FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The University of Saint Francis will celebrate the feast of its patron saint, Francis of Assisi, with three events on or near October 4. Born in 1182, St. Francis’ dramatic reversion to the Christian faith, his poverty and his service to the needy in imitation of Christ sparked a spiritual movement that continues to the present in the three religious orders he founded. The events at the university, which will commemorate Francis’ impact on the world even today, are sponsored by the USF Office for Mission Integration and Spirituality, in conjunction with USF Campus Ministry.
The Blessing of Pets, led by University Chaplain Father David Meinzen, will take place on Sunday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in front of Brookside (formerly known as the Bass mansion) near the St. Francis statue. Pets of all shapes, sizes and species are welcome, as are their owners.
The Transitus, a Franciscan prayer service commemorating St. Francis’ passing into heaven, will be held on Wednesday, October 3 at 7 p.m. in the new St. Francis Chapel on the east side of campus, next to the Pope John Paul II Center. Through readings, hymns and ritual, participants will relive the night of Francis’ passage with Sister Death to eternal life. Fellowship and refreshments will follow nearby in the Doermer Family Center for Health Sciences Education, Room 156.
On October 4 at 11:30 a.m. in the new St. Francis Chapel a special Mass will celebrate Saint Francis’ “birth into heaven.” University Chaplain Father David Meinzen will officiate. People of all faiths and persuasions are invited to join in this celebration of St. Francis’ life in word, song and sacrament.
All events are open to the public and free of charge, but attendees are asked to bring personal care items to benefit Vincent Village. University students, employees, alumni, Secular Franciscans and those with a “Franciscan heart” are welcome to attend.
For more information, call Sister Anita Holzmer, Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration, at 260-399-7700, ext. 6705.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral 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 programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis campus experience includes 16 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships, and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.