Francis and Clare: Introduction

Francis and Clare Lecture 1

The Francis and Clare course introduces the foundational figures of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Pioneering a new approach to forming Christian community in the thirteenth century, their vision of a form of life ‘according to the gospel’ drew criticism from many in their day, yet it endures today in the Franciscan Family worldwide. This course explores the basic elements of that life, its distinctiveness then and now, and the possibilities it offers to those seeking Christian life in common today.

This lecture is given by Br William Short OFM. Br Bill was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. After graduating from the University of San Francisco, he entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Friars of St Barbara Province, making his solemn profession of vows in 1978. After graduate studies in Berkeley and Rome, he was appointed to a teaching position at Franciscan School of Theology, where he has subsequently served as Academic Dean and President. In addition to his academic work, he is also an amateur wine-maker, a native-plant gardener, and an interpreter–translator for many international Franciscan meetings.