Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D., is a leading expert on Christian spirituality. In recognition of his ministry in the Church, Pope John Paul II awarded him the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1999. In 2000, he was awarded the Caritas Centennial Award for his work in lay ministry and the Spirit of RENEW Award for his work in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism. His publications include Everyday Mysticism (Crossroad, 1995), Beauty: A Path to God (Paulist Press, 2013), and Moral Formation in the Parish (Alba House, 1998).Fr. Ciorra holds graduate degrees in psychology, spirituality, and pastoral theology. He earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Fordham University. Currently, he is Assistant Vice President for Mission and Catholic Identity at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Prior to assuming this post, Fr. Ciorra occupied a number of leadership positions in higher education and beyond, including: dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University; director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth; and director of the Center for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York.Fr. Ciorra’s professional experience ranges from parish life and preaching to teaching and administration to retreat work and formation ministries. He gives workshops and retreats throughout the world and is active in creating programs for interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Praise for Anthony Ciorra
“I highly recommend any course by Fr. Anthony Ciorra. His delivery is great, his reflections [are] thoughtful, and [his] questions are challenging. I would have enjoyed having him as a professor. His illustrations are practical.”– Michael Harrison,San Antonio, TX
“Anthony Ciorra—a born teacher—clear and inspiring.”– Sr. Michael,Seaham, County Durham, UK
“Very personable!”– Margaret Gardner,Verona, NJ
Nancy –
The impact of this course was dramatic and immediate. Fr. Ciorra speaks with honesty and real compassion about our human vulnerability to addiction, whatever it is.
The content and the delivery were a perfect match of speaking head on about our struggles with becoming obsessed with just about anything as opposed to giving the control over to
God. Consider this if you yourself are wrestling with any kind of holding on to anything that prevents you from true freedom.
Margaret –
Very Personable!
Viewing Fr Ciorra’s DVD was like having him present right in the room. Very personable!
Rev. David –
Terrific
This was a terrific explanation of the 12 steps.
K. Wendel –
Well Done!
My husband is a non Catholic Christian and unfamiliar with the 12 step program. When I used this program on a road trip he was surprised how much it interested him. Well done!
Anonymous –
*
Easy to understand and relate to.
Jim Lechowicz, Schenectady, NY USA –
*
Much needed, thought provoking.
Anonymous –
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An excellent course, it covers concepts about life and living. The course material can be used in both secular and spiritual sectors of life.
Anonymous –
*
Good presentation and subject material. Well worth sharing. Can be valuable for personal use or with groups.
Front Royal, Virginia –
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In my work, I have used this material to help my clients to envision “recovery” from a broader perspective …rather than limited to alcoholics and drug addicts etc……we are all in need of recovery from the illusions and grasping of the false self, together facing the reality of our shared human and through receiving and giving love discover the way home to “being”.
Rev. Robert W., O.F.M., IN, USA –
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Ciorra is down to earth and fits my own 12 step program and thinking.
Rev. Paul C. M. –
*
Being in recovery for 34 years I find the program very engaging and rewarding.
Barry N., Canada –
2015 Spring Survey
Gives the basic essentials of the faith in a usable manner.
Sharon W., VA –
2015 Spring Survey
Well organized engaging presenter focus on contempletive aspects of 12 step recovery process for anyone desiring to deepen their relationship with the God of their understanding.
Richard –
Very excited about the presentation
Presented this to an audience of 35 over a period of 5 weeks. I could tell by discussion who was in recovery and who had no contact with AA, etc. Those in recovery were very excited about the presentations and the fact that the 12 Steps were so linked to Christian spirituality. The program had been advertised in weekly church bulletin before and during sessions. Some even said they had or intended to order their copy.
Mary –
I appreciate the inclusion of this topic at Now You Know Media.
Since the Spirituality of the 12 Steps applies to my life I appreciate the inclusion of this topic at Now You Know Media. The presenter includes many stories from his life to illustrate his points and the study guide is good too. I love how he includes poetry, art, humor and the writings of Saints and spiritual authors to enhance his program too.
Rev. Paul –
For individuals wishing to understand 12 step spirituality and put into daily practice I found this program excellent.
For individuals wishing to understand 12 step spirituality and put into daily practice I found this program excellent. I have been in recovery for 34 years and this helped me greatly though I live the 12 steps daily.
Sherry M –
I liked the approach of making it apply to everyday life.
It takes you through the twelve steps in a program, but for anyone. I liked the approach of making it apply to everyday life.
Joe –
Excellent for anyone in recovery [or not] as a tool to grow spiritually.
Excellent for anyone in recovery [or not] as a tool to grow spiritually. Great presenter with a step by step approach that enabled me to increase my knowledge on how to live a full and abundant life.
Anonymous, NM –
Fall Survey: October 2016
Fr. Ciorra is interesting, knowledgeable and personable. Good sense of humor too.
Elinor M., MD –
Fall Survey: October 2016
This course focused on all addictions especially our addiction to the illusion of control. Fr. Ciarra’s reflections on each of the twelve steps were practical and inspiring. I have returned to the program several times and each time find something new.
Bill O., LADC., MN –
Winter Survey: January 2017
As a CD counselor I like comparing & extending the 12-steps beyond addictions to recovery in all life areas. Recovery is about “change” & if a person is not changing, something is wrong.
Patrick W., OH –
Winter Survey: January 2017
I give a workshop titled “Addiction and Responsibility,” and this course helped me to articulate some of my ideas to share.
ELINOR M., MD –
Winter Survey: January 2017
This retreat applies to spiritual growth in general not just for those struggling with addiction.
Anonymous –
Winter Survey: January 2017
He built on what I already knew about the 12 step program. Deep spiritual content and personal examples
Sr. Rosemary S., IL –
Spring Survey: April 2017
Spirituality of the 12 Steps gives depth for better self-knowledge, prayer, and relationship with the Lord.
Rosa M., CA –
Summer Survey: July 2017
This retreat reminded me of the great Love that God has for us, and although, we are far from being perfect, that he accepts and continues to Love us as we are, regardless of our failings in life. We only need to seek him, and accept him into our hearts, and he forgives us. He is always waiting on the other side of the door, waiting for us patiently. In the solace of my heart, I try to listen to the beat of the heart, and imagine My God knocking softly, to let him in. My beating is constant and so is he. I truly, appreciate this reminder in my life daily.
Lois M., NM –
2017 Christmas Survey
This is my favorite program, making the 12 Steps applicable to everyone, connecting the issues addicts experience with the issues we all experience in everyday life. It is applicable to you! The part about forgiveness was very moving.
Susan C., CO –
2018 Spring Survey
The twelve steps are wonderful, but Father Ciorra shows how they can lead us to a greater faith relationship and bring spirituality into everyday life.
James C., IL –
2018 Spring Survey
Fr Anthony Ciorra is excellent director of retreat.
Anonymous –
Summer 2018 Survey
Very clearly expressed, down to earth, speaker (Fr. Ciorra) is excellent. Draws you deeper into the spirituality of AA.
Sister James Ann G., O.S.F., PA –
Summer 2018 Survey
The presenter was excellent. The content of the DVD was very thought provoking. What was taught could be applicable to everyday life. I watched it several times and always learned something new each time.