On-campus events utilize the St. Bonaventure Conference Center, which can be set up for various purposes and is equipped with the latest technological offerings.

St. Bonaventure University

Programs & Conferences


Welcome to the Franciscan Institute's Programs and Conferences website. We look forward to welcoming you to the following events. Please note that some conferences are on-campus offerings while others are offered virtually via Zoom.



The Franciscan Institute on the Road


IFC-TOR · International Franciscan Conference of the Institutes and Monasteries of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis
General Assembly
May 10-15, 2025 
Domus Pacis, Assisi, Italy

Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., Mr. Jeff Papia 
  • Franciscans and God’s Great Plan for the Repair of the World and the Renewal of Humanity
  • Franciscans in the Public Square
  • Mission-Based Caring in a Time of Isolations

  • Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities
    AFCU Symposium
    June 4-7, 2025
    Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin

    Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., “Franciscan Mission Based Caring in Higher Education”
     


    The Franciscan Institute on Zoom


    FOUR-SESSION SEMINARCover for Poverty, Peacemaking, and the Sacred
    July 7-10, 2025

    11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (EST)
    Cost: $40 plus purchase of book

    Fr. Liam Kelly, OFM, PhD. “Poverty, Peacemaking and the Sacred: A Girardian Reading of the Early Franciscan Movement.”

    Fr. Liam will take participants through his new book (by the same name), offering a vibrant and fresh reading of Francis and his movement in a way, as one reviewer noted, “that speaks persuasively to contemporary people wrestling with questions of belonging, desire, rivalry, and hope.”

    Register for the Four-Session Seminar

    Get your copy of Poverty, Peacemaking, and the Sacred: A Girardian Reading of the Early Franciscan Movement
     

    THURSDAYS WITH ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: A SUMMER BOOK CLUBCover for The Life of a Restless Saint
    June 12, 2025; June 19, 2025; June 26, 2025

    11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (EST)
    All sessions will be held by Zoom
    Cost: $25 plus purchase of book

    Dr. Andrew BelfieldDr. Andrew Belfield, PhD, Assistant Professor at St. Bonaventure University, will lead participants through a reading of three chapters of a wonderful new biography of St. Francis of Assisi by Volker Leppin, St. Francis of Assisi: The Life of a Restless Saint. Published in 2025, this book offers an invigorating and accessible look at the times and concerns of Francis and his movement from its inception to his death. Dr. Belfield is a popular new professor at the University and will bring his superb knowledge of the medieval world to life in three sessions.



    SECULAR FRANCISCANS SUMMER PROGRAM
    “The Franciscan Way of Bold Hope:
    Caring When It’s Hardest to Care"
    David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., Director of the Franciscan Institute

    June 14, 21, 28, 2025
    11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (EST)
    All sessions will be held by Zoom

    fr-david-couturier-webWe are living in a time when the great democracies of the world are pulling back from their great commitment to care for those who are most vulnerable in society today. Some have called it a “crisis of care.” As Secular Franciscans, we have been caring directly and communally for the poor since the Order was first founded by Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. This three-part series will review the history and spirituality of Franciscan “caring when it’s hardest to care.” The Zoom presentations will be:

    1. "The Courage to Care: Embracing Hope in Difficult Times"
    Exploring the Secular Franciscan call to love and serve even when faced with suffering, division, or despair.

    2. "Wounded Healers: A Franciscan Theology of Disability and Care"
    Seeing disability through the lens of Franciscan spirituality—how vulnerability, interdependence, and dignity shape a compassionate practice of care. 

    3. "Franciscan Transformative Care: Rebuilding Communities of Hope"
    Drawing from the Franciscan tradition to create healing, inclusive, and hope-filled communities—especially in times of crisis and marginalization.

    A Zoom link will be provided to all those who register for this program. Register for the "Franciscan Way of Bold Hope: Caring When It Is Hardest To Care" 
     
     

    The Franciscan Institute on Campus


    THE POOR CLARE ASSEMBLY
    June 18-28, 2025

    Prayer and Discernment: A gathering of Poor Clare Sisters from around the country. 
    Fr. Russel Murray, OFM, Fr. Joseph Chinnici, OFM., and others
    Francis Hall
    St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY




    ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY IN ARTElizabeth Foot Washing artwork
    July 7, 2025

    Franciscan Institute Research Fellow, Dr. Michael Shane Harless, will deliver a public lecture at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse at 4 p.m., July 7, on his study of art and architecture dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Europe. Dr. Harless recently received his PhD from Rice University in medieval art and architecture.

    Registration link to come




    THE PADUA PROGRAMPadua logo
    July 9-12, 2025

    The seventh cohort of The Padua Program, the Franciscan Mission-Based Leadership Training, will begin their year-long internship here at St. Bonaventure University. 

    The program is directed by Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM. Cap., Mr. Jeff Papia, Mrs. Debi Haug, and Dr. Julianne Wallace. 

    Learn more about The Padua Program