Keynote Speaker: Theresa Bonapartis
Theresa is the co-developer of “Entering Canaan – a Sacramental Journey to an Inheritance of Mercy”, a post abortion ministry published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which consists of special retreats. Having experienced abortion herself, her journey of healing has inspired many works across the country and the world, including “An Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession“, which has been televised by EWTN and conducted by many diocese across the country.
Featured Speaker: Fr. Chris Alar
Father Chris Alar, MIC, is a priest with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Father Chris wrote and produced the popular "Divine Mercy 101" and "Explaining the Faith" DVD series and is the author of the bestselling book After Suicide: There's Hope for Them and for You. He is a regular host and guest on EWTN, and he also hosts the online "Divine Mercy Matters" series at DivineMercyMatters.org. He serves as the director of the Association of Marian Helpers and is the head of Marian Press, located on the grounds of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Featured Speaker: Sister Virginia Joy
​Sr. Virginia Joy entered the Sisters of Life in 2009. A native of South Carolina, she currently serves in Manhattan as the Director of the Respect Life office for the Archdiocese of New York. Sister has also served in the community Visitation Mission working with vulnerable pregnant women in need and in the Vocations mission.
Musician: Taylor Tripodi
Taylor grew up in a small suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. She is the oldest of nine which taught her that you have to speak up in order for your voice to be heard. Taylor uses her voice to bring God glory and praise, inspiring all who hear her to praise Him with her.
Hostess Jeannine Lesante
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Jeannine is VP of Marketing at her family owned video production company, SamSon Productions/SSPTV. She has a talk show with her mom, Deb Lesante, called “The Girls” which can be viewed on www.ssptv.com. She teaches Public Speaking at King’s College where she also graduated from in 1997. Jeannine’s started a non profit called “Making A Difference” which raised thousands of dollars for worthy events in NEPA. She was the first Executive Director of the Miss Greater Hazleton Scholarship Program and accepted the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year, Athena Award in 2012 and the PEARL Award in 2009 for professional achievement. She is a member of St. John Bosco Church in Conyngham, PA.
Celebrant: Bishop Joseph Bambera, DD, JCL
Bishop Bambera celebrated the Mass for Refresh Your Faith: Third Annual Catholic Conference for Women.