Father Thomas J. Loya: Co-founder and Director the Tabor Life Institute

Fr. Thomas J Loya, is currently the pastor of Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, IL. He is also the host of two radio programs; “Light of the East” which can be heard in more than 60 cities across the United States on several Catholic radio networks including EWTN Radio as well as “Beyond the Veil,” heard on Ave maria radio.

Before entering the seminary Fr. Loya earned a degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art and pursued a career in commercial art and design. He later completed his studies for the priesthood in both Pennsylvania and Rome where he attended the North American College earning an STB from the Angelicum University. During his time in Rome, Fr. Loya was first heard St. Pope John Paul II’s monumental teaching on the human person when he attended his weekly audiences about The Theology of the Body.

Fr. Loya was ordained in 1982 and later added to his Bachelor of Fine Arts by earning a Masters in Counseling and Human Services in 1993. Fr. Loya has served the Church in youth and young adult ministry as well as an artist and design consultant. He has directed many retreats and has been a guest speaker at several conventions including World Youth Day 2002. Using his background in art, counseling, and Eastern Catholic spirituality, Fr. Loya applies the principles of The Theology of the Body to an understanding all aspects of the human experience. 

Catherine Baranko: Co-founder and President of the Tabor Life Institute

Catherine is currently the president of Tabor Life Institute, a 501 c3, tax deductible organization. Catherine co-founded Tabor after hearing a homily about the Trinity, as explained through the Theology of the Body. This transforming message profoundly affected her, clarifying a life vocation.

Catherine has since dedicated her life to promoting the message of Theology of the Body to youth and young adults through ByzanTEEN Youth Coordinator for Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen, IL.

Catherine hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Indiana University. 

Armand Ciabattari: Producer and Technical Adviser for the Tabor Life Institute

Armand has been the Producer/Engineer for Tabor Life’s Light of the East radio program for the past 9 years. He has been involved in the broadcast and media industries since 1969. He has been an on air talent on WEFA, WYEN, Chicago’s legendary WLUP the Loop, and Z-95 Milwaukee among others. Armand has programmed WJKL the Fox, Y-95 Rockford, IL and KZOK FM and AM Seattle. He has also served as  General Manager for Relevant Radio’s 3 station Chicagoland cluster and has been a consultant for Christian and Catholic stations.
 
Armand’s role as producer of Light of the East is to create for the listener the most engaging and compelling vehicle for Father Loya’s message which is available on EWTN Radio’s terrestrial radio affliates plus EWTN’s  Sirius/XM Radio channel, shortwave and internet streams and Ave Maria Radio stations. Light of the East podcasts are also available on Byzatinecatholic.com and iTunes.




The Tabor Life Institute is a 501 c3, tax deductible organization, and is grateful for your support. To make an online gift, use the button at the left. To speak to someone about making a sustaining gift, contact us here.