The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition

You are no doubt familiar with the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. You have probably experienced Franciscan spirituality first hand. But, until now, the extraordinary Franciscan Intellectual Tradition has been little discussed.

Through this unique 12-talk series with one of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition's greatest living experts, you will experience powerful new insights and understanding.

Francis himself was a writer, poet, musician and devout reader of Scripture who demonstrated deep Biblical and theological insight. St. Clare of Assisi also communicated a rich contemplative experience of Christ.

In the following generations, Franciscans developed the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition. Its outstanding figures include St. Anthony of Padua, St. Bonaventure, and Bl. John Duns Scotus. You will meet other figures: Friar Roger Bacon, an Oxford scientist; Bl. Ramon Lull, a devout layman; Bl. Angela of Foligno, whose mystical writings shaped generations of theologians; and the politically active poet, widower and friar, Jacopone da Todi, who composed some of his most beautiful poems about Christ while imprisoned by a pope.

Explore the Franciscan view of Christ as the center of all creation, and of what the Incarnate Word reveals about life in the Holy Trinity. The Blessed Virgin introduces us to the Franciscan reflection on the human person. Divine and human freedom are explored. Franciscan contributions to the study of Scripture will receive special attention. You will glimpse the inspiration that Francis gave to artists, musicians, novelists, and poets across the centuries, and explore some contemporary institutions that carry forward the Franciscan Tradition he founded eight centuries ago.