The doors opened for the Defending the Faith Conference with 1700 in attendance. The announcement was made that the icon's and statue were available for veneration and viewing. Baby Gemma was mesmerized by Mary, Ark along with her parents, both graduates of FUS. Next, Fr. Rene Schatteman gazed joyfully on the statue. His wisdom and prayers supported Bernadette over the years as Preborn Jesus Ministry evolved. 

Many visitors, young and old alike from Canada, USA, and Uganda were inspired. Jesus and Mary, Ark captivated the hearts of all!


When discerning the gemstones to be placed in the crown on the statue of Mary, Ark, Bernadette consulted Dr. John Bergsma, Theology professor at Franciscan University.





















Dr. Bergsma gave a plausible explanation based on Exodus 28 on which 12 different gemstones related to the 12 tribes of Israel.  To Bernadette's joy, he will also provide a written commentary on the statue.























July 25, 2015
The Finnegan Fieldhouse was filled to capacity for morning Mass.  

Twenty (20) priests concelebrated with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda.   

Repeatedly, we hear how happy and thankful the attendees are to be in the fullness of the Catholic Faith! 

Evening session with Dr. Scott Hahn

The blessed day ended with Eucharistic Adoration.  How Great is our God!

July 26

Catherine, Franciscan University student and event coordinator takes a special moment with Mary, Ark of The New Covenant.

Keri, Director of Evangelization at the Marian Center in Joy Valley Petoskey, MI, discusses their upcoming "Behold Your Mother" Marian Conference XXIV, October 16-18, 2015 and extends an invitation to bring the Mary, Ark statue and icon for veneration.

Special prayers for Fr. Dennis Gang, TOR as his new assignment in evangelization begins Monday, July 27 in Pittsburgh.  We are grateful for Fr. Dennis' blessing upon our ministry.

Joy-filled Bishop Jeffery Monforton greets us before Mass.




After the Conference:


The new  Family of Jacopa Association, (Dedicated Widow and Dedicated Sisters), the Sisters of Jacopa, like the story in our cookbook/prayer book!! They received Mary Ark of The New Covenant for a week's stay at the Mary, Ark of the Covenant monastery in Toronto, Ohio (10 min from the Franciscan Sisters, TOR) . 



The Franciscan Sisters, TOR of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother, Toronto, Ohio, receive the icon "The Virgin Mary of Nazareth, Ark of The New Covenant, Throne of The Divine Mercy Incarnate." The title of the icon was given by Fr. S. Seraphim Michalenko,MIC, Former Vice Postulator for North America in the Canonization cause of St. Faustina.

http://www.steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/defending-the-faith-conference

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