Franciscan Institute News, Publications & Research

Franciscan Institute concludes dynamic summer programs

Jul 17, 2026 | The Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� has successfully concluded its 2026 summer programs, bringing together scholars, friars, lay leaders, ministers and students from around the world for a season of study, reflection and celebration rooted in the rich Franciscan intellectual and spiritual tradition.

Friars mark 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis

Jun 17, 2026 | More than 70 Franciscan friars from the three branches of the First Order — the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and the Order of Friars Minor — gathered at �鶹ӳ�� for “Transitus in an Era of Epochal Change,” a celebration and study days marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

SBU joins calls for peace expressed by Pope and Franciscans

Apr 17, 2026 | �鶹ӳ�� joins the global Franciscan community in expressing deep gratitude for the recent call to peace issued by Pope Leo XIV, echoing a message that resonates profoundly with the university’s Catholic and Franciscan mission.

Fr. David Couturier publishes new book on Franciscan ethics

Mar 18, 2026 | Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies, has published a new book that synthesizes a moral vision from Judeo-Christian history and the lived experience of the early Franciscans.

Couturier elected vice chairman of the board at Viterbo University

Oct 16, 2025 | Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., director of the Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ��, has been elected vice chairman of the Board of Trustees at Viterbo University and will serve on the university’s executive committee.

Art, faith, service (and pets) at the heart of SBU’s Francis Week

Sep 24, 2025 | �鶹ӳ�� will celebrate Francis Week Sept. 29 through Oct. 4 with a series of events honoring its Franciscan heritage, beginning with an evening of storytelling and art at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

Couturier presents research in Assisi, publishes new book

Aug 21, 2025 | Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor and director of the Franciscan Institute, delivered three academic papers at the General Assembly of the International Franciscan Conference of Congregations of the Third Order Regular in Assisi, Italy, in May.

Institute publishes a new book on Franciscan mission integration

Aug 11, 2025 | The Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� has released the second book in a series focused on mission integration in Franciscan institutions.

Poor Clare Sisters assemble at �鶹ӳ��

Jun 18, 2025 | Approximately 35 Poor Clare Sisters from across the United States will come together on the campus of �鶹ӳ�� today (June 18) to begin a 10-day assembly focusing on their life and mission in the church.

Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� graduates 22 leaders from Franciscan institutions

Jun 17, 2025 | The Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� graduated 22 men and women from its Padua Program on June 12.

SBU's Couturier receives certificate of achievement from Harvard

Feb 13, 2025 | Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M., Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies and director of the Franciscan Institute, received a certificate of achievement from Harvard University's School of Graduate Education in Educational Justice.

SBU's Couturier presents paper to regional association of churches

Feb 13, 2025 | Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies and director of the Franciscan Institute, presented a paper to the Greater Olean Association of Churches on Feb. 2.

Franciscan Institute scholars publish interdisciplinary volume on trust

Jan 10, 2025 | Three scholars from the Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� have joined in the publication of a new international volume titled “Trust: Franciscan Connections in Theology, Spirituality, Economics and Beyond.”

SBU’s Franciscan Institute launches a new international society for Franciscan Studies

Oct 03, 2024 | The Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� has partnered with the Franciscan Study Center at Tilburg University, Netherlands, to launch a new association of scholars, teachers and students around the world to collaborate in the study of the Franciscan movement.

�鶹ӳ��’s Franciscan Institute graduates cohort in Franciscan mission-based leadership

Jun 13, 2024 | The Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� celebrated the achievement of 23 people today as they completed the Padua Program, the Franciscan mission-based leadership program, on the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (June 13).

SBU’s Franciscan Institute provides yearlong formation in Franciscan mission to Midwest Health System

Jun 09, 2023 | The Franciscan Institute at �鶹ӳ�� has completed a one-year program in Franciscan mission and leadership training for the Hospital Sisters Health System headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.