Last weekend I attended “Renewing the Face of the Earth,” a conference at the university of St. Thomas. Lots of focus on thinking green, emphasis on thinking–tons of philosophy and theology that was way over my head. Favorites included friend Strat Caldecott, acquaintance Joseph Pearce, Paul Monson, & Paul Gondreau.

I went because there were going to be a series of talks on the family and human ecology, and to network for my family’s non-profit, Ruah. Because of a storm, I ended up spending nine hours at the airport before finally getting into the twin cities early in the morning, which made me late for the conference. Long story short, I missed the family and human ecology talks, but got some great networking done.

The talks, however, will be available either online or published soon, so I’ll let you know/ post when I get them.

Conference Schedule.

I’ve been remiss to post something about this AMAZING one-day conference happening in LaCrosse, Wisconsin at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine on Sunday, August 2. So, here it is.

Top Five Reasons to Go to the St. Gianna Conference

5. Archbishop Raymond Burke will be there. Meet the big cheese (he’s from Wisconsin!) of the Holy See’s highest court. He’s a dang holy man, too, and preaches with gentle fire. Last time I heard him preach at a sacred arts conference I cried.

4. The stunning art and architecture of the Shrine will leave you breathless and prayerful, and it will restore your faith in the sacred arts (you will not confuse the shrine with a parking garage from the outside).

3. If you’re trying to conceive, St. Gianna has been a powerful intercessor for this. In fact, in the painting of her by Neil Carlin (above), Mr. Carlin used children for models who were conceived through her intercession! There will be a special blessing for those who wish to conceive.

2. You’ll get to hear and meet St. Gianna’s son, PierLuigi. How many times have you met the son of a saint?

1. You need to learn more about this very recent saint, called a “Martyr of Maternal Love.” (Another post I did on St. Gianna for mother’s day here.)