Professor Anthony Maranise is a Catholic-Christian spiritual theologian, board-certified chaplain, professor, author, and pastoral professional whose work explores the intersections of faith, spirituality, sport, suffering, healing, and human flourishing. A nationally recognized speaker and educator, he lectures and presents at Catholic-Christian conferences, retreats, universities, ministries, and special events on topics including sport and spirituality, cancer and Christian faith, mental health and spiritual care, Marian devotion, Benedictine spirituality, and spiritual direction.
An Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, Maranise integrates prayer, Scripture, reflection, and the Benedictine tradition into compassionate pastoral care and spiritual formation. Through his ministry, writing, spiritual direction, and founded initiatives (Sport & the Spiritual Life and The Eternal Insight Network) he seeks to foster hope, healing, wisdom, and renewal in individuals and communities navigating life’s deepest challenges.
Professor Maranise holds bachelor’s degrees in Religion & Philosophy and Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Catholic Studies (Theology) from Christian Brothers University, and has pursued advanced doctoral studies in Interdisciplinary Leadership and Education at Creighton University. He is currently completing postgraduate formation in spiritual direction through the School of Theology at Saint John's University and plans to continue toward doctoral work in ministry or theology.
A 20+ year survivor of childhood leukemia, Maranise brings both scholarly insight and lived experience to his work in cancer spirituality, emotional suffering, and faith-centered healing. His personal testimony and pastoral outreach have encouraged countless individuals facing illness, anxiety, grief, and spiritual hardship. He is also an accredited sports life-coach through the International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA), specializing in the relationship between athletics, spirituality, identity, and personal formation. He has taught courses in religion, spirituality, ethics, and behavioral studies at The University of Memphis, Concorde College, and various private and distance-learning institutions. His scholarly writings on spirituality, religion, and sport have appeared in academic journals and educational forums throughout the United States.
Professor Maranise is the author of several books, including the award-winning Cross of a Different Kind: Cancer & Christian Spirituality (2018), winner of the Religion - Christianity category at the American Book Festival and recipient of the Reader’s Favorite Five-Star Award. Other published works include Sport & the Spiritual Life: The Integration of Playing & Praying, Worth Holding On To, Beyond I Am: Meditations on the Gospel of St. John, and Faith Filled Fragments. Additional titles are scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027. Proceeds from Cross of a Different Kind support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Recognized in Who’s Who in American Education and honored as a Distinguished Humanitarian by the Associated Press, Professor Maranise continues to serve through teaching, scholarship, ministry, spiritual direction, and public speaking.
Speaking Topics Include:
The Intersections of Sport, Christian Spirituality, & Religion
The Intersections of Christian Spirituality & Cancer Encounters
The Adjuvant Uses of Christian Spirituality in Treatment for Depression & Anxiety
Complementarities Between Marian & Benedictine Spiritualities
The Spirituality of Our Lady of Lourdes
Personal Testimony: Faith in My Personal Cancer Encounter
Personal Testimony: Overcoming Anguish in the Light of Faith
Personal Testimony: My Healing at Lourdes
Benedictine Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual Direction: Art & Practice
Custom Topics by Arrangement
