An expert in the theology and history of the Franciscan Movement, Dr. John Kruse of Neumann University brings his wealth of knowledge to St. Francis College as the featured speaker for St. Clare & St. Francis Week on Monday, October 1st at 12:30 p.m. in the College's Founders Hall.

"The theme for St. Clare & St. Francis Week this year and for our academic year 2018-2019 is Peacemaking," said Dr. Alexandria M. Egler, Executive Director of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue. "Our annual celebration is a reminder that both Francis and Clare discovered joy through their belief in the goodness and unconditional love of God. I think it's an important theme for us as we consider the many ways we are called to be peacemakers in this tumultuous world."

Kruse will deliver the talk, "How Becoming a Franciscan Peacemaker through Generosity Can Save the World," in which he will draw from the lives of Francis and Clare to address how an attitude of letting go can heal relationships in an era rife with division, tension, and conflict.

Kruse's publications include, "Discovering the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition: A Life-giving Vision," a number of devotional works based on the writings of St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Pope John Paul II, as well as numerous articles and chapters related to the Franciscan tradition.

"Francis and Clare show us that we can heal our relationships, on both personal and global levels, by giving of ourselves and being open to others instead of clinging to our possessions and viewpoints," said Kruse.

His work on topics like, "The Franciscan Moral Vision" and "The Embrace of Radical Poverty: Clare of Assisi's Unconventional Response to a World of Violence" set the stage for modern applications of the Franciscan tradition and its relevance in bringing together a deeply divided world.

Kruse also leads Franciscan Pilgrimages, guiding college students and adults on a contemporary spiritual journey while exploring the historical and religious context of historical pilgrimages.

St. Clare and St. Francis Week began with a kickoff party Thursday, September 27th and runs from October 1st – 5th. Other events include an Interfaith Prayer Service, Conversation between President Miguel Martinez-Saenz and Fr. Kevin Miller, OFM on peacemaking in the Franciscan tradition, Mass to Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, and a special Blessing of the Animals.

Check out the full event schedule at https://www.sfc.edu/news/clareandfrancis. For more information, contact Dr. Alexandria M. Egler, Executive Director of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue at [email protected].

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu