The Franciscan Movement: Pastoral Power in Action

January 30 and 31, 2026

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 — a donation of $25 is suggested for Saturday’s lunch.

Register + $25 Lunch Donation
REgister for free

The Encounter at the Border – Separate registration required. Register here.

5 Keynote Speakers:

Keynote Speaker Michael Perry, OFM
Br. Michael Perry, OFM

Siena University

Keynote Speaker Prof. Neslihan Şenocak from Columbia University
Prof. Neslihan Şenocak

Columbia University

Keynote Speaker Bishop Dolan
Bishop John P. Dolan

Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

Keynote Speaker Thomas Nairn, OFM
Br. Thomas Nairn, OFM

Franciscan School of Theology

Keynote Speaker Johannes Freyer, OFM
Br. Johannes Freyer, OFM

Franciscan School of Theology

Pope Francis’ last encyclical, Dilexit Nos, called for a rediscovery of the heart as a way toward Christ and each other. The emphasis on “heart” 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.

Sign up for the encounter here
Picture overlooking the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice below a bright blue sky.

At USD’s Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Theater

January 30 & 31, 2026

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110

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: “Franciscan School of Theology at USD“

or visit bit.ly/bookatthedana.

Topics

Pastoral Power in Action: Wonder, the Heart, and Mental Health
By: Bishop John Dolan

Franciscans Help
By: Br. Johannes Freyer, OFM

Coming soon!
By: Br. Michael Perry, OFM

Theology in Art: The Basilica of St. Francis
By: Prof. Neslihan Şenocak

The Legacy of Franciscan Healthcare: Pastoral Power in Action
By: Br. Thomas Nairn, OFM

Download the Conference Flyer
Click here to view the flyer (PDF)

Tentative Agenda
Friday, January 30
9 AM – 4 PMA Franciscan Theology of Migration Immersion Program
6:00 PMConference Opening
6:15 PMPlenary Session, Michael Perry, OFM
7:00 PMResponse, Joseph P. Chinnici, OFM
7:15 PMReception – Rotunda
Saturday, January 30
8:00 AMDaily Mass at the Immaculata Catholic Church (Optional)
9:00 AMPlenary Session, Thomas Nairn, OFM
10:00 AMPlenary Session, Neslihan Şenocak, PhD
11:00 AMPlenary Session, Johannes Freyer, OFM
12-1:30 PMLunch Outdoor Seating – Garden by The Sea
2:30 PMPlenary Session, Bishop John P. Dolan
4:00 PMConference Conclusion, Garrett Galvin, OFM

Thank You To Our Sponsors

We are grateful to the generous sponsors whose support made this conference possible.

Gold ($25,000 – $50,000)

Anonymous

Silver ($15,000 – $24,999)

Drs. Thomas & Jean Killbridge

Bronze ($5,000 – $14,999)

Drs. Thomas Anonymous, Sisters of St. Francis Sacred Heart Province, Steve & Maria Dzida Dcn. Chris & Lee Hulburt, Anonymous, and Jean Killbridge