The Vision of the Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue is  for every member  of the St. Francis College Community member to fearlessly live out the Franciscan way personally and professionally to transform the world!

In 1219, Francis of Assisi and al-Malik al-Kāmil, the Muslim Sultan of Egypt, met in Damietta, Egypt – a 5,000 km journey from Assisi. Over several weeks, Francis and al-Kāmil exchanged beliefs that seemed to impact Francis, demonstrating the power of interfaith dialogue. St. Francis demonstrated a burning desire to form fellowships, learning from others.

Many of our Hindu friends may easily identify with St. Francis thanks to Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836- 1886) emerged from Hindu traditions but also studied Christianity and Islam. He concluded that many paths reach one and the same goal - the realization of God.

Ramakrishna and St. Francis share remarkable traits and experiences. Both venerated nature as the beauty of God. At age six, Ramakrishna was overwhelmed by a sense of harmony when a group of white cranes flew over a dark cloud. Francis has been described as having living relationships with birds and animals, enhancing his spiritual senses and well-being.

Both Francis and Ramakrishna came to believe that wealth could be a distraction, leading to vanity and unhealthy ambition. Separately they emphasized spiritual education and meditation as a powerful path to self-actualization.

St. Francis and al-Malik al-Kāmil were blessed to have met. However, 600 years and 8,000 kilometers separated Ramakrishna and St Francis, though they were near in spirit.

Today, we do not have to travel 5,000 kilometers to tap into the power of interfaith dialogue. The power of interfaith exchanges is afforded to us daily in our multi-purpose or interfaith prayer rooms. With over 30 denominations flowing and congregating through our modern St. Francis College campus, we are in an epicenter of interfaith possibilities. This unique privilege is not afforded in many places on our planet. Too few have the opportunity and venue to learn from one another. Maybe we are here for a reason. How can we take one small step towards transforming a world that needs us? What would Francis and Ramakrishna do?

Robert Justich
St. Francis College