Immaculée Ilibagiza – Speaker

Immaculee Ilibagiza survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide by hiding in a 3’ft. x 4ft. bathroom for 91 days with seven other women. Immaculee endured fear, starvation, fear, anger and despair for months, all while her family, community, and nearly one million of her tribe were slaughtered.  Remarkably, her tragedy transformed Immaculee into a strong woman dedicated to peace and reconciliation.  Immaculee now travels the world sharing her story and healing the hearts of those struggling with fear, doubt, and hate. Her autobiography, Left to Tell, has sold more than two million copies and is in the process of becoming a major motion picture. 

Fr. John Paul Kuzma, Capuchin  – Speaker

Fr. John Paul Kuzma, O.F.M. Cap. originally from Erie, PA, has been a Capuchin friar since 2009. Prior to entering the Capuchin Order, he first discerned the diocesan priesthood and was a seminarian for the Diocese of Erie. Then he spent two years working “in the world” before discovering his vocation to religious life. While in formation as a Capuchin, he lived in Philadelphia, Kansas, Pittsburgh, and finally Washington, D.C. where he completed his M.Div. at The Catholic University of America. He made his final vows and was ordained as a deacon in 2014. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2015 he was ordained to the priesthood. He served for six years in parish work, first in Cumberland, MD and then in Philadelphia, PA. During this time, he earned a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence in Clearwater, FL. In August of 2020 he was assigned to Borromeo Seminary in Cleveland, OH where he serves on the Formation Staff for the Capuchin Formation Program and as a Spiritual Director. He earned a certificate in Seminary Formation from the Seminary Formation Council in Boynton Beach, FL in March of 2025. In May of the same year he was elected to serve a three-year term on the Council of his Capuchin Province while continuing his ministry in formation work.