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Online Certificate in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Studies

This four-course online certificate program, offered In partnership with the AFCU (Association of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Colleges and Universities), is designed to:

  • Provide a unified understanding of the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Tradition.
  • Prepare students to form ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan experiences in their personal and professional lives.Ìý
  • Strengthen students’ relationship with ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan history.
  • Discover applications to everyday life situations in today’s world.

Recommended Participants

Saint ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø iconThe ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Studies courses are highly recommended for faculty and staff at any of the AFCU partners who wish to feel more at home in the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan lived expression of Gospel spirituality, and the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan intellectual tradition.Ìý

Because of the experience of the instructors, it is also applicable for those who are leading Formation Programs for ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Religious Institutes, especially for candidates new to the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan tradition. ÌýThis course would also be useful for formation of those in the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Secular Order or in preparation for a life commitment of associates to religious institutes.ÌýÌý

Course Information and Registration

Although the courses are somewhat related and follow a sequence, they may be taken separately as well. Thus, if it suits your schedule better, you may enter any one of the courses as scheduled. A detailed syllabus is provided at the beginning of each course. *Course availability subject to change.

Fall 2026 Semester Dates TBA | Online Course

Course One: Understanding ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Origins & Values I

This course presents the story of the early ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan movement. It begins with the conversion of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø of Assisi and the origin of the Fraternity of Lesser Brothers that gathered around him. The conversion of Clare and the beginnings of her community of Poor Sisters is then considered, followed by the attraction of both lay men and women to the Gospel charism as preached by the Lesser Brothers in the towns of medieval Italy.

Fall 2026 Semester Dates TBA | Online Course

Course Two: Understanding ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Origins & Values II

This course aims to present some of the essential values emerging from the early history of the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan movement, when ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Clare and their companions were developing their way of life according to the Gospel.

Spring 2027 Semester Dates TBA

Course Three: ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Spirituality and Evangelical Life
This course in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Spirituality and the Evangelical Life is designed to enable you to understand and reflect upon the basis of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan spirituality and the evangelical life in terms of each person’s relationship to God, Jesus Christ, the world and the human person through the following topics: conversion, poverty, the Canticle of the Creatures, and the aspects of fraternity and mutuality.

Spring 2027 Semester Dates TBA

Course Four: ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Tradition in Art and Literature
This course in the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Tradition in Art and Literature is designed to acquaint you with the influence that ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and Clare had on artists from the Renaissance period to the present day. Also included in the course will be a module relative to the literature of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø through a pictorial presentation of his Canticle of the Creatures and how ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is represented in poetry and literature. This is the fourth and last course in the AFCU ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan certificate program.

Certificate Design

The courses outlined constitute the whole of the online certificate program in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan studies. ÌýEach course runs for four weeks and each week constitutes a module that includes: an overview, assigned readings from various hyperlinks to related articles, and/or activities from document sharing, online discussions, and a reflective writing assignment.

Due dates and evaluation for each element of the module will be clearly spelled out. Due dates for assignments are staggered throughout the week to give students time to read, reflect, interact and complete each assignment.

Additional Information

Mary Ann Dosen, OSF
M.A. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Spirituality, Catholic Theological Union
Understanding ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Origins & Values II

Michael Jennrich, OFM
M.Div. Theology, Catholic Theological Union
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Spirituality and Evangelical Life

Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
M.A. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Studies, St. Bonaventure University
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Tradition in Art and Literature

Gayle Rusbasan, OSF
M.A. Theology, University of Saint ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø (IN)
Understanding ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøcan Origins & Values I

  • $1,000 for the full certificate program or $250.00 per course
  • Group rates negotiable

Program Questions:
Dr. Michael Poradek
Vice President of Mission & Student Affairs
mporadek@stfrancis.edu | 815-740-2622

Registration Questions:
REAL (Regional Education Academy for Leadership)
real@stfrancis.edu | 815-740-3699