Hundreds of students, local families and visitors who attended Franciscan University’s Behold Retreat on Feb. 21 had the opportunity to hear firsthand about singer-songwriter Matt Maher’s personal journey. 

President of Franciscan University, Rev. Dave Pivonka questioned Maher about his career, faith and life experiences in a personal, interview-style conversation in Finnegan Fieldhouse. The conversation, which began at 7 p.m., preceded Maher’s concert for the retreat. 

Rev. Pivonka began the conversation by revealing that he and Maher have known each other for 29 years. Rev. Pivonka explained that Maher has partnered with Franciscan by leading praise and worship at many Steubenville Youth Conferences. Maher said that the youth conferences “were an immense privilege to be part of … it was about pointing people to God.”  

Evangelizing through praise and worship has always been core to Maher’s journey as an artist. He shared his gratitude that one of his most popular songs, “Lord, I Need You,” has impacted so many people. According to Maher, “the biggest honor was when a song I wrote became a soundtrack that wasn’t about me anymore; it was leading people closer to God.” 

When Rev. Pivonka asked Maher about moments he has “pinched himself” during his career, Maher had an easy answer. In 2013, Maher was asked to perform at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was shocked when he realized his actual role: singing during Eucharistic Adoration led by Pope Francis himself. 

Maher said that while he nervously waited to ascend the stage, he received a gentle message in prayer, a message that he believes came from the Blessed Mother. According to Maher, she told him to lower the microphone and kneel while he sang. 

Obediently, Maher walked on stage before the 3 million attendees, knelt in front of the Eucharist and sang “Lord, I Need You.” At that moment, Maher said that he realized that “Jesus was just as proud of me for all those other things I had performed at—Bible studies, youth conferences, events at parishes—as this night before 3 million people.” 

Fr. Pivonka also asked Maher about the process of discerning God’s will for his life. Maher answered that once, while he was discussing his uncertainties about life with a priest in confession, the priest advised him to simply strive for holiness. 

Therefore, Maher advised students that “God’s will is for you to be holy, so do whatever it takes for you to be holy and let that be the North Star to guide the decisions you make.” He added that attending Franciscan is the perfect opportunity for students to use their 24 hours a day to build a foundation of holiness before adult life begins.  With that advice, Maher concluded the conversation with Fr. Pivonka. He then launched into his concert, another installment in his partnership with Franciscan and mission to evangelize through music.