Calendar

Please join us for a group conversation looking at the story of St. Francis and the Leper and how a simple encounter helped to transform a cloth merchant’s son into a saint that changed the world. We’ll be looking at how St. Francis’ encounter with one of medieval society’s most feared social outcasts shifted his worldview – and the course of his life – and what it means to us 800 years later. Pizza will be provided, and all are welcome to attend, faculty, staff and student alike! For more information or any questions, contact Br. Jason at [email protected].

Lady Jacoba de Settesoli was a Roman noblewoman who became very close friends with St. Francis. He would often visit her when he traveled to Rome, and when St. Francis’ health was declining, he requested her presence at his deathbed. Lady Jacoba was already on her way even before the messenger reached her, and she carried in tow some of St. Francis’ favorite treats: little almond cookies. Upon arriving in Assisi, St. Francis insisted that “Brother” Jacoba be immediately taken to him so that they could say their goodbyes to one another. Thus, these cookies are quite possibly the last thing that St. Francis ate and remain a symbol of the deep love and friendship between the two. As we remember the life and the death of St. Francis, we hope that these cookies can inspire you to think about and do a good deed for someone you love, especially if you haven’t recently expressed how thankful you are to have them in your life!

Please stop by the campus ministry office at any point from 10am to 3pm to grab yourself a Lady Jacoba almond cookie and remember the friendship between the St. Francis and Lady Jacoba that lasted quite literally until death.

As an inner-city student, Duncan had to overcome wave after wave of setbacks to make it to graduation. With each cross current of challenge, Duncan learned new lessons that ultimately helped him thrive.

In this powerful, inspiring, and perception-shifting talk, Duncan shares his experience with failure and the critical lessons he learned along the way. Students today are dealing with challenges we couldn’t have imagined, and practical resilience skills are needed now more than ever. Your audience will walk away with a shift in how they view setbacks, renewed purpose, and a newfound love for their journey.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Perseverance – a complete paradigm shift in how participants see failure in their lives, that setbacks are part of the journey.
• Passion – understanding the importance of getting involved on campus.
• Purpose – understanding the urgent need to discover one’s purpose in life.
• Overcoming fear of failure – understanding that even though you are afraid or uncertain, you must be bold enough to take the first step.
• Affirmation – participants will learn a powerful positive self-affirmation and mantra.
• Empowerment – participants will learn how to take power and control in their own lives

*COR 101 students are required to attend. All students are welcome.*

As we celebrate Heritage Days, please drop by the Campus Ministry Office for some informal trivia to be held on the Feast Day of St. Francis, Wednesday, October 4th. Stop by to be quizzed on different questions relating to the heritage of the college, with levels of difficulty ranging from easy to very challenging. Hours stretch from 10am-3pm, with a break for the Feast Day Mass in the upstairs chapel. Prizes include candy, medals, gift cards and more! All are welcome to participate, faculty, staff and students alike!

Today is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of our college. The Felician Sisters who began the college follow his way of life, as do thousands and thousands of people around the world. Join us for Mass today in the college chapel at 11:15 am as we celebrate this amazing man. All our welcome.

We continue our commemoration of our heritage and mission today with a community celebration in the Dining Commons from 11:15-12_15 pm. Join us for free cake, ice cream, games an giveaways! All are welcome!

We continue Heritage Week celebrations with our annual Day of Service. Students from our CORE 101 classes, along with college staff will be going out into the community to serve our neighbors in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and Blessed Mary Angela, the foundress of the Felician Sisters.

Join the Franciscan Friar community of Ss. Columba-Brigid Parish for an outdoor Mass and Blessing of Animals on Saturday, October 7th! Mass will begin at 10am under the tent with a Blessing of Animals following the liturgy. Please bring your animal companion and a lawn chair as we celebrate our founder! The address is: 75 Hickory Street, Buffalo, NY 14204.

Please join the campus ministry office and the Felician Sisters in celebrating the life of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, the founder of the Felicians. We’ll have a prayer service in honor of Blessed Mary Angela followed by a discussion with some of our Felician sisters, who will speak about her spirituality, charism, and example. Come and see how the life and memory of Blessed Mary Angela continues to be lived out by our wonderful Felician sisters! Lunch will be provided. For more information and any questions, please contact Br. Jason at [email protected].

Each Thursday, Campus Ministry will host a gather to pray about the various needs in people’s lives and in the community. All members of the Villa Community are welcome to attend.