Franciscan University

Passionately Catholic university forming students to live the Truth through academic excellence, community, & Faith.
📍 Steubenville, OH & Online

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

"Thank God I was steered toward Franciscan University and was able to complete my graduate education in Catholic Studies. I wish everyone could experience a truly transformative education like that. It grounded me. It taught me that without deep formation, it is incredibly easy to mistake an angry political club for the Mystical Body of Christ."

Alumni William Nardi shares his perspective on his formation at Franciscan and how young men must embrace our baptismal mission as priests, prophets, and kings as the fundamental blueprint of authentic masculine virtue.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/gYDjKyNB3M

[The Ark @arkyutes]

Thank you, @FranciscanU, for another incredible @go2steubenville conference. Our teenagers deepened their closeness with Christ in a big way.

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

One million young people. Fifty years. One unchanging mission: to help teenagers encounter Jesus Christ.
What began on Franciscan University’s campus in 1976 has grown into a nationwide ministry centered on the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, confession, prayer, and fellowship.
This summer, we celebrate 50 years of Steubenville Youth Conferences—and five decades of young people discovering that Jesus sees them, loves them, and is calling them to follow him.
As Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, told EWTN News, this milestone is “a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness.”
We are grateful to EWTN News for sharing the story of the conferences, their remarkable vocational fruit, and the young people whose lives continue to be transformed through an encounter with Christ.
Read the full story below. https://t.co/UVuWPBnaFc

[Catholic News Agency @cnalive]

For the past 50 years, the Steubenville Youth Conference has helped over 1 million young people encounter Jesus Christ.

https://t.co/rvAz870qwo

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Read the full article here: https://t.co/TOJLrca0na

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Rebecca Rook, PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership, is the Dean of the School of Professional Programs and a professor of Education at Franciscan University of Steubenville. In her article “Forming Educator-Witnesses for a New Era,” Dr. Rook highlights Franciscan’s response to the Holy Father’s latest encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. The encyclical combats the onslaught of an antihuman construct and invites us to reflect on our responsibilities as image-bearers.

To integrate these words from Pope Leo XIV into the mission of Catholic education, Franciscan University recognizes that true learning ought to serve every dimension of a student’s personhood—not only to “inform minds but to form souls.” That is why Franciscan has created a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program which seeks to send forth Catholic disciples educated in Christian anthropology and Catholic educational philosophy. Though pending final approval, the program is set to launch in Summer 2027.

In seeking to live the Pope’s words, Franciscan embraces authentic Catholic education in its pending MAEd program. The Lord continues to form and send out zealous witnesses of Truth, passionate about the human person.

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Columban realized he wasn't looking for the perfect college... he was looking for God.

After recognizing something was missing in his life, Columban made a bold decision: he applied to one school, Franciscan University. What followed was more than a college experience. It became a life-changing encounter with Christ, authentic Catholic community, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Taking one step toward God led to a transformation Columban never expected and how Franciscan University became the place where his faith came alive.

Columban's story might sound like yours.

Apply now and encounter Christ. #catholic #adoration #catholiccollege #catholicfaith

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Dorm life at Franciscan is unique! Each dorm has chaplains for spiritual direction, weekly events, Household life, free laundry rooms, and close-knit community!

✨ Tips: Make the space more homey by printing some of your favorite pictures from home, and bring bins for easy storage underneath the bed!

Have questions about the dorm you're staying in? Drop them below! ⬇️

[Keith Nester @KeithNester1]

I'm honestly so excited for this. I haven't been anywhere in a while. This is going to be a blast. Use my link and code and come hang out.
https://t.co/t1o77VHhRq
Use code KEITH25 for a discount.

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Margaux came to Franciscan University planning to transfer after her freshman year.

She didn't want to attend Franciscan, and she was convinced another school was the better fit. But after encountering Jesus through the faith-filled community and sacramental life on campus, everything changed.

Margaux's story of transformation, faith, and discovering the place God was calling her to be might sound like yours.

Apply now and encounter Christ: https://t.co/43G4Tzdovv

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

An Open Letter to the SSPX.

@SSPXEN

https://t.co/qxPbGqOR74

[EWTN News @EWTNews]

In a message to thousands of participants on the 50th anniversary of the Steubenville Youth Conferences, Pope Leo XIV encouraged young Catholics to seek “true peace” and “perfect joy” through a deeper relationship with God, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.

Hosted by Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, the annual conferences are large Catholic youth evangelization events for high school students in North America. Since their founding in 1976, the conferences have drawn hundreds of thousands of young people for worship, Eucharistic adoration, confession, catechesis, and fellowship.

This year more than 43,000 teenagers are expected to participate in conferences held in Steubenville and at regional sites across North America. There is no known record of any previous papal message to the Steubenville conferences.

In his message, the pope reflected on the witness of St. Francis of Assisi and wrote on two themes that defined the saint’s life: authentic peace and perfect joy.

Recalling St. Francis’ traditional greeting, “peace and all good,” the pope emphasized that true peace is a gift from God and flows from a relationship with Christ. He encouraged participants to seek moments of silence and prayer during the conferences to discover the peace that Christ promised disciples and to become instruments of that peace in their families, communities, and society.

The Holy Father also addressed the meaning of “perfect joy,” drawing on St. Francis’ teaching that lasting happiness is not found in material success, popularity, entertainment, or social media. Instead, he explained, true joy comes from knowing God’s love and remaining faithful even amid suffering, rejection, and hardship.

The pope recalled St. Francis’ explanation for what perfect joy is. He said: “One winter evening, as he was walking back to Assisi with Brother Leo, one of the first members of the Franciscan order, St. Francis began to give a long list of apparently ‘good’ things that do not lead to perfect joy. At a certain point, Brother Leo finally exclaimed, ‘Father Francis, I pray that you will teach me about perfect joy!’”

Then, the pope said, St. Francis recounted “a tragic situation that implied suffering cold, hunger, and rejection — the opposite of what you would expect — and added that if such difficulties are embraced with patience, without complaining, and with love for God, ‘This is perfect joy.’”

“Is it really possible to have joy in such difficult circumstances, we might ask? It is only possible if our life is founded upon our relationship with God as a loving Father,” the pope said.

“Only the love of God can provide us with true and perfect joy,” the pope said, reminding young people that they are precious in God’s eyes and loved unconditionally by him. He urged conference participants to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and trust in God’s providence.

The message concluded with an invitation to discern God’s call. Whether to marriage, priesthood, religious life, or missionary service, the pope encouraged young people not to be afraid to respond generously if they sense the Lord calling them to a particular vocation.

https://t.co/Mo8WiGKpHz

[Brian Holdsworth @briankeepsworth]

Before Canadians aren't allowed over the border any more, meet me and @KeithNester1 in Steubenville on July 31 at the Defending the Faith Conference. Register here: https://t.co/8dUHBE5l4f
Use the discount code Brian25

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Scooter's Coffee Shop is NOW OPEN! ☕️

Yesterday, cars lined up at 5:00am for the grand opening at Franciscan Square!

We are looking forward to the positive impact Scooter's will bring to the Franciscan and Steubenville community.

What's your go to coffee order? 👇

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

When you realize that Pope Leo XIV is speaking directly to you at a Steubenville Youth Conference.

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

Thank you Holy Father for honoring our 50th year of Steubenville Youth Conferences! Over the years, we've brought more than a million youngsters to an encounter with Christ.
Your message to the 43,000 youth who will attend our conferences this summer is needed & perfectly timed.

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

We can experience joy in difficult circumstances only if our lives are rooted in a relationship with God as a loving Father. Only God's love can give us true and perfect joy. If we are deeply convinced that God cares for us as His beloved children, we will not be confused or discouraged, even in the midst of hardship. https://t.co/duKCEN0LpU

[Keith Nester @KeithNester1]

Being together in person > watching online videos. Come and learn to Defend the Faith from some of the greatest teachers around. I can't wait for this.
https://t.co/t1o77VHhRq Use Code: KEITH25
@go2steubenville @FranciscanU

[Franciscan University @FranciscanU]

A lot can happen in four years.

You can learn new things, meet lifelong friends, discover gifts you didn't know you had, and grow in ways you can't yet imagine.

Where you go can help shape who you're becoming.

Franciscan University will help you get ready.

You'll be prepared for your career through rigorous academics and hands-on teaching experiences.

You'll be formed through an authentic Catholic community.

You'll be empowered to go out into the world as a joyful disciple.

Learn more about Franciscan: https://t.co/eZhsSV7xZB

[Cameron Riecker @riecker]

The biggest problem with Catholic apologetics online? It’s not the arguments — it’s that nothing replaces being in the room together. So I’m bringing my family to the Defending the Faith Conference at Franciscan University this summer (July 31–Aug 2), and I want you there too. 👇

Use code CAMERON25 for $25 off registration:

https://t.co/peTrVvRDER

[Brian Holdsworth @briankeepsworth]

Heads up! I'm going to be in Steubenville on July 31 at the Defending the Faith Conference. I'll be there with @KeithNester1 , Ana Munley, and Emily Dinneny discussing online evangelization. Register here if you can make it! https://t.co/8dUHBE4NeH
Use the discount code Brian25