Franciscan Institute News, Publications & Research

SBU’s Franciscan Institute provides yearlong formation in Franciscan mission to Midwest Health System

Jun 24, 2026 | The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University has completed a one-year program in Franciscan mission and leadership training for the Hospital Sisters Health System headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.

SBU joins calls for peace expressed by Pope and Franciscans

Jun 24, 2026 | St. Bonaventure University joins the global Franciscan community in expressing deep gratitude for the recent call to peace issued by Pope Leo XIV, echoing a message that resonates profoundly with the university’s Catholic and Franciscan mission.

St. Bonaventure’s Franciscan Institute graduates cohort in Franciscan mission-based leadership

Jun 24, 2026 | The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University celebrated the achievement of 23 people today as they completed the Padua Program, the Franciscan mission-based leadership program, on the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (June 13).

Franciscan Institute scholars publish interdisciplinary volume on trust

Jun 24, 2026 | Three scholars from the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University have joined in the publication of a new international volume titled “Trust: Franciscan Connections in Theology, Spirituality, Economics and Beyond.”

Art, faith, service (and pets) at the heart of SBU’s Francis Week

Jun 24, 2026 | St. Bonaventure University will celebrate Francis Week Sept. 29 through Oct. 4 with a series of events honoring its Franciscan heritage, beginning with an evening of storytelling and art at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

SBU's Couturier presents paper to regional association of churches

Jun 24, 2026 | Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies and director of the Franciscan Institute, presented a paper to the Greater Olean Association of Churches on Feb. 2.

Friars mark 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis

Jun 24, 2026 | More than 70 Franciscan friars from the three branches of the First Order — the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and the Order of Friars Minor — gathered at St. Bonaventure University for “Transitus in an Era of Epochal Change,” a celebration and study days marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

Couturier presents research in Assisi, publishes new book

Jun 24, 2026 | Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor and director of the Franciscan Institute, delivered three academic papers at the General Assembly of the International Franciscan Conference of Congregations of the Third Order Regular in Assisi, Italy, in May.

SBU’s Franciscan Institute launches a new international society for Franciscan Studies

Jun 24, 2026 | The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University has partnered with the Franciscan Study Center at Tilburg University, Netherlands, to launch a new association of scholars, teachers and students around the world to collaborate in the study of the Franciscan movement.

Poor Clare Sisters assemble at St. Bonaventure University

Jun 24, 2026 | Approximately 35 Poor Clare Sisters from across the United States will come together on the campus of St. Bonaventure University today (June 18) to begin a 10-day assembly focusing on their life and mission in the church.

Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure graduates 22 leaders from Franciscan institutions

Jun 24, 2026 | The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University graduated 22 men and women from its Padua Program on June 12.

Fr. David Couturier publishes new book on Franciscan ethics

Jun 24, 2026 | Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies, has published a new book that synthesizes a moral vision from Judeo-Christian history and the lived experience of the early Franciscans.

Institute publishes a new book on Franciscan mission integration

Jun 24, 2026 | The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University has released the second book in a series focused on mission integration in Franciscan institutions.

Couturier elected vice chairman of the board at Viterbo University

Jun 24, 2026 | Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., director of the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University, has been elected vice chairman of the Board of Trustees at Viterbo University and will serve on the university’s executive committee.

SBU's Couturier receives certificate of achievement from Harvard

Jun 24, 2026 | Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M., Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies and director of the Franciscan Institute, received a certificate of achievement from Harvard University's School of Graduate Education in Educational Justice.