Peter Herbeck Honors Fr. Michael Scanlan

(L-R) Fr. Michael Scanlan, Sr. Ann Shields, Ralph Martin, and Peter Herbeck did three FIRE Rallies in Slovakia in 1995.

President Emeritus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, passed away Jan. 7. According to the university, “His leadership as president transformed Franciscan University from a struggling regional college into a world-renowned leader in Catholic higher education and helped to inspire a restoration of faithful Catholic education in the United States and the world.” Fr. Scanlan played an influential role in the lives of Sr. Ann Shields, Ralph Martin, and Peter Herbeck. He also helped lead FIRE Rallies around the world and served on Renewal Ministries’ Board of Trustees. Below, Peter pays tribute to Fr. Scanlan.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

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I will always be grateful for the encouragement and inspiration I received from Fr. Michael. At an important turning point in my life and ministry, he invited me to join the FIRE Team after Fr. John Bertolucci retired. That led to some great quality time with Fr. Michael over the years, all of which was a gift. I remember well our trips to Eastern Europe and Africa, and how the Lord used Fr. Michael powerfully in both words and deeds. He was faithful and fearless in preaching the Word of God, and had great expectation that God would confirm his preaching with signs and wonders, and He did! I remember one woman who was deaf was healed—her hearing was restored as Fr. Michael prayed for her.

I am grateful to be able to join my voice with the chorus of witnesses who are paying tribute and offering prayers for this great priest, leader, brother, and friend. May perpetual light shine upon him.

Peter Herbeck, Ralph Martin, and Fr. Michael Scanlan celebrate the twentieth anniversary of “The Choices We Face” in 2004.