Vincent Redpath and David Redpath from St Thomas the Apostle in Glenn Mills and Michael Cieri from St Francis in Aston listen intently to Ron Jaworski’s talk at the 2019 Man Up Philly conference. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

By Maria Pisano • Posted February 25, 2020

Men are invited to kick off Lent with the Man Up Philly Conference, returning on March 7, 2020 for its 12th year. The day-long conference will be held at the Mirenda Center on Neumann University’s campus, where last year over 1,500 men gathered for prayer, inspirational talks and community.

The event incorporates a lineup of impactful speakers, opportunities for Reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration, prayer and Mass with newly appointed Archbishop Nelson J. Perez. The day opens at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m.

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Man Up Philly seeks to energize and enable men to be the best versions of themselves, live their faith, engage in community and lead their families by example. This year’s speakers include Steve Bollman, Brent Celek and Immaculee Ilibagiza.

Steve Bollman founded Paradisus Dei after he experienced a personal call during the Great Jubilee to found a ministry devoted to renewing marriage and family life. The lay ministry does this by integrating Church teachings, the latest scientific findings and the wisdom of the saints.

Former Philadelphia Eagle Brent Celek was a leader and tight end for the team for the eleven years. Before being drafted to the Eagles, he played for the University of Cincinnati where he was named Cincinnati MVP and a second team All-Big East selection. He retired after helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LII.

Immaculee Ilibagiza was a college student when her life was dramatically changed by the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The massacre killed nearly a million people – including most of her family. While hiding for 91 days in a 3×4 foot bathroom with seven others, she was transformed by a profound relationship with God. In the face of immense suffering, she forgave those who perpetrated the genocide. Ilibagiza is regarded as a leading speaker on faith, hope and forgiveness.

Acclaimed Irish tenor Mark Forrest returns to the conference to accompany Eucharistic adoration. He has sung for St. Mother Teresa and St. Pope John Paul II, and performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and countless cathedrals.

To register for Man Up Philly, click here. Parking is free and lunch is included. Students receive a discounted price.

Watch the wrap up video from last year’s Man Up Philly Conference: