FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The University of Saint Francis will celebrate its patron saint, Francis of Assisi, with three upcoming events at the campus, 2701 Spring St.
These events are free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to bring personal care items for a collection to benefit Vincent Village.
Blessing of Pets
6:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Brookside
Pets and their owners are welcome to meet near the St. Francis statue outside the mansion for a brief service commemorating St. Francis’ love for animals and all creation. Father Patrick Hake will bless each pet at the end of the service.
The Transitus
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
St. Francis Chapel
Through readings, hymns and ritual, participants will recall the night of Francis’ passage with Sister Death into eternal life. Fellowship and refreshments will follow in the Doermer Family Center for Health Sciences Education.
Eucharistic Celebration (Mass)
11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4
St. Francis Chapel
People of all faiths and persuasions are invited to join in this celebration of St. Francis’ life and birth into heaven in word, song and sacrament. USF will welcome Father Robert Showers, OFM Conventual, as celebrant for the Mass.
Born in 1182, Francis Bernardone’s dramatic reversion to the Christian faith, his life of poverty and his service to the needy in imitation of Christ sparked a spiritual movement that continues to impact society and the church today through the three religious orders he founded.
For more information, call Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration Sister Anita Holzmer at 260-399-7700, ext. 6705, or email aholzmer@sf.edu.
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 18 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.