Thomas has been on the pilgrimage staff since 1993. His first experience of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs was as a pilgrim in the 1982 Study Pilgrimage. In 1990 Thomas completed the requirements for an MA at the Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University. He holds an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, in Special Education, and a certificate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, in the area of HIV/AIDS. He is a certified social worker in the State of New Jersey. He was a visiting lecturer in Franciscan Studies at Shanthi Sadhana, The Franciscan Institute of Spirituality of India, 1993, 1996-2000, and a retreat master and lecturer on Franciscan themes in Bangladesh and Philippines during that same time. Clare of Assisi is his area of specialization. Thomas is a lecturer in Franciscan Studies and publisher of various articles on Franciscan Life.

E-mail: barton.t.w.1966@gmail.com