2022 Speakers

FRIDAY NIGHT KEYNOTE ADDRESS (8-9 P.M.): “Faith in the Promise of Eucharist”

Vinny Flynn

Vinny Flynn is known to many as “the man who sings the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN.” A father of seven, Flynn has been involved in a ministry of mercy for over 40 years, using his gifts of speaking, writing, counseling and music to help people understand the teachings of the Church and open their hearts to the healing touch of God’s love. His personal, straight-forward style makes theological concepts and the teachings of the Church come alive with new meaning.

As a teacher and counselor, Flynn experienced first-hand how much healing is needed in the world. He began using his gifts in full-time religious ministry. His powerful teachings on Divine Mercy, Mary, the sacraments, and the Father’s love have made him a popular speaker.

A former executive editor at the Marian Helpers Center and former General Manager of Divine Mercy International, Flynn has been actively involved in spreading the message of Divine Mercy, presenting workshops for religious and lay leaders with two of the most respected Divine Mercy experts in the world, Fr. Seraphim Michalenko and Fr. George Kosicki. Co-author of Now is the Time for Mercy and the famous little booklet, The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion, Flynn also edited the official English edition of the Diary of St. Faustina.

He has written several books – most notably, a series of “7 Secrets” books starting with 7 Secrets of the Eucharist. It has remained on the Top 10 Best Sellers list for Ignatius Press since it was published in 2007. Now in its 23rd printing, it has sold over 100,000 copies.

SATURDAY MORNING HOLY HOUR HOMILY (10:30-10:45 A.M.)

The Most Rev. Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D.

The Most Rev. Peter Joseph Jugis is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and is the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. He was baptized at St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte in 1957 by Monsignor Michael J. Begley, who would later become the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Charlotte in 1972. Bishop Jugis was educated in Catholic and public schools in his hometown of Charlotte, earning a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1979. After graduation he entered the seminary at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1983, by Pope (now St.) John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He earned additional degrees in canon law after his ordination. The Pontifical Gregorian University awarded him a licentiate in Canon Law (JCL) in 1984. In 1993 he received his doctorate in canon law (JCD) from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. In addition to serving as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Charlotte before being ordained as bishop, he served at many parishes across the diocese, including parishes in Belmont, Charlotte, Denver, Huntersville, Monroe, Reidsville, Salisbury and Winston-Salem.

Pope (now St.) John Paul II appointed Father Jugis as Bishop of Charlotte in August 2003, succeeding the Most Rev. William G. Curlin. His episcopal ordination took place at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte on Oct. 24, 2003. His episcopal motto is “Caritas Christi Urget Nos” (The Love of Christ Impels Us) from 2 Corinthians 5: 14.

In addition to his sacramental and official duties as shepherd of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Jugis established the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in 2005. This annual event draws more than 10,000 people to the see city of Charlotte in celebration of our faith in the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of Catholic life.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON TALK (12:30-1:30 P.M.): “Why We Believe: A Eucharistic Faith”

Dr. Peter Kreeft

Dr. Peter Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Boston College. A convert to the Catholic Church from Calvinism, he has been a major literary force in the world of English-language Catholic apologetics for several decades. The author of more than 100 books, including classics such as the best-selling Handbook of Christian Apologetics and its latest edition, Handbook of Catholic Apologetics, Fundamentals of the Faith (co-authored with Fr. Ronald K. Tacelli, S.J.), Yes or No: Answers to Tough Questions About Christianity, and How to Win the Culture War. Dr. Kreeft has influenced countless Christians and non-Christians globally with his luminous, lucid, and compelling, reasons to believe in God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. For many years, he has also taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in philosophy, logic, apologetics and a wide variety of other subjects.

“Our culture has filled our heads but emptied our hearts, stuffed our wallets but starved our wonder. It has fed our thirst for facts but not for meaning or mystery. It produces ‘nice’ people, not heroes.”
― Peter Kreeft, from his book “Jesus Shock“

SATURDAY AFTERNOON TALK (1:30-2:30 P.M.): “The Interior Life”

The Very Rev. Patrick J. Winslow, V.G.

The Very Rev. Patrick J. Winslow, V.G., was appointed vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte by Bishop Peter J. Jugis on April 29, 2019. A native of upstate New York, Msgr. Winslow studied chemistry in college before discerning a call to the priesthood in 1993. He was ordained a priest in 1999 and served in parishes and as a maximum-security prison chaplain in the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., before moving south and becoming incardinated into the Charlotte diocese in 2002. A noted preacher and canon lawyer, he has served with distinction in several important roles, including as a member of the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors, two groups of priests who serve as advisors to the bishop; as Promoter of Justice; as ex-officio member of the diocesan Lay Review Board; and as clergy formation advisor to St. Joseph College Seminary in Charlotte. Before becoming the diocese’s fifth vicar general and chancellor, he served as pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Charlotte, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jefferson and St. Frances of Rome Catholic Mission in Sparta, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Charlotte. He earned a Licentiate of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 2012. A gifted preacher and Scripture scholar, he has contributed to numerous Bible studies through Catholic Scripture Study International.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON TALK (2:30-3:30 P.M.): “Hearts United: First Friday First Saturday Devotion USA”

Dr. Bill and Mary Thierfelder with Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B.

This special program by the Thierfelders and Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey will have 3 parts:

• • Introduction to the devotion (Bill and Mary Thierfelder)
  • Rosary (Thierfelder family members)
  • Lectio / Meditation (Abbot Placid)

Dr. Bill and Mary Thierfelder have served as President and First Lady of Belmont Abbey College since 2004. They live in Gastonia, N.C., where they have been members of St. Michael Catholic Parish for 18 years. They are blessed with 10 children and 3 grandchildren and attribute the many graces and favors they have received to their devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Their grassroots apostolate “First Friday First Saturday USA” serves to spread devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., a native of Richmond, Va., was professed as a monk of Belmont Abbey in 1975. He was ordained in 1980 by the Most Reverend Michael Begley, Bishop of Charlotte. He served at St. Michael Church in Gastonia, N.C., from 1979 to 1982, and has assisted in various pastoral and educational ministries in the Diocese of Charlotte. In November of 1999, Abbot Placid was elected the 8th Abbot of Belmont Abbey.

Abbot Placid is the Chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, and has previously served the college as an assistant professor in the Theology Department, as Vice President for Academic Affairs, and as interim President.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Bellarmine College in Louisville, Ky., in 1974. He earned the S.T.B. degree in Theology from the International Benedictine College of Sant’ Anselmo in Rome in 1978, and a doctorate in Theology and Patristic Sciences from the Pontifical Patristic Institute “Augustinianum,” also in Rome.

He is an ardent believer and supporter in Belmont Abbey College’s goal to educate students in discernment of God’s will and seeking truth in all aspects of their lives.

Also appearing will be Thomas Savoy and Luke William Thierfelder. Mr. Savoy serves as maestro di cappella at St. Joseph College Seminary and directs the Carolina Catholic Chorale, which he founded in 2013. As a composer, conductor, musician, mentor and entrepreneur, he offers a full spectrum of musical services for a variety of occasions and venues through his company Savoy Music House.

Tenor Luke William Thierfelder recently performed the Neopolitan classic “Caro Mia Ben” and the Italian aria “Una Furtiva Lagrima” with Savoy as accompanist to reach the finals of the London International Music Competition in June 2022. He is a freshman in the interdisciplinary studies program at Belmont Abbey College, balancing a liberal arts curriculum with voice performance studies. He receives classical training from both Mr. Savoy and American mezzo-soprano and voice teacher Victoria Livengood. He also competes on the Abbey Crusaders men’s track and field team where he specializes in the javelin throw, qualifying in April 2022 for the NCAA National Championships.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE (1-2:30 P.M.): “Musical Encounters of the Choirs” / “Encuentro Musical de los Coros”

Coros (choirs) from each of the 10 vicariates across the Diocese of Charlotte will perform original music to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the diocese.
Los coros de cada uno de los 10 vicariatos de la Diócesis de Charlotte interpretarán música original para celebrar el 50.º aniversario de la fundación de la diócesis.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON TALK (2:30-3:30 P.M.): “Reviviendo el Espiritu de la Eucaristia”

Father Julio Dominguez, V.F.

Father Julio C. Dominguez is Vicar of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte. He has served in several parishes and is a very active promoter of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He has been in charge of the Spanish Track for the diocesan Eucharistic Congress since the annual event was established.
El Padre Julio C. Domínguez es Vicario del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Ha servido en varias parroquias y es un promotor muy activo de la Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento. Ha estado a cargo de la Vía en español para el Congreso Eucarístico diocesano desde que se estableció el evento anual.