?
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Fitzgibbons’ handout for this episode.
June 2013 Show: “Healthy, Holy Fathers”
With special guest Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, MD
Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, director of the Institute for Marital Healing discusses with host Michael Hernon and professors Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn about the crisis in fatherhood and how men can be the fathers God wants them to be.
Download the free handout: Healthy, Holy Fathers.
Colleen Carroll Campbell, author and EWTN anchor, offers some words of wisdom to those receiving their Masters Degrees in this excerpt from her Graduate Commencement Address. Ms. Campbell was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Communications.
Watch the full address here: 2013 Graduate Commencement Address.
Join Host Michael Hernon, Panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, as they discuss the message of Divine Mercy and the special role Mary plays in this devotion.
HANDOUT: Get Fr. Gaitley’s handout for this episode.
April 2013 Show: “Divine Mercy and Mary”
With special guest Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
What are the essential aspects of Divine Mercy? How does Marian Consecration draw us to the Divine Mercy? Why should we make the message of mercy a special focus during this Year of Faith? Franciscan University Presents host Michael Hernon and Franciscan University theology professors Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn will discuss these questions and more with Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, the director of the Association of Marian Helpers.
Download the free handout: Divine Mercy and Mary.
Join host Michael Hernon and panelists Dr. Ralph Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn as they discuss the importance of their upcoming series “The New Evangelization,” airing on EWTN beginning March 3rd.

Join Host Michael Hernon and panelists Dr. Ralph Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn as they discuss the importance of their upcoming series “The New Evangelization”, airing on EWTN beginning March 3rd.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Fr. Anthony Giambrone, OP, as they discuss the practice and tradition of almsgiving.
HANDOUT: Get Fr. Giambrone’s handout for this episode.
March 2013 Show: “Almsgiving and Repentance”
With special guest Fr. Anthony Giambrone, OP
Every year, the Church gives us the gift of Lent as a special time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. But while most Catholics pray and many of us fast, we can sometimes neglect almsgiving. What is this ancient spiritual practice? How does it differ from secular philanthropy? Franciscan University Presents host Michael Hernon and Franciscan University theology professors Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn will explore the power and benefits of almsgiving with Father Anthony Giambrone, a priest of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.
Download the free handout: Almsgiving and Repentance.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Dr. Alan Schreck, as they discuss the legacy of the writings of John Paul II.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Schreck’s handout for this episode.
February 2013 Show: “John Paul II: A Teaching Pope”
With special guest Dr. Alan Schreck
Blessed John Paul II touched the hearts and minds of billions of people across the world, and his teachings will help shape the Catholic Church for generations to come. Join Dr. Alan Schreck, professor of theology and Church history at Franciscan University of Steubenville, as he unpacks for us the wisdom found in Pope John Paul II’s 14 encyclical letters.
Download the free handout: The Legacy of John Paul II.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Dr. John Bergsma, as they discuss how you can become more knowledgeable about the sacred scriptures.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Bergsma’s handout for this episode.
December 2012 Show: “Discovering God’s Will”
With special guest Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV
Every Catholic has a vocation, a call from God that only he or she can answer. But how can we tell if we are truly doing what God wants? And what can we learn from St. Ignatius about discernment? Join us as we discuss this with Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV, author of Discerning the Will of God.
Download the free handout: Discovering God’s Will
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, as they discuss finding the will of God in your life.
HANDOUT: Get Fr. Gallagher’s handout for this episode.
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Dr. Marie Hilliard, as they discuss modern issues for faithful Catholics in the areas of healthcare and bioethics.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Hilliard’s handout for this episode.
November 2012 Show: “Catholic Issues in Healthcare and Bioethics”
With special guest Dr. Marie Hilliard
Blessed Pope John Paul II warned of the rapid spread of the culture of death, especially in the West. He also gave us a mission to live as witnesses to the gospel of life and help heal the culture. To do this more effectively, we must be well informed about vital Catholic issues in healthcare and bioethics. Join us as we discuss this with Dr. Marie Hillard, director of Bioethics and Public Policy for the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
Download the free handout: Catholic Issues in Healthcare and Bioethics
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, as they discuss the message of hope given to us at Fatima.
HANDOUT: Get Fr. Apostoli’s handout for this episode.
October 2012 Show: “Fatima and Hope”
With special guest Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR
The Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, yet her message to the visionaries is especially timely today. Why do those apparitions still bring hope to the modern world? And how can Catholics best live out Our Lady’s requests for penance, sacrifices, and reparation? Join us as we discuss this with author Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR.
Download the free handout: Fatima and Hope
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Dr. Ralph Martin, as they discuss our call to be part of a new evangelization.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Martin’s handout for this episode.
Religious liberty is a cherished American right. Today, that right finds itself in direct conflict with some people’s definition of human rights, such as the so-called “rights” to reproductive freedom and same-sex unions. Join us as we discuss this issue with Dr. Helen Alvaré, professor of law at George Mason University School of Law and a consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
HANDOUT: Get Dr. Alvaré’s handout for this episode.
Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI has repeatedly called the Church to engage in the work of the New Evangelization. Much of what that work entails, however, is a new catechesis, a new way of handing on the Faith.Join us as we examine the nature of that new catechesis with today’s special guest Bob Rice, professor of catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
HANDOUT: Get Bob’s handout for this episode.
Jeff Cavins, author and creator of EWTN’s Life on the Rock, spoke to Franciscan University of Steubenville’s 2011 Applied Biblical Studies Conference “Unveiling the Mystery: The Book of Revelation.” In this talk, “Redemptive Suffering”, Cavins addresses the problem of pain, speaking from personal experience and the wisdom of the Scriptures, popes, and saints. He explains the mysterious gift given to Christians: we are permitted to suffer alongside Jesus as a witness and martyr. “What is lacking in the suffering of Jesus?” asks Cavins. “Nothing. But you are allowed to participate…Many of us are missing the opportunity for the Passion in our own lives, and it doesn’t become salvific.”
How can parents raise teens to honor the Lord? How can they support their young adult children as they mature in the faith? These can be daunting prospects in today’s secular culture, but Church teaching and Sacred Scripture provide valuable guidance to parents. Author and homeschooling mom Kimberly Hahn joins Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, and panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University’s Theology Department in this discussion on a scriptural approach to parenting.
HANDOUT: Get Kimberly’s handout for this episode.
Jeff Cavins, author and creator of EWTN’s Life on the Rock, spoke to Franciscan University of Steubenville’s 2010 Defending the Faith Conference “Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind.” In this talk, “Walk With Eternity on Your Mind: How to Think and Live Differently”, he calls on all faithful Catholics to live in light of their eternal destination and always evangelize. “Every person I meet is searching,” he said. “They might act confident, they might act like they have it together, and their wallet might be bulging, but I know that inside, they’re searching.” He described the modern sense of confusion without any overarching context for all the news and information that pours in every day and pointed to salvation history as a way to make sense of this overwhelming modern world.
Dr. Scott Hahn, the Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, speaks on “Abba or Allah: The Difference it Makes” at Franciscan University’s 2011 Defending the Faith Conference, “Ambassadors for Christ.” “For the last quarter of a century,” said Dr. Hahn, “I have shared a conviction with a growing number of people that Islam really does represent the single greatest force of the third millennium and also the single greatest challenge and threat to Christianity worldwide.” Dr. Hahn explains the very different conceptions of God in Islam (as Allah, Master) and in Christianity (as Abba, Father) and their consequences for life, religion, and interreligious encounters. “There’s a profound difference between slavery and sonship,” Hahn declared. “Until the sons of God outserve the slaves of God, Christianity is going to continue to dissolve.”
PODCAST: Download a podcast of the full talk here.
Dr. Scott Hahn, the Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, speaks on “Abba or Allah: The Difference it Makes” at Franciscan University’s 2011 Defending the Faith Conference, “Ambassadors for Christ.” “For the last quarter of a century,” said Dr. Hahn, “I have shared a conviction with a growing number of people that Islam really does represent the single greatest force of the third millennium and also the single greatest challenge and threat to Christianity worldwide.” Dr. Hahn explains the very different conceptions of God in Islam (as Allah, Master) and in Christianity (as Abba, Father) and their consequences for life, religion, and interreligious encounters. “There’s a profound difference between slavery and sonship,” Hahn declared. “Until the sons of God outserve the slaves of God, Christianity is going to continue to dissolve.”
PODCAST: Download a podcast of the full talk here.
Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska) MA ‘96 received an honorary doctorate from Franciscan University at the 2011 commencement for graduate students. In his address, he exhorts the graduate students to use their education for the betterment of their community and nation. “Politics is downstream from the culture,” said Rep. Fortenberry, and the culture of death erodes our country since “the strength of a nation depends upon the strength of the family….Where do you want to live? What sort of community do you want to live in? Pray for that place, work for that place, fight for that place.”
PODCAST: Download the podcast of this talk here.