News Releases


St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure to celebrate African American women during annual Francis Week events

Sep 30, 2022

St. Bonaventure University kicks off Francis Week on Sunday, Oct. 2, with a day of service and concludes Friday, Oct. 7, with a concert.

The theme of the university’s annual celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi is “A Franciscan Celebration of Sisterhood: African American Women Lighting the Path to Peace and Love.”

The schedule of events:

  • Sunday, Oct. 2: Day of Service. Options include baking cookies, Warming House, making dog toys for the SPCA, cleaning gravestones at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, making no-sew blankets, visiting the elderly, walking dogs and socializing animals, and preparing personal care packages. Signups/more information is available using the QR code on the flyers throughout campus or via this link: https://sbu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6XrR4FIxmdkYgpE 
  • Monday, Oct. 3: The Transitus of St. Francis, 7 p.m., University Chapel; traditional celebration of the passing of Francis to eternal life. Reception to follow. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 4 (The Feast of St. Francis): “Images and Icons: The Herrlein Franciscan Saints and Icons by Br. Robert Lentz, O.F.M.,” 1 p.m., the Quick Center for the Art’s Gallery.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 4: Francis Festival, 2:30-4:30 p.m., outside of Doyle Chapel; includes food, games, music and the Blessing of the Animals.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 4: Mass for the Feast of St. Francis, 4:30 p.m., University Chapel. A special dinner will be served in the Hickey Dining Hall for the Feast Day.   
  • Leah Angel Daniel Wednesday, Oct. 5: lunch and guest speaker Leah Angel Daniel, an inspirational speaker and founder of Words have Wings and Fostering Greatness, who will discuss “Changing the Narrative: Fostering Resiliency and Greatness,” 12:30 p.m., University Ministries Great Room.
  • Jamie SmithThursday, Oct. 6: lecture “African American Women and Higher Education” with guest speaker Dr. Jamie Smith, chief academic officer and senior vice president of education at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3:30 p.m., Doyle Conference Center. 
  • Friday, Oct. 7: “Let It Begin With Me,” 6 p.m., Quick Center for the Arts; Rochester African American women’s gospel choir AKOMA will present a concert featuring spirituals, gospels, anthems and historical reenactments. A reception will follow.

All events are free and open to the campus community.