Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2019!
On Saturday, May 25, family, friends, music and prayer-filled the Historic Church of Mission San Luís Rey as the Franciscan School of Theology celebrated the Commencement ceremony.
FST wishes them the best as they advance into new careers, new studies, and new roles in their religious communities.
William Short, OFM, SThD, Professor of Spirituality presented the class of 2019 with a wonderful reflection.
Our graduates’ work in the 21st century echoes the commitment expressed by our Brother Francis himself in the 13th century. In his Early Rule for his brothers, he wrote about the people with whom they lived in this way:
They must rejoice when they live among people considered of little value and looked down upon, among the poor and the powerless, the sick and the lepers, and the beggars by the wayside.
3When it is necessary, they may go for alms. 4Let them not be ashamed and remember, moreover, that our Lord Jesus Christ, … was poor and a stranger and lived on alms — He, the Blessed Virgin, and His disciples.
True to this Franciscan choice, in your academic work and service, many of you have focused on our brothers and sisters who are experiencing poverty, violence or rejection in today’s society. Through your lives, the words of Francis take on a new reality today in a different place and a different time, but always inspired by the same Gospel of Christ.
May the Lord bless you!! – William Short, OFM, SThD
Transforming Heart and Mind. Changing the World.
The Franciscan School of Theology offers graduate degrees in theology (Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies) for men and women, lay and religious, preparing for many different forms of ministry in the Catholic Church today.
For more information about our graduate programs contact our Department of Admissions:
Christine Avella
(619) 574-5803
Gigi Betancourt
(619) 574-5816
Office of Admissions
Fax: (619) 849-8431