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Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies

About Us

Mission History and Purpose About Us Programs Calendar Web Resources Print & Media Resources AFCU Journal Contact Us Institute News

Neumann University identifies itself as a Catholic University in the Franciscan tradition and takes seriously a commitment to what it calls “the Franciscan point of difference.” In August 1998, the college established the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies (NIFS) to advance the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual tradition. The Institute, in collaboration with the Vice President for Mission and the Campus Ministers, serves the scholarly and spiritual needs of the entire college community, with a special focus on faculty support. In 2000, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia endowed the Institute to ensure continuous quality staffing and programming. Since its founding, the Institute has undertaken many activities to help the University community understand, own, and integrate the Catholic and Franciscan mission of the college. Major activities include the following:

• Sponsorship of a yearly lecture by a recognized Franciscan scholar with a strong background in teaching and research in higher education. Past speakers have included Zachary Hayes, OFM on Catholic Education in the Franciscan Tradition (August 26, 1998), Ingrid Peterson, OSF on The Spirituality of Francis and Clare (October 5, 1999), Michael Blastic, OFM on  A Franciscan Context for an Educational Community (October 4, 2000), Margaret Carney, OSF on The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition (October 1, 2001), Thomas Bourque, TOR on Why am I giving this one Life of mine to Franciscan Higher Education? (September 30, 2002), Joseph Nangle, OFM on Peacemaking in the Franciscan Tradition (August 25, 2004), Charles Finnegan, OFM on Hospitality, Advent and Incarnation (December 1, 2005), Kathy Warren, OSF on Francis of Assisi’s Encounter with Sultan Malek al-Kamil: A Model for Peacemaking (February 27-28, 2006), Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ on At the Dawn of the New Millennium: What Franciscan Universities have to Offer (August 21, 2007), Michael Calabria, OFM on Islam-Christian Relations (September 5, 2008), Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ on Rejoicing in the Works of the Lord: An Affirmation of our Core Values (August 26, 2009),Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ on Faith Seeking Understanding: The Relationship of Reason to Faith in Catholic Higher Education (October 5, 2009), Pam Wood on Experiential Reflections on Care of Creation (October 26-27, 2009),  Darleen Pryds on Women of the Streets: Early Franciscan Women and Their Mendicant Vocation (October 25, 2010), Diane Tomkinson, OSF on Angela of Foligno’s Mystical Pedagogy: 21st Century Insights from a 13th Century Franciscan Woman (April 11, 2011); Lecture by Brother F. Edward Coughlin OFM and Ritual Celebration on Welcome Back Day (August 24, 2011) highlighting the theme Live the Truth in Love: Service; Advent Dinner and Evening of Reflection on December 8, 2011, with Rev. Anthony Ciorra, Assistant Vice President for Mission and Catholic Identity at Sacred Heart University, CT; Full day program on Liberal Education in the Catholic Franciscan Tradition with Timothy Johnson, Ph.D. on January 10, 2012 in collaboration with Office of Academic Affairs.

  
  
• Provides Days of Reflection for Faculty and Staff related to the theme for the year:

During the 2008-2009 academic year, the Mission and Ministry Office and Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies offered eight days of reflection for members of administration, faculty and staff (October 13, 20; November 11, 2008; January 13, 29; February 20; March 9; and April 2, 2009). A total of 210 employees (98 staff members; 71 out of 97 full and part-time faculty; 41 out of 53 members of the University Management Team) attended these reflection days which began at 9:30 AM and ended at approximately 3:45 PM. The reflection days took place at the Franciscan Spiritual Center located in the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. The goals for the day were to:

During the 2009-20010 academic year, the Mission and Ministry Office and Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies offered twelve half-days of reflection for members of administration, faculty and staff (December 9,10,14,15; January 6,11,21,22,25; and February 2,5,18). A total of 181 employees (84 staff members; 61 full and part-time faculty; 36 members of the University Management Team) attended these reflection days which ran for 3 hours (either 8:30-11:30 or 12:30-3:30). The reflection days took place at the Mirenda Center for Sports, Spirituality and Character Development. The goals for the day were to:

During the 2010-2011 academic year, the Mission and Ministry Office and Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies offered nine days of reflection for members of administration, faculty and staff (September 30; November 8, 10, 2010; January 5, 25; February 10, 14, 22, 28, 2011). A total of 179 employees (92 staff members; 54 out of 100 full and part-time faculty; 33 out of 53 members of the University Management Team) attended these reflection days which began at 9:00 AM and ended at approximately 3:30 PM. The reflection days took place at the Franciscan Spiritual Center located in the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. The goals for the day were to:

During the 2011-2012 academic year, the Mission and Ministry Office and Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies offered 11 half-days of reflection for members of administration, faculty and staff (September 28; October 27; December 2, 2011; January 30; February 14; March 12, 18; April 17, 20; May 22; June 1, 2012). A total of 188 employees (101 staff members; 44 faculty; 43 members of the University Management Team) attended these days of reflection. Participants chose a morning or afternoon of reflection at the Franciscan Spiritual Center located in the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia or the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development.

The goals for the day were to:

Each day included an opening and closing prayer service based on the theme of Service and a theological reflection process developed and facilitated by members of the Pastoral and Theological Studies faculty.

• Coordination of presentations, workshops, seminars, and conversations around mission-related themes (e.g. spirituality of Francis and Clare, relationships, integrity, learning in community, conflict management, care of creation, a non-violent response to terrorism, academic service learning in a Franciscan context, Franciscan themes in music and art, peacemaking, promoting peace through justice, Franciscans International, hospitality)
  
  

• Artistic and literary presentations featuring guest speakers (e.g. Franciscan Themes in Music with Andrea Likovich, OSF in 2002; Canticle of Creation: The Inspiration and the Artist with Linda Vonderschmidt-LaStella on September 30, 2003; St. Francis: Troubadour of God’s Peace with Leonardo Defillipis on October 27, 2005; Presentation and Poetry Readings with Murray Bodo, OFM on October 22, 2007); An Advent Journey: In the Darkness Waiting for the Light with Melinda Parsons, Ph.D. on November 23, 2009; The Road to Jerusalem: A Lenten Journey Through Art slide presentation by Melinda Parsons, Ph.D. on February 22, 2010; The Road to Jerusalem Art Exhibit in Library Gallery from March 23 through April 16, 2011; and St. Clare and Poetry prersented by Murray Bodo, OFM on May 4, 2012
  
  

• Philadelphia Art Museum lecture and tour on Franciscan Peacemaking and European Art with Sal Caltabiano on October 29, 2004; Philadelphia Art Museum lecture and tour on  “Franciscan Themes in Art” on December 10, 2010.
  
  

• Lectures featuring Neumann University presenters (e.g. Canticle of Creation and Environmental Ethics with Dr. John Mizzoni on October 28, 2003; The Beginnings: Legacy of the Italian Troubadour with Dr. Maria Traub on November 6, 2003; Restorative Justice with Dr. Connie Korteland on February 16, 2005; SOA Watch: What is it? with Campus Ministers Michael D’Angelo and Kirsten Echelmeir and student Catherine Logan on February 21, 2005; Human Trafficking with Professor Ron Chance on March 23, 2005; Advent Evening of Reflection and Book Signing with Dr. John Kruse, author of Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Pope John Paul II, on November 28, 2006; The Memory of St. Clare of Assisi: Lenten Considerations on Christian Holiness with Dr. Eileen Flanagan on March 1, 2007; Holy Week in Guatemala with Dr. Mac Given on March 29, 2007; Journey to Freedom: Supporting Recovery for Prostituted and Trafficked Women with Professor Donna Sabella on April 3, 2007; Lenten Dinner and Reflections on “The Franciscan Difference: What Makes a Catholic College/University Franciscan?” by Michael Blastic, OFM  with Professor Janet Massey, Dr. Mac Given, and Leon Francis on March 19, 2007; Advent Evening of Reflection with Jude Michael Krill, OFM Conv. on December 6, 2007; Facilitated discussion of “The Hermeneutics of Hyper-Violence: Gibson’s Christ, Girard’s Scapegoat and the Franciscan Response” by Timothy Johnson, AFCU Journal, January 2008, led by Dr. Gerard O’Sullivan on March 17, 2008; Advent Evening of Reflection and Book Signing with Dr. John Kruse, author of Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi on December 1, 2008; Lenten Evening of Reflection on Clare of Assisi: First Franciscan Woman with Dr. John Kruse and Dr. Eileen Flanagan on March 16, 2009); Lenten Evening of Reflection on The Apostle Peter: Subtle Changes and Lifelong Transformation with Dr. James Houck on March 9, 2010; Musical Companions on the Via Pulchritudinis lecture by Dr. Richard Sayers on October 6, 2010; Advent Evening of Reflection on The Power of Storytelling: Vulnerability, Relationships, and Meaning-Making by Dr. Ed Hastings and Stephanie Taylor, November 30, 2010; Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolution through a Scientific, Legal and Franciscan Lens with Dr. Kathleen Conn on March 21, 2011; Looking at the Whole Person – How can we see the whole person as imaged in the Franciscan intellectual tradition? with Marina Espiritu Lutz on March 29, 2011; Restorative Justice and the Franciscan Mission with Constance Korteland on  April 6, 2011; Lenten Soup and Sharings using  Lent4.5 on Christian Simplicity with Elaine Grose (March-April 2011); Breakfast and Introduction to St. Clare of Assisi presented by Dr. Eileen Flanagan on February 15, 2012; Lenten Dinner and Evening of Reflection Celebrating St. Clare of Assisi with Dr. Eileen Flanagan  on February 27, 2012; Lenten Dinner and Evening of Reflection celebrating St. Clare of Assisi: Embrace of Radical Poverty presented by Dr. John Kruse on March 20
  
  

• Book discussions on the following: A Franciscan View of Creation: Learning to Live in a Sacramental World, Ilia Delio, OSF, Lent 2004; Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel Life, Lawrence S. Cunningham, Lent 2006; Care for Creation[A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth] Keith Warner, Ilia Delio, and Pam Wood, Lent 2009; Rejoicing in the Works of the Lord: Beauty in the Franciscan Tradition, Mary Beth Ingham CSJ, Fall 2009; Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI, Lent 2010; Women of the Streets: Early Franciscan Women and Their Mendicant Vocation, Darleen Pryds, Fall 2010 through Spring 2011.
  
  

• Publication of newsletters highlighting the activities of the NIFS and sharing local and national efforts to promote understanding of the Franciscan tradition
  
  

• Co-sponsorship (with the University Library) of the Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature
  
  

• Collaboration with the Office of Experiential Education to promote academic service learning in light of the Catholic and Franciscan Tradition
  
  

• Collaboration with Franciscans International to support advocacy efforts and to support special projects (e.g. commemoration of Darfur Week in March 2007 and support of research activities of English 102 classes)
  
  

• Collaboration with Franciscan Action Network to promote advocacy issues related to care for creation, peacemaking, poverty, and human rights (e.g. engaged FAN speakers for Criminal Justice Senior Seminar on Immigration in 2008-2009)
  
  

• Collaboration with Franciscan Action Network and Student Leadership Institute to provide half day program on Civility in Discourse, January 2011.
  
  

• Collaboration with Franciscan Spiritual Center to make programs available to faculty and students: Immaculee Ilibagiza: Discovering God Admidst the Rwandan Holocaust, March 7, 2010; Michael Calabria OFM on Beyond the Mosque: The Sufi Path of Love, September 24-25, 2010.
  
  

• Collaboration with the Care of Creation Council to promote respect for the environment through support of educational programs, lectures, and other initiatives such as a Lenten Soup and Sharing  series on the document Sustainability and Catholic Higher Education (Lent 2012)
  
  

• Collaboration to ensure that the Catholic and Franciscan tradition and values are integrated appropriately into core (general education) courses, especially into First Year Experience, Philosophy, Theology, and Diversity courses, as well as other courses.
  
  

• Development and implementation of Mentoring for Mission Program for new faculty members (initiated in 2007)

In addition, the Institute Director

• Serves as editor of the Journal of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities
  
  

• Contributes to the orientation and on-going development of faculty with respect to the University’s Catholic Franciscan identity and mission
  
  

• Provides in-service programs to the various academic divisions within the college; consults individually with faculty members; and speaks with classes in order to integrate the Catholic and Franciscan tradition into course work  
  
  

• Assists students with research projects to ensure integration of Catholic Social Teaching and the Franciscan worldview
  
  

• Participates in the review of hiring and evaluation policies to ensure integration of the Catholic Franciscan mission
  
  

• Assists with the selection and preparation of faculty, staff, and students for the AFCU annual pilgrimages to Assisi
  
  

• Assists in the selection and preparation of faculty and staff for the AFCU pilgrimage to Assisi
  
  

• Prepares and/or procures and disseminates resources related to the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual tradition
  
  

• Encourages and financially supports attendance at events such as the Bonaventure Fest in July 2003; the AFCU conferences in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012; programs at the Franciscan Spiritual Center and other places on Catholic Social Teaching, the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, and the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition. 
  
  

An advisory group supports the work of the Institute, helps to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan, and plays a key role in developing activities which support the annual college-wide theme. Originally, there was an external advisory group which provided advice to the Director about Catholic and Franciscan issues which might impact higher education. An internal facilitating committee planned educational opportunities for the enrichment of faculty and staff. Currently, the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies Committee supports and advises the Director of the NIFS by planning, developing, and promoting activities which advance the Catholic Franciscan intellectual tradition and University identity.

The work of the Neumann Institute is guided by a strategic plan which is updated regularly. An Annual Report is published yearly. The strategic plan and the Annual Report are available through the NIFS Office.