Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, to Receive Pro Fidelitate et Vertute Award

Father Scanlan to Receive Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award



STEUBENVILLE, OH—In celebration of his love for the Church and his commitment to religious life, Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, chancellor of Franciscan University of Steubenville, will receive the 2009 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award from the Institute on Religious Life. This annual award, to be presented on April 18, honors those "who manifest a strong love for the Church and a zealous commitment to the consecrated
life."

Father Scanlan graduated from Harvard Law School in 1956. It was during this time in his life that he experienced God’s presence during a walk in the woods and an interior voice asking, "Will you give me your whole life?"

After completing law school and serving as Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force he answered God’s invitation and entered the Franciscan Third Order Regular in 1957. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1964.

After serving his religious order in various assignments, he accepted the office of president at the College of Steubenville, Ohio, in 1974.

As president, Father Scanlan spearheaded a spiritual revolution that led the University out of the moral chaos of the sixties and seventies and back from the brink of bankruptcy to financial stability.

During his tenure Franciscan University gained national recognition for its fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, infusion of Catholic values into the academic and residence life programs, and its commitment to excellence in education. In 2000, after serving 26 years as president, he was named chancellor of the University.

In selecting Father Scanlan for the Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award, the Institute on Religious Life states that "one of his greatest accomplishments has been helping to form the hearts, minds, and souls of thousands of young people to live their baptismal commitment and to serve the Lord in their God-given vocation. Through his efforts in renewing Catholic education and providing spiritual nourishment, many young men and women have responded to Christ’s call to the priesthood and the consecrated life, as well as to Christian marriage and ministry within the Church."

Father Scanlan will receive the Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award during the national meeting of the Institute on Religious Life at a dinner on Saturday, April 18, at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, in Mundelein, Illinois. Following the dinner, Father Michael will give an address: "Walking in the Spirit: Discovering God’s Purpose and Plan."

For more information, go to www.religiouslife.com or call 877-267-1195. The mail registration deadline is March 31.