Spiritual Opportunities: Franciscan Spiritual Center

	Presenter Biographies

Mary Beth Antonelli OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, presently serves as the vocation director for the Sisters of St. Francis. She has ministered in the field of health care for 24 years as a registered nurse in various health care ministries. Mary Beth has a BS in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy College.

Fr. Joseph Breighner was ordained in 1971 in the Diocese of Baltimore. Fr. Joe has had numerous years of experience as parish priest and diocesan administrator. Currently Fr. Joe ministers as a pastoral counselor, hosts a weekly radio show (WPOC), writes a weekly column for the Catholic Review, and is a speaker/retreat presenter.

Helen Budzik OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is a staff member of the Franciscan Spiritual Center. She has served in elementary and secondary education and administration as well as in pastoral ministry. Her study and writing on both St. Clare of Assisi and Franciscan solitude, as well as her theology and pastoral studies degrees, enrich her ministry as a certified spiritual director and as a supervisor for spiritual directors at Neumann University, Aston, PA.

Michael Calabria OFM is a Franciscan Friar in Holy Name Province. He teaches Arabic and Islamic Studies at St. Bonaventure University. Michael has lived and ministered in Egypt, and traveled extensively in the Islamic world. In a recent work, he explored similarities in the stories and spiritualities of the Sufi poet Ibn al-Farid and Francis of Assisi. Fr. Michael is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Arab and Islamic Studies with the University of Exeter.

Ron Chance is committed to advocacy against human trafficking and sexual exploitation begun with a twenty year career in law enforcement which includes his work as a NJ State Trooper. He has served with the US Department of Justice to address organized crime and racketeering. As National Intelligence Coordinator, Ron created a system to investigate major criminal activity. He has been of service to his local parish and the NJ Catholic Bishops.

Antonia Cooper OSF, a Franciscan Servant, is an artist, spiritual director, and accredited instructor of T’ai Chi Chih. She offers workshops, retreats and programs both nationally and internationally in an effort to reunite body, mind and spirit.

Clare D’Auria OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is returning to our Center as a staff member after completing six years as a member of our congregation’s leadership team. For almost half of her forty years in ministry, Clare has served in retreat ministry, offering directed and conference retreats as well as numerous workshops in Franciscan spirituality. With an M.A. in Theological Studies from the Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC, she is a certified spiritual director and also serves as a supervisor for spiritual directors at Neumann University, Aston, PA.

Mary Griffin OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, holds an MA in education from Lewis and Clark College. She is a veteran educator and has many years of experience as an elementary teacher. Mary is also an accredited instructor of T'ai Chi Chih and Seijaku.

Jean Jacobchik OSF is a Bernardine Franciscan. She has several years experience as an educator and is presently teaching as Adjunct Professor at Alvernia University. Jean is chairperson of the Advocacy Committee for her congregation. She has offered numerous programs and seminars on human trafficking in parishes and colleges, as well as other community groups.

Jude Michael Krill OFM Conv is a Conventual Franciscan who has served in various ministries through his 30 years as a friar. Fr. Jude is presently an instructor of English and Theology at Neumann University, Aston, PA, where he also serves as chaplain for the University community.

Michael Laratonda FMS, a Marist Brother, served as associate director of Wellsprings. An experienced spiritual director and administrator, Michael has offered numerous workshops in journaling, dreams, prayer, sexuality, intimacy and celibacy. Michael is involved in retreat work, spiritual direction, and facilitating programs for various communities throughout the U.S.

Andrea Likovich OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is presently music and liturgy coordinator for Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston, Pennsylvania. Having degrees in music and theology, she has ministered in education at all levels and has served as liturgist in parishes and retreat centers as well as the program coordinator for the Franciscan Spiritual Center for over two years. Andrea has published two recordings of original music, Songrise (1990) and Greater Than Our Hearts (2001).

Jean Ustasiewski OSF is a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia who serves on the Franciscan Spiritual Center staff. Before coming to the Center, Jean served the congregation as the director of its associate program, Franciscan Companions in Mission. Previous to this, Jean was a pastoral counselor and high school guidance counselor.

Mary Walsh OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, serves as an associate staff member at the Franciscan Spiritual Center. Her ministry includes spiritual direction, retreats, and workshops in bio-spiritual focusing and holistic spirituality. She is certified as a Spiritual Director and as a Focuser Trainer.

Maryanne Williams has been a Yoga practitioner for 37 years. She is the current President of the Arden Yoga Group. Maryanne has taught yoga in the Wellness Programs of St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, the Adult Programs for New Castle County Parks and Recreation, and in Wellness programs offered through large corporations through northern Delaware.

Rooted in the Gospel. . . we welcome all as sister and brother.

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