From November 5 to 7, 2026, Friar Michael HEINE, Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA (OLA), Friar Manny WENKE, OFM Conv., and the Most Reverend Friar Gregory HARTMAYER, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, joined the Franciscan University of Steubenville community in Steubenville, Ohio, USA, for an academic conference celebrating the 800ᵗʰ anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
Organized by the university, the conference was entitled “Sister Death–Gate of Life: St. Francis and Contemporary Questions in Death, Dying, and Human Dignity.” It brought together scholars, clergy, religious, and medical professionals to explore suffering, care for the dying, human dignity, and the Christian hope of eternal life in the light of St. Francis’ witness.
The three-day event featured wonderful presentations, thoughtful reflections, and a great spirit of Franciscan fraternity. One highlight was an inspiring presentation by Sister Margaret CARNEY, OSF, President Emerita of St. Bonaventure University, entitled “When Death Is Unwelcome: Marianne of Molokai.” In her presentation, she highlighted the important role the Conventual Franciscan Friars played in the life of this remarkable woman.
OLA Friar Wayne HELLMANN, OFM Conv., Professor Emeritus of St. Louis University [St. Louis, Missouri, USA], and Friar Thomas A. PIOLATA, OFM Cap., of the Catholic University of America [Washington, D.C., USA], delivered an excellent keynote address entitled “Romano Guardini: An Early 20th-Century Pioneer of St. Bonaventure’s Theology.” Archbishop HARTMAYER celebrated Mass on November 6 and offered a beautiful and insightful homily that deeply touched those in attendance.
The friars from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, served as wonderful hosts, offering the warm hospitality and genuine fraternity that make belonging to the larger Franciscan family such a blessing.
Also in attendance was Jared GOFF—not the well-known American football quarterback who plays for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL), but the theologian! Dr. GOFF is well known for his work editing the many writings of our late confrere, Friar Peter Damian FEHLNER, OFM Conv. We were especially pleased to have him with us as we celebrated our rich Franciscan theological heritage.
All in all, it was a wonderful gathering and a beautiful reminder that 800 years after the death of St. Francis, his spirit continues to inspire, challenge, and unite the Franciscan family.
Kevin A. KEENAN, Director of Communications
