Faith on campus: Bishop Persico engages college students in prayer and conversation
By Aaron Kerr, Director for Catechesis and Sacraments04/15/2025
The Newman Club at Allegheny College welcomed Bishop Lawrence Persico for a prayer service and dinner on Friday, April 11, at 5 p.m. Hosted by club officers—President Joe Leszczynski, Vice President Charlie Gibson, Secretary Daneille Ashley and Treasurer Liam Sheilds—the evening brought together students from across the Diocese of Erie.
A total of 50 students attended the event, representing Allegheny College, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Penn State Behrend and PennWest University–Edinboro.
The prayer service was led by Father Jeff Lucas, pastor of Church of the Epiphany in Meadville and chaplain for Catholic Campus Ministry at Allegheny. Allegheny College President Dr. Ron Cole greeted Bishop Persico and joined students in prayer.
Following the service, attendees shared a meal and engaged in a thoughtful Q&A with Bishop Persico. In response to a student’s question about what the Diocese of Erie expects from college students, the bishop encouraged them to remain rooted in their faith. He spoke candidly about the demands of both marriage and the priesthood and recalled some of the unexpected places he’s been asked to hear confessions.
When asked about church teachings on investing, Bishop Persico explained that the church avoids investing in healthcare companies that support abortion or in weapons manufacturers whose practices conflict with Catholic Social Teaching. He urged students considering investments to be informed and to follow their conscience.
When someone asked if he had ever met a saint, the bishop said no—then reminded everyone present that they are each called to become saints themselves.
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