Franciscan Zoom Lecture Series – Fall 2024 Semester
9/12/24: Thomas Piolata, OFM Cap. – A Meditation on the Holy Spirit and the Stigmata
St. Bonaventure describes the stigmata of St. Francis in terms that implicitly or explicitly refer to the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, the Holy Spirit is the “finger of God” that impresses the wounds of the Crucified on the Saint. Accordingly, Bonaventure not only deepens the theology of this mystical event in a Christological fashion, but also in terms of the Spirit. This talk explores the pneumatology of the stigmata, and ultimately underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of faith.
10/10/24: Amanda Quantz – Copping an Attitude: Resilience as a Pathway to Joy in Dante’s Purgatory
In Christian history, heresy is often defined by the passage of time. True heresy, though, is a conscious adherence to falsehood. Dante’s portrayal of hell and purgatory reveals the fine line between stubbornness and tenacity. Love requires persistent effort for the sake of others. Today, many marriages fail due to one spouse’s choice: to be right or to be married. Dante’s Franciscan worldview emphasizes virtue ethics. Sin is sin, regardless of attitude. This lecture, inspired by Dante, focuses on tenacity as a path to joy.
11/14/24 : John Kruse – In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare of Assisi
Assisi, Italy, is a sacred space within the Franciscan tradition. The natural beauty and social fabric of the city greatly influenced the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. Pilgrims can personally and powerfully connect with the lives of Francis and Clare by visiting the sites that are important in the Franciscan tradition. By doing so, pilgrims gain profound insight into their own lives and spiritual journeys. This presentation will explore the benefits, both personal and spiritual, of walking in the footsteps of Francis and Clare.
12/12/24: Keith Warner, OFM – The Moral Vision of Pope Francis: Is He Changing Church Teaching?
Pope Francis expresses deep moral convictions in words and actions. The tone and emphases of his moral instruction, however, have been so pastoral that critics don’t even recognize him as teaching moral theology. This presentation will review his approach and interpret his vision for the moral life of Christians today.
