Fr. Dan Riley O.F.M. at a men’s basketball game / Photo courtesy of Cassidey Kavathas
BY CLAIRE FISHER, STAFF WRITER
Father Dan Riley, O.F.M., a `64 St. Bonaventure University graduate, has made a name for himself on our campus. Not only is he a founder of Mt. Irenaeus, but he has also become a pivotal figure in Bonaventure University Ministries, University Advancement team, and a friendly face around town.
Riley begins his days in deep meditation and prayer by sunrise. He creates an Instagram devotional for his followers and uses this to set his intentions for the day. While his mornings are consistent, he may be spending the afternoon planning for board meetings, retreats, painting or collaborating with students. Creating bonds with students is his favorite part of his affiliation with Mt. Irenaeus. Fr. Riley explains that he sees hope in the Bonaventure students. He admires their disposition for peace in our world and their passion about creation.
“Youth have a clarity of life in their face that isn’t clouded by complexity. There is almost a simple joy in meeting youth and allowing me to walk with them if they accept,” said Riley. “They have open hearts for themselves and others that are filled with generosity.”
By night, he returns to his hermitage on site, La Paz, where he allows himself to settle into solitude – one of the most important parts of his day.
One of his greatest passions is expanding the mission of Mt. Irenaeus to everyone he meets. One way he does this is through ‘Mountain on the Road’ Ministry, running this season from November 3 – 6. Fr. Dan, Joseph Flannagan, Br. Joseph Kotula, and four students will be organizing Gospel reflections in Binghamton, Philadelphia, Maryland and Virginia.
He delights in the way alumni interact with students and is excited to watch the students share their witnesses. Riley is honored to host a place that allows for relationships to grow and explore both pain and joy.
Riley’s most recent project is his new book, Franciscan Lectio: Reading the World Through the Living Word. He bases his truth on the Gospel and the theologies of St. Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure. The essence of Franciscan Lectio relies on discussion of the Gospel on an individual.
“Lectio gives us a chance to experience the world as a holy text,”Riley noted. “If we cannot know that component, we cannot know that the Bible is also a holy text.”
Fr. Riley wants his book, and Lectio Divina in general, to be a way to feel, see and touch a God that does not hold back. He views every face as a holy experience and finds this in creation.
Most of all, Riley wants everyone to know that they are welcomed and appreciated at Mt. Irenaeus.
Riley describes, “The Mountain receives you as you are, just as the good Earth does. You don’t need to become anything. Just be.”
Rooted in Franciscan hospitality, Fr. Riley invites everyone to visit the Mountain and experience God, prayer, the land and a loving community.
fisherck21@bonaventure.edu
