The Siena community assembled on September 24 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi and to cherish the movement he inspired.
Pope Leo proclaimed 2026 a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis, honoring his legacy of peace and care of creation. Siena's celebration of the Jubilee Year centered around an Academic Convocation that commenced with an academic procession from the heart of campus into the UHY Center. Fr. Mark Reamer '83, O.F.M., vice president for mission, served as master of ceremonies, and the event featured performances from the Siena Choir and Chamber Singers and an invocation from Michael Perry, O.F.M., H'22, minister provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Siena Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Baldwin '81 provided the welcome.
"The person, Francis, and the Tradition he began continues to inspire our Board. As we look ahead to our first centennial and the next 800 years, we remain fiercely committed to preserving that golden thread of the Franciscan Tradition for every student who walks onto our campus."
The keynote address was delivered by Br. William Short, O.F.M., a professor of Christian Spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. Br. Bill was conferred an honorary degree, doctor of humane letters, before delivering his address. Through his remarks, Br. Bill shared with the community three dimensions of Francis' life: his service to the poor, his commitment to peace, and his loving respect for his fellow creatures.
"As a young man he had a strong reaction of revulsion when he saw people with leprosy even at a distance, until one day when, in his own words, 'the Lord led me among them.' This remarkable change of attitude in Francis is something we can call a 'conversion'; a 'turning around' in the way we look at other people, the world, and ourselves. In his case, it was not accompanied by heavenly visions or a voice from the clouds. It was rather the ordinary, cruel suffering of his fellow human beings that moved him to compassion. He would say that his life was about following the footprints of Jesus, someone who also showed kindness toward people with leprosy. Those footprints are visible in your new sculpture of Francis Leading the Way – he is actually following the footprints in front of him."
Following the keynote, John DePerno '27, a political science major and member of the Academic Convocation organizing committee, provided the student reflection.
" After viewing his life, it is clear, St. Francis’ values are applicable even to, or perhaps especially to, us students today. Siena’s Franciscan values have taught me to view the world through this lens, and I know they can do the same for you. Whether you are a future nurse caring for a vulnerable patient, a teacher giving extra time to a struggling student, or a business leader implementing sustainable policies, we all have something vital to learn from Saint Francis."
Before the Most Reverend Mark O'Connell, Bishop of Albany, delivered the benediction at the conclusion of the ceremony, President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D., offered his perspective.
"Francis understood something profound. He knew that living a life of purpose is not a destination you reach. It is a commitment you renew every single day. As we rise together as Siena University, today is our opportunity to begin again. The world outside these walls is fast, noisy, and often divided. It needs leaders who will step forward to build a more just, peaceful, and humane world. In other words, the world needs Saints. It needs all of you."
