Speakers subject to change without notice.
Fr. Jason Lewis, MIC
Chaplain to English-speaking pilgrims
St. James Parish, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Fr. Jason Lewis, MIC, ordained August 12, 2023, is the English Chaplain to English-speaking pilgrims in Medjugorje, a Marian pilgrimage site located in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In this new position, Fr. Jason oversees all English Masses and pastoral care for English-speaking pilgrims, while also assisting in pastoral care for Spanish-speaking pilgrims.
Prior to his current assignment in Medjugorje as Chaplain, Fr. Jason was the Director of the Office of Evangelization and Missions for the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, based at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He also served the parish of St. Mary’s in Plano, Illinois for 15 months in his first assignment as a priest.
Born and raised in the Ohio Valley, just 20 miles south of Steubenville, his family had a radical conversion through the messages of Our Lady, The Queen of Peace in Medjugorje, which reconciled his parents after 16 years of divorce. The experience led Fr. Jason to Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he entered the pre-theologate program to acquire academic and pastoral formation in preparation for major seminary. He also completed necessary course-work for a master’s degree in philosophy and served as the personal assistant for a year to Dr. Mark Miravalle, well-known professor of Mariology at Franciscan University.
Fr. Jason is a popular presenter on the topics of the Message of Divine Mercy, Marian spirituality, and life in the Holy Spirit. He is the co-author of the best-selling book, After Suicide: There’s Hope for Them and for You, and has also made numerous appearances on popular TV and radio shows, including EWTN and numerous videos on YouTube, Mary TV at mary.tv.
In addition, Fr. Jason leads groups on retreat-style pilgrimages in Medjugorje through the Marian Fathers (for more information, visit: marian.org/pilgrimage) and frequently conducts Healing and Transformation services, retreats, and pilgrimages and has a heart for leading people to deep encounters with the living God and the Blessed Virgin Mary!
Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti
Marija was born on April 1st, 1965, in Bijakovici, in the parish of Medjugorje. She was 16 years old when the apparitions began and still has daily apparitions. On the 25th of each month, Our Lady gives her message through Marija which is then given to the Parish of St. James, translated and is released to the world. Marija is married with four children and lives in Italy and in Medjugorje. Our Lady entrusted Marija with the mission to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and we know her witness to the events that happened in her life will truly inspire you to a deeper prayer life.
Ivan Dragicevic
Ivan is one of six visionaries from Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovnia whose lives were dramatically changed when they saw their first apparition of Our Lady on the Hill of Mt. Podbrdo on June 24th, 1981. Ivan will share his experiences with us that has impacted so many in this world to answer Our Lady’s call to conversion.
Fr. Michael Della Penna, OFM
Born in Boston, Fr. Michael Della Penna is the Retreat Director of the St Francis Centre of Religious Studies in Caledon, Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, followed by a Master of Divinity from Weston Jesuit School of Theology. Ordained in 1999 as a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate Conception Province, he furthered his studies at the Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies in Toronto, earning both licentiate and doctorate degrees from the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome.
Fr. Michael has held various roles, including pastor and director of formation. His 11 years as a missionary in Guatemala involved serving as the rector of the Valley of the Angels Orphanage. He now leads annual missions to both Africa and Guatemala and has guided pilgrimages to Assisi for 12 years, currently focusing on Medjugorje.
An accomplished author, Fr. Michael has published numerous articles and his book, “The Crucified Knight” (2015). He has lectured and led retreats at St. Bonaventure University and internationally across Africa, Canada, Central America, Haiti, the U.S., and Italy. As definitor for his province and Chairman of the Board and spiritual director for Silent Children’s Mission, he is dedicated to aiding the poorest of the poor, particularly women and children, in over 17 countries.
Fr. Michael’s passion lies in leading others to a deeper knowledge and love of Christ through his preaching, ministry, retreats, and pilgrimages.
Rev. Dermot S. Roache, SMA
A native New Yorker, Fr. Dermot Roache is a member of the Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers). His priestly vocation is a direct fruit of Medjugorje. He has consecrated his priestly life to Our Lady the Queen of Peace in service to the most abandoned particularly in the African diaspora. He has served as a missionary priest with the S.M.A. Fathers in rural areas of Africa as well as in US urban parish settings in Jersey and Boston. He is currently serving at the S.M.A. national headquarters located in Tenafly, New Jersey.
Fr. Roache directs retreats and missions in many parishes around the US for both laity and religious. He has a deep love for Our Lady and the Eucharist. He is dedicated to promote and encourage “Living Our Lady’s Messages.”
Through an experience he had in Africa, a special apostolate was founded called in 2014 called (Family Divine Mercy) which is devoted to the healing and reconciling of the family through The Divine Mercy Devotion. It is most associated with a particular prayer He authored the book, “Act of Consecration of the Family to the Divine Mercy.”
Fr. Roache also published a book of Marian reflections entitled, I am the Virgin Mother of God and your Mother too.
Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM
Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, lived the life of the prodigal son for most of his young adult life. Raised in a nominally Catholic family, who only lived the externals of the faith, Fr. Ken left the Catholic Church for many years. During that time he earned a business degree and worked as a business professional in Advanced R&D and software testing; a few years into his career he joined a few of his co-workers in establishing a $4.5 million Internet software company. Focused on money, fitness, and success, he made little room for God; but God did not give up on him. During this journey, God presented him with challenges that forced him to question his personal beliefs and the question “What is Truth?” Through a series of conversions, years of struggle, study and questioning, Fr. Ken found his way from agnosticism, to non-denominational Christianity, and ultimately back to the Catholic Church.
Fr. Ken joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2006 and was ordained in 2012. For two years, he served as an associate pastor of a medium sized parish and currently serves as a Missionary, webmaster and Mission Director for the Fathers of Mercy. Fr. Ken has a great understanding of the personal and societal pressures that individuals face and knows what it is like to “hate coming to church.” His mission talks are for people of all levels of faith; from those who are madly in love with Jesus to those who struggle with church and religion.
Fr. Geraci is the author of two books, “Why Be Catholic” published 2021 by TAN Books and “Spiritual Warfare & Divine Mercy” published in late 2023.
Fr. David W. Gunter, MIC
Fr. Gunter’s life as a young adult was aimless and centered on illegal drugs until Our Lady of Medugorje swept into his life. He was ordained in 2009 for the Archdiocese of Boston. His deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary eventually brought him to the Congregation of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He entered the community in July of 2014 and professed perpetual vows on October 19, 2019. Fr. Gunter has researched Marian apparitions, Marian teachings by saints and popes, and has produced an exciting video series called “The Days of Elijah and the Coming Triumph” available at the Marian website divinemercyplus.org. Presently, Fr. Gunter was recently assigned as the rector of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.
Colleen & John Willard
Colleen Willard, Boston Marian Conference Emcee and her husband John, are International Catholic Speakers, proclaiming the “Good News” in their heartfelt witness throughout the world after Colleen was healed of an inoperable brain tumor upon reception of the Holy Eucharist while on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje!
Their inspiring and captivating presentations of the fruits of suffering, the powerful intercession of Our Blessed Mother, and the true, healing presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist has spiritually awakened the hearts of many, even amid life’s daily crosses.
Their faith- filled ministry work witnessing to the Gospel and the great gift we have in the Sacraments of our Catholic church continues to bear fruit after 23 years since Colleen’s healing!
This married couple of 50 plus years has encouraged and given hope to millions through TV programs of Shalom World’s “You are Mine” and numerous media and publications both in the US and in Europe. They have also been guest speakers on Relevant Radio, Ave Maria along with other radio stations, keynote speakers at Colleges, Universities and Catholic Schools, Marian Conferences, Parishes, Basilica’s and Cathedrals. Their powerful and anointed testimony has been shared to at the Mladifest International Youth Festival in Medjugorje and at the Medjugorje USA Festival!
Their dedication to spreading Our Lady’s messages and the Love of God at this year’s Boston Marian Conference, will not only refresh and uplift your soul, but will encourage, strengthen and give hope knowing that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!
Cyndi Peterson
Cyndi Peterson is a Catholic speaker, author, pilgrimage leader, and host of The Cyndi Peterson Show, a weekly podcast that explores Scripture, the Saints, Church history, and the beauty of the Catholic faith.
A retired fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon, Cyndi served ten years in the United States Navy as both a Flight Surgeon and Dermatologist before entering private practice. Although she enjoyed a successful medical career, it was the birth of her daughter and the profound challenges that followed that transformed her understanding of faith, suffering, and God's providence. That experience became the inspiration for her book, Waiting For a Miracle: One Mother's Journey to Unshakable Faith, and the foundation of her speaking ministry.
Cyndi has been featured on EWTN Television, Ave Maria Radio, SiriusXM, and numerous Catholic radio programs. She has led more than twenty pilgrimages to Medjugorje, the Holy Land, and Italy, helping others encounter Christ through the places where salvation history unfolded.
Whether speaking about the Eucharist, Marian devotion, the Saints, suffering, or the call to holiness, Cyndi combines thoughtful research, engaging storytelling, and practical wisdom to inspire audiences to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and confidently live the Catholic faith in today's world.
Connect with Cyndi
Book: Waiting For a Miracle: One Mother's Journey to Unshakable Faith
Podcast: The Cyndi Peterson Show
Website: www.CyndiPeterson.com
Instagram: @Cyndimpeterson
Music Ministry with Mark Carey, Joe & Erin Lundin
We welcome Mark back with us this year, who is a celebrated musician and singer throughout the New England area including our conferences! Mark will be joined this by Joe & Erin Lundin, who are the Directors of Worship for the “Encounter School of Ministry – Boston Campus!
Lundin Music exists to lead the people of God in worship to wherever the Lord calls them!Married in June of 2024, Lundin Music has provided worship for multitudes of events, retreats and conferences throughout the last 2 years. Their desire is to allow their music and witness of worship to draw people into an encounter with the living God.
