Category Archives: Luncheon Speaker

September 2, 2027 – St. Michael and His World

St. Michael and His World

with Michael Aquilina (author)

The great wings of the Archangel Michael overshadow all human history. He is mentioned in three books of the Bible, but the Church Fathers and ancient rabbis saw him in many other places, unnamed, hidden in plain sight. In St. Michael and His World, Mike Aquilina explores the biblical record alongside its interpretations from antiquity, unveiling a history – from creation to the end – in which St. Michael is a constant and active presence.

But this is not a book about mythology or pious legend. Drawing on Scripture, rabbinic texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, patristic writings, Coptic tradition, and Islamic sources, Aquilina traces how the Church’s greatest archangel has captured the imagination of believers across two millennia. From Daniel’s visions to the vision that inspired Pope Leo XIII to revive his devotion in the modern age, St. Michael emerges not as a distant heavenly abstraction, but as a figure central to how Christians have understood spiritual warfare, divine providence, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

For those seeking to understand the invisible warfare that shapes human history, or for those simply curious about one of the Bible’s most enigmatic figures, St. Michael and His World offers both scholarly depth and the kind of compelling storytelling that makes history come alive. It is a book for anyone who has ever prayed “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle” – and wants to know the full measure of the one they were calling upon.

[more details to follow]

April 1, 2027 – Euthanasia with Alex Schadenberg

Euthanasia

with Alex Schadenberg

With the alarming increase in support for legalizing euthanasia around the world, in the U.S., and right here in our own state of Ohio, we will hear from someone on the front lines in campaigning against these laws. In addition to covering what is actively happening in Ohio, he will discuss overall US and Canadian euthanasia challenges.

About Our Speaker

Alex Schadenberg is the Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) and International Chairperson for EPC-International. Operating out of London, Ontario, his organization actively campaigns against euthanasia and assisted suicide laws, including intervening in court cases challenging exclusions for mental illness.

[more details to follow]

March 4, 2027 – “How Faith and Science Help Us Navigate Suffering” with Dr. Ben Baron

How Faith and Science Help Us Navigate Suffering

with Dr. Ben Baron

Suffering is universal, yet many of us are poorly equipped to face it. We live in a moment filled with distraction, numbing mechanisms, and shallow answers to life’s deepest pain. Author Ben Baron offers something different: an intellectually serious, spiritually grounded, and deeply human exploration of how hardship can become a source of resilience, solidarity, and redemption.

Combining psychology, spirituality and philosophy, Baron will help us discover:

  • What social science reveals about resilience amid adversity
  • How Catholic teaching illuminates suffering’s deeper meaning
  • Why hardship can clarify identity and deepen connection
  • Practical ways to navigate suffering with honesty and hope

  • A framework for preparing for life’s inevitable trials

About our speaker

Dr. Ben Baran is an organizational psychologist and award-winning management professor at Cleveland State University, co-founder of the management consulting firm Indigo Anchor, co-host of The Indigo Podcast, and a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy Reserve.  

He is the author of 25 publications on leadership, management, and adversity. His first book, Crucibles: How Faith and Science Help Us Navigate Suffering, released in September 2026. He is a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and advisor to executives.  In his military service, Ben has led people and projects around the world from the California coast to Afghanistan.

 When not working, Ben enjoys picking up heavy things and running—sometimes at the same time, but not usually. He lives near Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and children.