Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Michael completed degrees in Psychology and Philosophy before professing his Solemn Vows in 1997 to the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate Conception Province. In 1999, after receiving his Masters of Divinity degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Michael was ordained to the priesthood. He then studied at the Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies in Toronto and completed a Licentiate and Doctorate in Theology with a specialization in Franciscan spirituality from the Pontificia Universita Antonianum in Rome. He has served as associate Pastor, retreat director, and formation director for his province and is currently a missionary working at an orphanage called Valley of the Angels in Guatemala.  Michael finds joy in ministering to the poor and leading others to come to a deeper knowledge and love of Jesus Christ through Francis and Clare.

E-mail: mdellapenna@hotmail.com