Francis of Assisi: The World’s Most Popular Saint Still Has a Vision for Our Time

What if holiness has less to do with religion and more to do with learning how to see the world with wonder?

Francis of Assisi was spiritual long before the term was coined, and he was religious in the best sense. We love him because he cut through the paraphernalia to get back to religion where it belongs: working in the human heart, making a difference in everyday life.

Independent scholar and Franciscan chronicler Jon M. Sweeney has been writing and speaking about Francis of Assisi for 25 years. His books on the subject have sold a quarter of a million copies.

In the 801st year after St. Francis’ death, Sweeney will join us to present a compelling portrait of the world’s most popular saint—adored by people of all faiths, and none—with a vision that’s essential for today. We will learn about who he was, what made him unique in his own time, and some spiritual practices for the everyday that are modeled after Francis’s own experiences. Jon will also offer parallels from teachers of other spiritual traditions, including Thich Nhat Hanh, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Nicholas Black Elk, and poet Mary Oliver.

Join us as we discover how the wisdom of Francis of Assisi can help us live with greater simplicity, compassion, and joy in a complicated world.

Friday
3p Guest Check-In Begins
6p Dinner
7:15p Welcome / Introductions
7:30p Introductory Session I

Saturday
8a Breakfast
9a Session II
10:15a Coffee/Tea/Water/Restroom Break
10:30a Session III
11:45a Break
12:00p Lunch
1p Conversation in the Round
2 – 3p Final Session IV