Guadalupe Pilgrimage

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Spiritual Leader

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.

Katie Prejean McGrady

Katie Prejean McGrady is a wife, mom, host of three podcasts, and daily radio show host of The Katie McGrady Show on The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM 129. Katie has spoken at many of Franciscan University’s Steubenville Conferences for teens and adults, the National Eucharistic Congress, and events around the world. She writes regularly for national Catholic publications and is the author of four books. She makes her home in Louisiana with her husband and daughters. On Faith and Reason, Katie Prejean McGrady has been featured on an episode of our In Person series.