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2026 | 1 Season

Eight centuries after his death, St. Francis of Assisi continues to inspire people around the world. But who was he, really?

Join Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, on a journey to discover the heart of St. Francis. He highlights how Francis was a man who struggled and searched for purpose but who, ultimately, found it in Jesus Christ. Even when others called him a fool, St. Francis became a sign of contradiction. His conversion shows us how we, too, can turn back to God. The 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis marking his passing 800 years ago offers us a new opportunity to explore the living legacy of this beloved saint.

St. Francis of Assisi: Sign of Contradiction is produced by 4PM Media/ 10th Hour Productions , a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding and producing high-quality Catholic content available for free through its streaming service Wild Goose TV. Franciscan University is deeply grateful for their work, creativity, and passion in producing this film, as well as for their generosity in allowing the University to offer it on Franciscan’s faithandreason.com in honor of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis’ death.

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.