Father Jonathan St. André, TOR, serves as both a Franciscan friar and an administrator at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio.

A Northern Virginia Beginning

Father Jonathan grew up in Reston, Virginia. His younger sister Janine, who has Down syndrome, allowed him to experience part of a call to be a Franciscan: “Franciscans have a deep sense for the marginalized.”

Fullness of Faith at Franciscan University

”Seeing people on fire for Christ while living out their Catholic faith was transformative,” he recalled, joining a household, a faith-sharing community unique to the university.

A Call Confirmed Through Mission and Service

After a year as a missionary with NET Ministries, his teammates first articulated what he had not yet fully acknowledged: “They told me they could see me as a priest.”

Becoming a TOR Friar

Twenty-five years later, Father Jonathan’s decision has borne abundant fruit, living in a fraternity of friars ranging in age from 30 to 75.

A Message of Encouragement

”Action produces clarity. You have to take action to get to a further step in your life.”