FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis will celebrate its patron saint, Francis of Assisi, with three events on campus at 2701 Spring Street. These events are free and open to the public:
Blessing of Pets
Sunday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Brookside
USF Chaplain Fr. Dermot Gahan will bless pets during a simple service in remembrance of St. Francis’ love for animals and for all creation.
Transitus
Monday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., St. Francis Chapel
Through readings, song and ritual, participants will recall the night of St. Francis’ passage into eternal life. Fellowship and refreshments will follow in the Doermer Family Center for Health Education, Room 156A. All attending the fellowship are asked to bring a snack or beverage to share.
Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass for the Solemnity of St. Francis
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m., St. Francis Chapel
USF Chaplain Fr. Dermot Gahan will celebrate the Mass. People of all faiths and persuasions are invited to attend.
At each event, USF will accept donations of protein-rich food items (peanut butter, canned meats, canned vegetables and fruits, rice, dried beans, etc.) for its new St. Joseph’s Food Pantry and Kitchen. The pantry will be located in the Campus Ministry building and will serve students in need.
About St. Francis of Assisi: Born in 1182, Francis Bernardone’s dramatic reversion to the Christian faith, his passionate imitation of Christ through a life of poverty, and his service to the marginalized sparked a spiritual and social movement that continues to inspire and impact society and the Church today through the three religious orders he founded.
For more information, contact Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration Sister Anita Holzmer at 260-399-7700, ext. 6705 or aholzmer@sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology and graduate health sciences programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.