www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Franciscan University of Steubenville

Friends,

Is there an Eastern Church presence at the Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Paul

Hey Paul,

There is a presence there. Though I do not think it is always on campus. There are three Ruthenian Parrishes in the area Toronto, Mingo Jct., and Weirton. Each is within 15 minutes drive time. I know the Church in Toronto has a number of students that come each week.

I am sure of the total package, but Gordo and some of the others can answer this better than I. We are from Steubenville, but have been in AL since '86.

Pani Rose

We had a young couple from the university honeymooning in our neck of the woods the weekend before last. They were Roman, but attended our Divine Liturgy and were apparently quite knowledgeable about the East from their days in Steubenville. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there that weekend, so I can only offer hearsay evidence that there is some sort of presence in or around the campus.

-- Ed

When I was at Franciscan in the mid-90's I took a class on the sacraments. As part of the class, we attended a Divine Liturgy at an Eastern Catholic church in Weirton (which is across the river from Steubenville). It was my first introduction to the Divine Liturgy and the Eastern Churches in general, which "stuck" with me over the years.

I believe Anthony Dragani, who posts here sometimes, was a student at Franciscan recently and could probably comment more on the Eastern presence there.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

The faculty and students of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh go twice a year to the campus of Franciscan University in Steubenville. In the fall, we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of our holy father John Chrysostom; in the spring we (usually) celebrate the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Around 250 students attend these liturgies. Their participation (particularly their singing!) is always an occasion of awe for me.

After the Liturgy, there is usually a "question and answer period" in another university building, fielded by the Rev. Dr. John S. Custer, Academic Dean of the seminary, with the participation of all the seminarians.

The seminary just graduated Fr. Deacon Michael O'Loughlin (of the Eparchy of Van Nuys). He got his undergraduate degree from F.U. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM---his ordination to the presbyterate is tomorrow, May 25, in Albuquerque, NM.

Seminarian Christian J. Tran, of the Eparchy of Parma, is also a graduate of F.U.

Prof. J. Michael Thompson
Byzantine Catholic Seminary
Pittsburgh, PA

All,

Thank you for your replies.

Fr. Deacon Michael O'Loughlin is the pride and joy of OLPH parish in Albuquerque. His vocation speaks well of this vibrant parish.

May our Lord strengthen Michael all the days of his life.

Paul

The young couple that you mentioned attend Divine Liturgy (and were married) at St. Mary's Byzantine Church in Weirton, WV.

There is a large contingent of students that go to St. Mary's every Sunday. I go with a group of students from the Trinity East dorm, and there are students from other dorms that attend regularly as well.

There is also a small number of Eastern Catholic students attending the school. Some of them were born and raised in the Eastern Church, while others (like myself) have changed rites.

Is Fr. Firko still pastor at St. Mary's? He is a wonderful priest.

Prayers for Father Deacon Michael and seminarian Christian.

Fr. Ed Lucas has been pastor at St. Mary's during the more than 2 years that I've been going to divine liturgy there.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Fr. Frank Firko is pastor of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage, PA.

His father was buried today from the BC parish in Tarentum, PA. Vichnaja pamjat'!

Prof. J. Michael Thompson
Byzantine Catholic Seminary
Pittsburgh, PA