October 5: The Franciscan Renewal

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is October 5th, and our story is The Franciscan Renewal. In 1953, Michael Scandlin thought he knew what the future held. First, he would serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. After that, he would marry the girl who wore his ring. That spring, however, government budget cuts changed the first part of his plan, putting the New York Natives ROTC Commission on hold. While he waited, Scandlin entered Harvard Law School. There, the second part of his plan changed when Scanlon heard God ask, Will you give me your whole life?

Scanlon said yes. He broke off his engagement, completed his studies, and served out his commission as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate Corps, JAG. Soon after he left the military, he entered the Franciscan's Third Order Regular, TOR, and in 1964, became both a Franciscan priest and academic dean at the College of Steubenville. Father Scanlon served at the Ohio College until 1969, when his order transferred him to St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pennsylvania.

In 1974, however, Scanlon returned to Steubenville's campus to interview for the job of college president. Beset by economic and cultural troubles, the College of Steubenville was on the verge of extinction that year. Most suspected the trustees simply wanted to hire someone who could close the college down gracefully.

Scanlon, however, had a different plan. As he explained to the trustees, he didn't want the school to close, nor did he think it needed to become less Catholic to stay open. Rather, he said, the college needed to become more Catholic and center every activity on Jesus Christ.

The trustees took a risk, and on October 5, 1974, Scanlon became the school's fourth president. The Franciscan Friar led the school for 26 years, transforming it from a regional college into Franciscan University of Steubenville, a major center of renewal for both the Catholic Church and Catholic higher education in America.

For his work, the Vatican honored Scanlon with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontificia Medal in 1990. After his retirement in 2000, Scanlon held the title President Emeritus of Franciscan University until his death in January 2017. Obedience to God often means saying no to personal plans in favor of a higher purpose. By centering his leadership on Christ, Scanlon not only saved a college, but also shaped generations of students and the wider church. Reflect on a choice where God is calling you beyond your comfort zone.

Pray for courage to embrace it fully. Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, October 6th, for another story of faith and courage in America.