BRINGING OUR VALUES TO LIFE: THE FRANCISCAN IMPETUS BEHIND A STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY MINOR

In 2022, Neumann University committed to develop and implement Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the next 7 years. The Laudato Si’ Action Plan is particularly important and aligns with our Neumann values of Reverence for all creation and Stewardship of resources. Moreover, the 7-year commitment aligns with the values and commitment of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia who sponsor our University.

One of the 7 goals of Laudato Si’ is ecological education. It is about “re-thinking and re-designing curricular and institutional reform in the spirit of integral ecology in order to foster ecological awareness and transformative action.” To promote this goal and to achieve one of Neumann’s Core learning outcomes “4.4 Demonstrate environmental awareness and stewardship,” developing and adding a Sustainability Minor appeared critically important.

The Studies in Sustainability Minor Program is intended to help students deepen and broaden their understanding of what sustainability is and why it is important. Students will acquire knowledge of how sustainability issues encompass various factors such as nature and environment, psychological and physical well-being, politics, and economy. Students will develop skills to think critically and consider moral dilemmas and social problems regarding sustainability and ecological challenges through a variety of courses. Our hope is that this minor will increase the awareness and knowledge of sustainability and related issues among our students and provide students opportunities to become effective and ethical leaders who care deeply about the environment and all creation.

Jim Kain
Professor of English
Neumann University

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SELF-AWARENESS, SELF-ACTUALIZATION

On his deathbed, St. Francis freed his Brothers by saying, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do.” Why did he say this? So that his Brothers would not try to become him. God created each of Francis’ Brothers to be who they were, not who St. Francis was. The key for them finding out what was theirs to do was discovering whom God intended them to be. Now, 800 years later, self-awareness for our students is just - if not - more important. A Franciscan view of career suggests each of our students needs to know who they are so that they can see the Good inside themselves, and share that Good to maximize their contribution to transform a world desperately in need of their Good. Sadly, for most college students, self-awareness is in short supply. On my radio show Thank God For Monday, guests advise that today’s college graduates are not self-aware. Sure, they know accounting and biology and information tec...

THE MANGER & THE MONSTRANCE: WHAT ST. FRANCIS’ MANGER SCENE CAN TEACH US ABOUT THE BREAD OF LIFE IN THE YEAR OF EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

The manger scene evokes our memories of Christmas: sharing delicious holiday dishes with family members, sitting around a Christmas tree with hot cocoa, or roasting chestnuts on an open fire. However, on this night, St. Francis did not partake in the feasting typical at Christmastime in the Middle Ages. Instead, he desired to “…enact the memory of that babe who was born in Bethlehem: to see as much as is possible with [his] own bodily eyes the discomfort of [Christ’s] infant needs, how he lay in a manger, and how, with an ox and ass standing by, he rested on hay”. Thus, the manger scene was born. On Christmas Eve in 1223, St. Francis of Assisi had the first live manger scene created in the town of Greccio. He gathered the townspeople from near and far to celebrate Mass and recall the origins of Christ’s humble birth. Francis saw Our Lord’s birth as fundamental. His Birth is intimately tied to His Death. The two bookends of Christ’s Life on earth form the basis of Francis’ spiritu...

WITH FRANCISCAN GRATITUDE!

It is hard to believe we have already come to the end of October. And what an incredible Reflection Series it has been for Franciscan Month! We cannot thank enough everyone who contributed to this Series. We are also grateful to those who subscribed, and anyone who commented on the wonderful depth and breath of the reflections. Special thanks go to Timothy Nagy of our Office. Without his outstanding coordination, the Series would not have been possible. This Series has greatly assisted in moving forward the dream of October being designated as Franciscan Month. Our vision includes national and local events in 2024, with global recognition in Assisi in 2026 for the commemoration of the 800 th anniversary of Francis' reunion with God! Looking forward to continue walking the Franciscan journey with you. May you do so in God's Peace and Love! Deus Meus et Omnia, St. Francis College Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue

Franciscan Month Reflection Series

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