Ex-Mafia Don to Speak at Chapel Nov. 16

by Angela Best
"Born Again Don" Michael Franzese will address Baylor University students during Chapel at 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Waco Hall.
Franzese, once referred to by the media and law enforcement as the New York Mob's "Long Island Don" and "The Prince of the Mafia," was known as "one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine's survey of 'The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses,' ranking no. 18, just five behind John Gotti," according to Vanity Fair magazine.
Franzese's autobiography, Blood Covenant, tells his story from the early days in the mob and rise to power and his conversion to Christianity that changed his life forever and led him to quit the Mob and follow Jesus.
Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of at-risk youth, professional and student athletes, corporate executives and for anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives, Franzese has become a highly regarded motivator and a source of invaluable information.
He candidly describes how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, three major racketeering indictments, five criminal trials, seven years in prison and a Mafia death sentence.
According to Franzese's Web site, "his open and honest presentations are fresh and unique."
"As a sworn member of La Cosa Nostra, I knowingly took an oath, a blood covenant, that obligated me to live my life in conflict with both the laws of God and of man," Franzese said. "Today, there is no doubt in my mind that I was doomed to spend an eternity in hell had I continued to reject the authority and live outside of the grace of my true boss, Jesus Christ. Mark 14:24 tells me that the blood of the covenant of Jesus set me free from the covenant with the mob."
For more information on Franzese, visit www.michaelfranzese.com. Chapel can be viewed live at www.baylor.edu/um.