Center for Franciscan Spirit and Life
Part of the School of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Franciscan Spirit and Life promotes the spirituality of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi and fosters the Franciscan way of living and serving God, others and all of creation.
Serving USF instructors who desire to integrate Franciscan charism and values into their classes, the Center for Franciscan Spirit and Life sponsors speakers and discussion groups on Franciscan topics. Students, staff and those beyond the campus community are invited to learn about the lives and spirituality of Saints Francis and Clare. The Center welcomes all in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, the Secular Franciscans, and members of the public with humanitarian concerns.
Characteristics of the Franciscan Way of Life:
- Continuously turning toward the Lord in love
- Living the Gospel by following in Christ's footprints
- Reverence for others as images of God in Christ
- Building a loving community
- Fostering peace and justice
- Humble, compassionate service to all
- Loyalty to the Church and respect for all faith traditions
- Concern and care for creation
The University of Saint Francis offers an 18-credit-hour Certificate or minor in Franciscan Studies. The program grounds the student in the Franciscan Intellectual and Spritual Tradition through
- the study of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi and the spirituality that flowed from their experiences of God and
- the application of the Franciscan way of being to one's major discipline
For more information about the Center, contact Sister M. Anita Holzmer, O.S.F., Director of the Center for Franciscan Spirit and Life and USF faculty member in the Department of Philosophy and Theology at 260-399-7700 x6705 or aholzmer@sf.edu.
For more information about the lives of Saints Francis and Clare visit the Franciscan Experience* sponsored by the Franciscan Institute Outreach. *This link will navigate away from www.sf.edu.