Francis of Assisi has left us a remarkable collection of writings, ranging from meditations on the words of Christ to norms for organizing life in a small community. This course will examine the full range of those texts, some 30 in all, from the saint’s autographs (those that survive in his own handwriting) to fragments of his “lost” writings contained in the writings of Clare of Assisi and others. Over the course of an intense week, we will study his Letters, Rules, Prayers and Admonitions, learning about their medieval historical context, and reflecting on their insights about living according to the Gospel then and now.

Instructor: Michael Blastic, OFM

Mike’s scholarship and service as a Franciscan have been dedicated to the study and teaching the early Franciscan tradition. He has taught at the Washington Theological Union in Washington DC, The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, and at Siena College near Albany, New York. He spent ten years in Novitiate Formation, most recently at the Old Mission Santa Barbara at the Novitiate for the US-6 OFM provinces. He has done workshops and retreats for Franciscan groups and communities in India, Africa, Australia, the Philippines, and across North America. His publications have attempted to critically study early Franciscan sources as a resource for Franciscan life and ministry today.

*Due to the July 4th holiday, this course will take place on July 3, 5, 6, and 7.