By Hannah Legacy
Contributing Writer
From Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, University Ministries will host its annual Francis Week to honor the life of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and creation, with funds from John and Kay Meisch.
Francis Week is a time to “celebrate and remember all that is a part of the Franciscan traditions and heritage,” said Kate Dillon Hogan, coordinator of operations for the university ministries.
Throughout the week, many events will be held, such as an overnight at Mt. Irenaeus, a speech by Sr. Dawn Nothwehr, OSF, the celebration of the Transitus and will conclude with the St. Francis Festival and Feast of St. Francis Mass.
Sr. Nothwehr, a faculty member of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will be presenting “An Essential Franciscan Guide for Faith and Sustainable Living” at 4 p.m. on Oct. 2 in the University Chapel.
Transitus is the celebration of St. Francis’ passing from life into death that is presented by students, said Hogan. It will take place at 9 p.m. on Oct 3 in the University Chapel.
The St. Francis Festival will have numerous entertaining attractions, including the blessing of pets, horse-drawn wagon rides around campus, a petting zoo of ponies and alpacas, candied and caramel apples and a craft: a Franciscan keychain, Hogan said. It will be occurring from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Hopkins Lawn on Oct. 4.
After the festival, Francis Week will be wrapped up with the Feast of St. Francis Mass, taking place afterward at 7 p.m. in the University Chapel.
The theme of Francis Week is “creation and celebrating God’s Kingdom on Earth,” said Hogan.
With this being a celebration of God’s Kingdom, students are involved in this from beginning to end.
“It’s meant for all,” Hogan added.
Not only is Francis Week a celebration of St. Francis, but also the heritage and traditions held by St. Bonaventure as an inclusive Franciscan University.
One fact that Hogan wants to make students aware of is it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a generous gift.
“Our ability to do this was based on a gift from John and Kay Meisch,” Hogan said.
This fits the spirit of Francis Week quite well, with it being a celebration of, not only creation, but of the Franciscan heritage and its values.
The spirit of giving and generosity is included in all of these and meant to be incorporated in the daily lives of, not only Franciscans but all of the St. Bonaventure Community.
legacyhe17@bonaventure.edu
