YOU'RE INVITED

Respect. There’s that Franciscan value again, standing as a beacon of hope in a world that continues to oppress, reject, humiliate, and discriminate against humankind—all attributes associated with the savage beast, like the T-Rex. Here we are, on the other hand, recognized as an institution of learners providing a quality education in a welcoming environment. A safe haven built with respect, compassion, integrity, service…and most importantly, love—all attributes associated with a transcendent being we call God.

Dinosaurs or not, we have apparently embodied these God-like qualities and share them generously with our students; a sharing for which they are grateful. As a result, our learners work harder to succeed in their college careers, knowing they are accompanied by kind-hearted mentors who consider it a privilege to serve them. We, the faculty, staff and student body of the University of St. Francis, no matter how old we may be, work together through our “attitude of gratitude” to foster a healthy body, mind and spirit for each member of our USF family. We bring a little bit of heaven to earth every day to experience the fullness of God’s presence among us.

Bishop Joseph L. Imesch Women in the Church Lecture: An Insightful Look at Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA through the eyes and art of

Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 7 p.m. in San Damiano Hall (Special Franciscan Transitus Prayer at 6:30 p.m.)

THEA BOWMAN, FSPA: The granddaughter of slaves, Sr. Thea Bowman was the only African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration. She was a scholar, teacher, musician and liturgist who transcended racism and made major contributions to the ministry of the Catholic Church in the late 20th century. Gifted with a brilliant mind, beautiful voice and a dynamic personality, Sr. Thea shared the message of God's love through a teaching career. Later she served as the consultant for intercultural awareness fighting evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred and things that drive people apart. In 1984, Sr. Thea was diagnosed with breast cancer. She prayed "to live until I die." In 1989, the U.S. bishops invited her to be a key speaker at their conference on Black Catholics. At the end of the meeting from her wheelchair, at Thea's invitation, the bishops stood and sang "We Shall Overcome" with gusto. Thea lived a full life until her death in 1990. The U.S. bishops endorsed the sainthood cause of Sister Thea in 2018.

BR. MICHAEL O’NEILL MCGRATH, OSFS, BEE STILL STUDIO: Br. Mickey paints, writes, and tells stories. Since 2009, he has lived and worked in Camden, New Jersey, where he has furthered his art education in the context of social justice and finding beauty in the margins.

For information and to RSVP: afinkle@stfrancis.edu