Keith Douglass Warner OFM inaugurated as President of the Franciscan School of Theology

The extended community of the Franciscan School of Theology gathered on September 23, 2026, to inaugurate Friar Keith Douglass Warner OFM as its tenth president in Founders Chapel on the University of San Diego (USD) campus. About 200 friends, family members, friars, students, supporters, and benefactors participated in the liturgy, which was followed by a reception and celebratory dinner.

In his remarks, Friar Keith framed the event as auspicious because it took place during the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis. “I am so honored and so pleased to be celebrating this inauguration with you in this year, in this time and place.” He echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call to become artisans of peace.

A Celebration Rooted in Franciscan Tradition

The liturgy was organized by Friar Jim Sabak OFM, with longtime collaborator Jim Wahl, who helped with the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe synod event in January 2025. Wahl wrote a song for the inauguration, drawing inspiration from the Jubilee Prayer to Saint Francis written by Pope Leo XIV.

Watch Jim Wahl’s Inauguration Song

A Living Franciscan Intellectual Tradition

The Minister General, Friar Massimo Fusarelli OFM, sent his greetings to Friar Keith and FST, accompanied by his General Definitor, Friar César Kulkamp OFM.

Friar Massimo wrote that FST remains “the only freestanding Franciscan graduate school of theology in North America that remains devoted to our intellectual tradition. What has been handed you is not an archive to guard but a workshop still running.”

Fusarelli encouraged Friar Keith and FST to actively participate in the emerging network of Franciscan study centers in the Americas and continue contributing to the life of the Order through teaching and scholarship.

Read the Minister General’s Letter (PDF)

Under Friar Keith’s leadership, FST will continue providing theological education and formation for the Franciscan Order worldwide through programs such as its online Master of Theological Studies in Franciscan Theology, supported by USD’s digital learning platforms.

Forming Leaders for the Church

Bishop Michael Pham, a leading voice for both a synodal Church and solidarity with migrants, congratulated Friar Keith, saying:

“As you begin your new role as President of FST, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide, protect, and strengthen you as you continue to serve the Church and accomplish many great things for the love of God.”

The seminarians of the Diocese of San Diego study at FST through its Master of Divinity program. FST also forms leaders in the diocese through its new doctorate in Catholic Social Thought in Practice.

Watch Bishop Michael Pham’s Message

Celebrating the FST–USD Partnership

USD President Jim Harris celebrated the years of collaboration between FST and USD, saying:

“I just want to say how much I admire this partnership, and what it means, and the two people who came up with the idea originally: my predecessor, Dr. Mary Lyons, and Father Joe Chinnici.”

The affiliation provides benefits to both institutions. FST brings its deep knowledge of the Catholic tradition, national ecclesial networks, and global Franciscan outreach, while USD provides institutional infrastructure and opportunities for digital curricular collaboration.

This partnership continues to expand educational opportunities through programs such as FST’s Doctor of Education in Catholic Social Thought in Practice.

Harris emphasized the significance of the collaboration:

“The idea of bringing these two organizations together is brilliant. It’s a national model among Catholic institutions.”

Watch USD President Jim Harris Celebrate the FST–USD Partnership

Looking Ahead

As FST celebrates this milestone during the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, Br. Keith’s inauguration reaffirms the school’s commitment to Franciscan theological education, scholarship, and formation. Rooted in the Franciscan intellectual tradition and strengthened by its partnership with USD, FST continues its mission of preparing leaders to serve the Church and the world as artisans of peace.