What gave the martyrs strength to endure all hardships for Jesus? What gave the early Christians charity so palpable that the pagans said, "See how they love one another"?What is it that set Christian homes apart from the homes of their Greek and Roman neighbors? It was, then as now, the power poured out in the Mass. From the early Christians we can learn to live better lives from the grace of Christ truly present in the Mass. 

Mike Aquilina is author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church,  The Mass of the Early Christians, and  Angels of God. He has co-authored books with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dion DiMucci, theologian Scott Hahn, and singer-songwriter John Michael Talbot, among others. In 2011 Mike was a featured presenter of the U.S. Bishops’ Leadership Institute. He wrote the USCCB’s theological reflection for Catechetical Sunday in 2011. Since 2002 he has collaborated closely with the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, which he has served as an executive and trustee. He is a contributing editor to Angelus News, and he podcasts twice monthly for CatholicCulture.org.

Keynote Presentation