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Fr. Michael Scanlan at a FIRE Rally.

President Emeritus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, passed away on Jan. 7, 2017. 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.” Father Scanlan played an influential role in the lives of Sister Ann Shields, Ralph Martin, and Peter Herbeck. He also helped lead FIRE Rallies around the world and served on the Renewal Ministries’ Board of Trustees.

The video of the Memorial Mass for Father Michael Scanlan at the Franciscan University of Steubenville is now available online. You can watch it by clicking here.

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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By Sean Breeden

“We know the Way. The Way is Jesus. We just don’t know what we’re doing tomorrow!” When I was a senior at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2009, Father Michael Scanlan preached this simple message at a daily mass. The words are almost comical at face value, and yet in them I found deep peace and consolation that I didn’t need to have my entire life planned out the day after graduation, because Christ was by my side on the journey. This was one of many little moments Father Michael led me to a deeper encounter with Jesus. What struck me the most about him was the passion and sincerity with which he preached. He was the kind of preacher who could make you laugh in one moment, and in the next pierce your heart with deep conviction. After hearing him, you knew that Jesus was real, that He loved you, and that there was no greater joy than to lay down your life to follow Him. Read more here.