Veritas Speaker Series: Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, delivered an inspiring message to students at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School on May 1st as part of the Veritas Speaker Series, sharing wisdom from his journey as a Franciscan priest. Born and raised in Colorado, Fr. Pivonka emphasized that God is good and has an abundant life planned for each person. He described life as a spiritual battle where each soul is the prize, urging students to be attentive to the ongoing struggle between truth and deception in today's world.

Throughout his address, Fr. Pivonka stressed that God has a specific will for each person's life, encouraging students to spend time in quiet prayer to discover their deepest desires. He acknowledged that the journey of faith is often difficult, sharing a powerful story from his experience walking the Camino de Santiago to illustrate how everyone carries their own invisible burdens. Despite these challenges, he reminded students that perseverance is essential to spiritual growth.

In closing, Fr. Dave highlighted the value of Catholic education that forms not only the mind but also the heart and soul. He urged students to carefully consider their college choices, seeking institutions that integrate faith and reason while surrounding themselves with friends who share their values and aspirations. His final charge to the audience was direct and powerful: "You're called to be a saint," encouraging each student to discover their unique path to holiness.