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2024 - 2026 | 6 Seasons

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Join Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, as he shines the light of faith and reason on culture, science, politics, the arts, and current issues through lively, in-depth conversations with friends. Not seeing the video you're looking for? Click the toggle button below to browse previous seasons of "In Focus".

Forgiving those who have wronged us seems impossible sometimes. But not forgiving prevents us from living in the freedom God has for us. Immaculée Ilibagiza shares how she did the impossible—forgive the betrayal and brutal murders of her family, friends, and neighbors killed during the Rwandan genocide of 1994—and how we can forgive the unforgivable, too.

 

In this powerful, poignant conversation with Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, Immaculée interweaves stories of surviving the genocide and its aftermath, the apparitions and messages of Our Lady of Kibeho, and spiritual aids such as the Rosary, the Mass, the Bible, and praying for our enemies. Don’t miss her beautiful witness to the freedom that comes from forgiveness, intimacy we can have with Jesus and our Blessed Mother, and the power of love and forgiveness to transform ourselves, our nations, and our world.

 

Our Lady of Kibeho Pilgrimage • September 1-11, 2026

Go on a pilgrimage of faith to Kibeho, Rwanda, the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site on the African continent, with Immaculée Ilibagiza and Father Jonathan St. André, TOR, vice president of Franciscan Life at Franciscan University. Find out more at pilgrimages.franciscan.edu.

 

Immaculée Ilibagiza

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide whose ministry focuses on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the work of personal and cultural transformation. Once freed, she was able to secure a job with the United Nations and immigrate to the United States. She began to share her story with world dignitaries, school children, multinational corporations, churches, and numerous conferences. She also wrote four books, most popularly, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, a New York Times bestseller. Ilibagiza has received honorary doctoral degrees from The University of Notre Dame, Saint John's University, Seton Hall University, Siena College and Walsh University. She has been recognized and honored with numerous humanitarian awards including the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace 2007 and the American Legacy's Women of Strength & Courage Award. On Faith and Reason, Immaculée has been featured on the Franciscan University Presents episode Our Sorrows and the Seven Sorrows Rosary. 

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. Father Pivonka held leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including as vice president for Mission and Planning. For his province, he directed Post-Novitiate Formation (2008-2012) and Franciscan Pathways ministry (2012-2019). He has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021) and his most recent, Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love (Word Among Us, 2024). Father Pivonka also hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and the In Person, In Focus, and the My father's Father series on Faith and Reason.