Pastoral Power in Practice
Join us for a transformative two-day conference exploring how Franciscans and the Church use pastoral power to strengthen love in the world.
Please select one registration option below.
The conference is free โ a donation of $25 is suggested for Saturday’s lunch.
5 Keynote Speakers:
Br. Michael Perry, OFM
Siena University
Prof. Neslihan ลenocak
Columbia University
Bishop John P. Dolan
Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
Br. Thomas Nairn, OFM
Franciscan School of Theology
Br. William Short, OFM
Franciscan School of Theology
The Heart of Franciscan Pastoral Leadership
Pope Francisโ last encyclical, Dilexit Nos, called for a rediscovery of the heart as a way toward Christ and each other. The emphasis on โheartโ in the encyclical demonstrates how God is always trying to capture the heart. The mind is important, but we know that humans must love and act so that they can truly understand God. This conference will gather a variety of speakers who demonstrate how Franciscans and the Church use pastoral power to strengthen love in the world.
Encounter at the Border: Solidarity with Migrant Communities Today
January 30 | 9am to 4:30 pm | at Barrio Logan in San Diego | $60
Experience an Immersion Program led by Brother Keith Warner, OFM, Associate Professor of Ethics & Spirituality at FST and in collaboration with Via International.
At USDโs Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Theater
January 30 & 31, 2026
Stay at The Dana on Mission Bay
Address: 1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
To book call 1-800-445-3339 and Mention the group name: โFranciscan School of Theology at USDโ
or visit bit.ly/bookatthedana.
Topics
Pastoral Power in Action
Wonder, Compassion, and the Care of Mental Health
Bishop John Dolan
Global Fraternity and Pastoral Power
Franciscan Love Expressed Through Service and Solidarity
Br. Michael Perry, OFM
Pastoral Power and Saint Francis of Assisi
A Franciscan Vision for Leadership, Humility, and Care
Prof. Neslihan ลenocak
From Assisi to Paris
Building Franciscan Theology for Contemporary Pastoral Practice
Br. William Short, OFM
The Legacy of Franciscan Healthcare
Pastoral Power in Healing, Presence, and Human Dignity
Br. Thomas Nairn, OFM
Conference Agenda
Friday, January 30
- 9:00 AM โ 4:30 PM: Encounter at the Border: Solidarity with Migrant Communities Today
- 6:00 PM: Conference Opening & Introductions
- 6:20 PM: Plenary Session: Global Fraternity and Pastoral Power: Franciscan Love in Action โ Br. Michael Perry, OFM; Response, Br. Francis Lee, OFM
- 7:30 PM: Welcome Reception
Saturday, January 31
- 8:00 AM: Morning Mass (Optional) & Coffee and Tea Service
- 9:00 AM: Plenary Session: From Assisi to Paris: Building Franciscan Theology for Pastoral Practice, Br. William Short, OFM
- 10:00 AM: Break
- 10:30 AM: Plenary Session: The Legacy of Franciscan Healthcare: Pastoral Power in Action, Br. Thomas Nairn, OFM; Response, Br. Keith Warner, OFM
- 11:30 AM: Special Announcement
- 11:45 AM: Lunch Break
- 1:15 PM: Plenary Session: Pastoral Power and Saint Francis of Assisi, Neslihan ลenocak, Ph.D.; Response, Shannon McAlister, Ph.D.
- 2:15 PM: Break
- 2:30 PM: Plenary Session: Pastoral Power in Action: Wonder, the Heart, and Mental Health, Bishop John Dolan; Response, Angela Zautcke, Ph.D.
- 3:30 PM: Conference Conclusion: Goodness, Blessing, and Order: What the World Needs from Franciscans Today, Br. Garrett Galvin, OFM
- 4:30 PM: (Optional) Afternoon Mass at The Immaculata Church
Thank You
To Our Sponsors
This conference is made possible by the generous support of Drs. Jean and Thomas Kilbridge, Deacon Chris and Lee Hulburt, Steve and Maria Dzida, the Sisters of Saint Francis Sacred Heart Province, and our anonymous donors. Their commitment to education, service, and community ensures that this gathering inspires meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and a lasting impact for all participants.