We look to the saints as models and exemplars of our Christian virtues. Some we venerate for their courage or their generosity or their heroism. This is a time when we as a society seem to lack empathy—the virtue of identifying with people in radically different situations from our own. We love St. Francis for many things—his love of fellow creatures, his simplicity, etc. Bill Cook, PhD, proposes that St. Francis needs to be regarded as a model and guide to developing our empathy.

This presentation will take place in person and via Zoom on February 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM Pacific Time, USA.

Click here to register for the in-person session at the University of San Diego Ministry Center, 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, CA 92110. People who have already registered for the Franciscan Zoom Lecture Series will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.