Annual Gala
Save the Date: April 25th, 2026
Our 2025 Annual Gala has officially come to a close—thank you for being part of an unforgettable evening. Final fundraising numbers will be shared soon.
The Annual Gala is a powerful celebration of community and service, honoring those who answer the call to lead and uplifting the spirit of hope that unites us all. While this year’s event has concluded, you can still support our Seminarians through our Seminarian Scholarship Fund. Plus, we invite you to save the date for next year’s Gala on April 25, 2026—we look forward to celebrating with you again!
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Seminarians embark on a profound journey of faith, preparing to dedicate their lives to God through chastity, poverty, and obedience, following the example of Jesus. Honor their commitment through supporting formation essentials.
2025 Key Guests
Keynote Speaker
We’re excited to welcome James Wahlberg as this year’s keynote speaker! James Wahlberg is the CEO and Founder of Wahl St. Marketing & Consulting and has been working in and around the field of addiction recovery for more than 25 years. Jim’s relationship with his faith began through the compassion of a Catholic Priest and a visit from Mother Teresa during one of his stints in a Massachusetts State Correctional Facility. As Jim worked to maintain long-term sobriety and strengthen his faith, the Spirit led him to create a number of short films on the topic of addiction, including the critically acclaimed ‘If Only’ that is particularly relevant in light of today’s opiate crisis.
Jim partnered with Catholic publishing company Our Sunday Visitor to publish his memoir, The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid’s Story of Addiction and Redemption; and produce the short faith-based film ‘What About the Kids’, which advocates for a faith-based solution to substance use disorder and features an appearance by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
Most recently, Jim produced Fathom Event’s #1 documentary of the year, ‘Mother Teresa: No Greater Love’, which was released in the US in 2022 and internationally in 2023. Jim also produced, ‘Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist’, a documentary that takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist. ‘Jesus Thirsts’ won #1 Documentary of the year 2024.
The Spirit continues to guide Jim in his journey of recovery and philanthropy, and to help others find hope in often seemingly hopeless situations.
Co-Chairs
John and Lisa Giglio were introduced to the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in 2020 through Father Shawn Monahan while he was assigned at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, FL. Since then, they have been dedicated supporters of the Oblates’ ministries, actively contributing to their growth and championing their mission. They also serve their own faith community at Epiphany Cathedral Parish in Venice, Florida.
Both John and Lisa are passionate about giving back to their community and actively volunteer with various organizations. John earned his degree from Florida Southern College and an MBA from the University of South Florida, while Lisa holds degrees from Lafayette College and Florida Southern College. In 2011, they acquired Freedom Boat Club, successfully leading the company until its sale in 2019.
As proud parents, John and Lisa celebrate their daughters’ achievements: Brianne, a senior at Auburn University, and Kaitlyn, a freshman at Clemson University.
John and Lisa are deeply honored to chair the Oblates of the Virgin Mary Gala this year. They look forward to a memorable evening of fellowship and fundraising to support Oblate vocations.
Emcee
Fr. Shawn Monahan, OMV, will be our emcee for the evening! Ordained as a priest for the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in 2002, Fr. Shawn has been involved in a variety of apostolic ministries since then. He’s served as a parish priest in New Jersey and Illinois, a certified retreat and spiritual director at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and as a Novice Master helping young men discern their vocation at Our Lady of Grace Seminary.
You may also recognize him from our latest virtual workshop, The Path to Healing Our Broken Hearts, where he leads us on a healing journey to the Lord’s compassionate love.
2024 Annual Gala Sponsors
Thank you to all of the Gala sponsors! Your support enables current and future seminarians to pursue a lifetime of service.
St. Ignatius Province of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 04-2596681