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Franciscans in Action
October-November 2008 e-newsletter
Franciscan Fest at Viterbo University Demonstrates the Relevance of Franciscan Spirituality Today
The Viterbo University campus in La Crosse, Wisconsin
We can never exactly know what it felt like to live at the beginning of the 13th century when Francis of Assisi wandered the roads of Italy. Our minds are firmly planted in the here and now. At Viterbo University (in La Crosse, Wisconsin), there is however an imaginative way through which one can to touch Franciscan history. It's called Franciscan Fest.
Sister Malinda Gerke played the harp at Franciscan Fest
Sparked by the university’s Franciscan Spirituality Center, this year's Franciscan Fest celebrated Franciscan heritage by recreating in the spirituality center's courtyard a European village from the middle ages. The actual all-day festivities began at the Maria Angelorum Chapel with a harp concert by the talented Sister Malinda Gerke. Franciscan Brother Ed Coughlin followed Sister Malinda by delivering a speech on “Exploring the Franciscan Way”. He pointed out the currency of Franciscan spirituality in 21st century America.
Brother Ed Coughlin talked about the Franciscan Way
at Viterbo University's Franciscan Fest
Later on in the day the courtyard in the Franciscan Spirituality Center filled with food vendors, artisans, and musicians. Actors wore traditional 13th century garb. And everyone involved had a fun-filled day. More importantly, the message of St. Francis and the life he espoused had gotten out to a new group of people who will hopefully take it to heart.
We encourage you our readers to send in stories where you see the spirit of St. Francis at work in the world. Email your stories to Peter Rajchert at peter@franciscans.org.
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