Abriana (Flynn ’06) Chilelli

Abriana (Flynn ’06) Chilelli was initially reluctant to come to Franciscan University. Once she started classes, however, she realized Franciscan’s integration of faith and reason was something for which she had always longed.

“I was generally uncatechized, but I had a real relationship with Jesus. My theology courses unlocked the deeper reality of the Church and completed my understanding of Christ, especially in the Eucharist. My other classes then opened my eyes to how all intellectual disciplines are consistent, lead to human flourishing, and point to God.”

This was especially true in Christian Marriage, a class taught by Dr. Donald Asci ’93, where she met her future husband, Ryan.

“I can’t think of a better foundation for our vocation than learning God’s plan and the Church’s wisdom for marriage and the family.”

They have put that vision into practice, raising their four children, Giovanni, Eilin, Vera, and Pier, in Littleton, Colorado, where Ryan works in commercial construction as an estimator.

“My work in education and my vocation as wife and mother are both ordered toward the same thing; the full flourishing of the human person,” Abriana says.

“My career has been in the renewal of Catholic schools, inviting them back to the Church’s charter for education. Beginning with a Christian anthropology offers students the freedom to know and to love well, especially to know and love Jesus Christ.”

This calling brought her into the courtroom, as she testified in an ongoing legal action concerning the right of Catholic schools to witness to Church teaching on marriage in Colorado.

“People often asked me,‘Isn’t it scary to testify in court?’ I answer that it’s an opportunity to publicly proclaim the true anthropology of the human person. My formation at Franciscan was instrumental in preparing me to communicate these truths in such an important moment. I’m so grateful for that.”

Abriana currently works for the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, as the assistant director of Catholic Education and as diocesan liaison for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, forming superintendents across the country in Catholic school renewal. She is encouraged by what she sees.

“Our Catholic schools are necessary missionary outposts that can offer an education focused on the final goal of the human person.They are poised to offer a witness of joyful hope to an educational landscape and culture that needs it.”

Abriana (Flynn ’06) Chilelli received the 2024 John J. Carrigg Award for Education for excellence as a leader in the field of education.