STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, wrote his new book, Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV), because “the Church and world needs men and women who are willing to let God totally transform their lives and become the saints they have been created to be.”

“A saint becomes a saint because he or she recognizes the need for conversion. Simply put, saints need metanoia,” said Father Pivonka, who has served as the president of Franciscan University of Steubenville since 2019.

Metanoia, the Greek word for repent, is found in Mark 1:15: “Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

“Metanoia is not a one-time event but a process,” explained Father Pivonka. “As Christians, we are called to live a life of constant metanoia, of ongoing conversion, of continually turning away from things of the world and the flesh and turning to God.”

Written in Father Pivonka’s down-to-earth, approachable style, Living Metanoia is laced with poignant stories from pilgrimages Father Dave led to Guadalupe, Rome, and the Holy Land, and colorful childhood tales. These encounters become gateways to profound teachings on sin and mercy, power over the evil one, and other themes that encompass ongoing conversion.

Several pages are devoted to how to pray by having an earnest conversation, “open and emptied,” with God.

Each chapter of Living Metanoia contains reflection questions and a practical “Metanoia Moment” to help readers live a life of change.

Father Pivonka is a well-known author, conference speaker, and pilgrimage leader. He hosted and produced The Wild Goose video series with 4PM Media on developing a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi titled Sign of Contradiction, and Metanoia (WildGoose.tv). With Franciscan University theology professor Dr. John Bergsma, he also produced Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (Our Sunday Visitor) is available from all major booksellers, and the Campus Store at Franciscan University of Steubenville, 888-333-0381.