Programs & Conferences
Welcome to the Franciscan Institute's Programs and Conferences website. We look forward to welcoming you to the following events. All presentations and programs are being offered in virtual format only, utilizing Zoom or other web conferencing technology.
Summer of 2024 programming will be announced in the spring of 2024. Please return to this page often for updates.
Summer 2023 programs
Secular Franciscans:
From Gospel to Life: Jesus in the New Testament
June 3, 10 & 17, 2023
With Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap.
This free mini-course, held over three Saturdays, provided Secular Franciscans with a faithful and contemporary view of Jesus, as He is presented in the Letters of Paul and the Synoptic Gospels.
It presented Jesus in His Jewish historical context, providing a fresh look at the stories we know so well. In understanding how Jesus spoke in Jewish terms, we are able to more deeply appreciate His words, thoughts and commands. His parables come alive.
Toward a More Virtuous Economy:
Financial Reforms in the Franciscan Tradition
June 12-15, 2023
A seminar for Franciscan leaders, mission officers, and treasurers of religions institutions with Dr. Rod Hewlett, professor of economics and Secular Franciscan.
In this four-day seminar presented on Zoom, economist and Secular Franciscan Dr. Rod Hewlett traced the history of our economic troubles and then identified the Franciscan values that can provide relief. In ordinary language and with practical examples, he showed how a respect for human dignity, fraternity, and solidarity can come together to develop a more relational and virtuous economy that truly serves people.
Hewlett’s book, "The Virtuous Economy," FIP 2023, was central to the seminar.
There was a fee to attend this program so the Zoom video is not available for viewing.
The New Franciscan Moral Vision:
A Seminar on Franciscan Ethics
June 28-July 1, 2023
A Seminar with Dr. Krijn Pansters and Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., co-editors of "Lesser Ethics: Morality-as-Goodness-in-Relationship" (Franciscan Institute Publications, 2023).
The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the publication "The Franciscan Moral Vision: Responding to God’s Love," Thomas Nairn, ed. (Franciscan Institute Publications, 2013).
This conference, presented on Zoom, highlighted the importance of that book and tracked the developments in the Franciscan moral vision in the age of terrorism and pandemics, along with the influence of Pope Francis on Franciscan ethics.
Using their new volume, "Lesser Ethics: Morality-as-Goodness-in-Relationship," Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., and Dr. Krijn Pansters provided perspective on the challenges and insights of a developing Franciscan moral vision.
There was a fee to attend this program so the Zoom video is not available for viewing.
The Padua Program
The Padua Program at St. Bonaventure University helps Franciscan institutions and ministries transmit the values of Saints Francis and Clare to new generations of leaders.
Learn from specialists in Franciscan life and spirituality, leadership and management.
The Padua Program's Cohort V is in progress. The next cohort will begin in the summer of 2024. The dates will be announced. Please return to this webpage often for updates.