AFCU Reflection Series

The series gained a bit of momentum during the last week, and we are pleased to share one more reflection: The essence of the Franciscan movement is to “observe the holy Gospel.” It is easy to see proclaiming the “Good News” in word and deed is what it means to be Franciscan. Begun over one hundred years ago by the Joliet Franciscans, USF continues their legacy. At the Northern entrance to the University of St. Francis campus in Joliet, IL, stands a statue of our patron St. Francis. Created and cast for our centennial celebration in 2020, the young, smiling Francis reaches down to “scratch the ears” of a Saint Bernard dog – our mascot, Bernie – next, to him. His other hand extends incarnating the heart of our Mission Statement that we are “a welcoming community of learners.” This message is delivered to every new hire and every new student in their respective, orientations. It is delivered as an admonition- in that this is who the University of St. Francis is, who we are called to be a...