News release from the University of Saint Francis:
USF to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi
(September 18, 2014) — The University of Saint Francis will celebrate the feast of its patron saint, Francis of Assisi, with three events on or near Oct. 4. Born in 1182, St. Francis’ Christian conversion, poverty and his service to the poor sparked a spiritual movement which continues today in the three orders he founded. The events at the university, which will commemorate Francis’ impact on the world, are sponsored by the Center for Franciscan Life.
The Transitus, a traditional Franciscan prayer service commemorating Saint Francis’ passing into heaven, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in Saint Francis Chapel at the west end of Trinity Hall. Through readings, hymns and ritual, participants will re-live the night of Francis’ passage through death to eternal life. Fellowship and refreshments will follow in the Campus Ministry building.
As part of the university’s Homecoming activities, Saint Francis’ “birth into heaven” will be commemorated at a special Mass in Saint Francis Chapel on Saturday, Oct. 4 at noon. University chaplain Father David Meinzen will officiate, and liturgical music will be provided by members of USF Campus Ministry Peer Ministers and the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. People of all faiths, especially alumni, employees and students, are invited to join in this celebration of St. Francis’ life in word, song and sacrament.
A Blessing of Pets in honor of St. Francis will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. in front of Brookside (former Bass mansion) near the Saint Francis statue. Pets of all shapes, sizes and species are welcome, as are their owners.
All events are open to the public without charge. University students, employees, alumni, secular Franciscans and “Franciscans-at-heart” are especially welcomed.
For more information, call Sister Anita Holzmer, Director of the Center for Franciscan Life, at (260) 399-7700, ext. 6705.
About the University of Saint Francis
The University of Saint Francis, founded in 1890 as a comprehensive university in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs through the School of Health Sciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and School of Creative Arts. In addition to its traditional courses, the university designs focused curriculum for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. Around 2,300 students from a broad geographic region attend USF for its academic excellence.
Related Images:
