On Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7pm, Catholic singer-songwriter Matt Maher took the stage with Franciscan President Rev. Pivonka as part of the 2026 campus-wide retreat. Students and guests were thrilled and enthusiastic to spend an evening in worship with Maher, with many stating the evening show was one of the most anticipated events of the Behold retreat.

Throughout the concert, Maher played his more well-known songs and several new ones. He only played with his guitar and sometimes a piano. The simplicity of his guitar and voice provided a more personal experience. From “Run to the Father” to “Lord, I Need You,” the audience joined in with their voices, clapping and dancing in praise.

Whether they knew Matt Maher and his music before or if this was their first time listening to him, Franciscan University students all had positive things to say.

“I love how he introduced each song at the beginning,” said freshman Ava Tirone, “Even though I didn’t know some of his songs, they were easy to join in and sing along to. My most memorable moment was ‘Lord, I Need You’. It was something about the way he sang it. I looked at the Cross and smiled and thought about what a privilege it is to be able to say the words ‘Lord, I need you!’ It is such a blessing to go to this school and have opportunities like this.”

Junior Lily White shared her thoughts on the performance, saying: “It was so fun and I enjoyed every second of it. Such an incredible experience. I knew some of his more well-known songs…but I didn’t realize how many songs I actually knew. I would one hundred percent say I would see him again in concert and I’m so glad that I went last night!”

“I had heard some of his songs before during retreats and adoration,” said Hannah Clower, a freshman, “But I did hear some songs for the first time last night. I thought he was incredible, and it was so cool to have the opportunity to see him.”

“I didn’t know many of his songs,” said freshman Alexandria DiNapoli, “I just knew the popular ones. But I was blown away by his performance and how the Holy Spirit moved in the room with hundreds of young Catholic men and women. He took a form of art and changed so many hearts; I could just see it.”