The College & the Franciscan Tradition

Value for 2008-2009: Peace

The College & the Franciscan Tradition
About Francis & Clare
Prayers
Our Promise to You:
Learning to connect mind and spirit...
the Franciscan Way

Over 800 years ago the Christian world was blessed with a humble man from the small town of Assisi in Italy whose life and ideals captured the hearts of people of all nations and religions. In 1869, this unpretentious man, time-bound by birth but timeless in spirit, inspired the five foundresses of the Franciscan Sisters who chose him as the patron and inspiration for their community life and works.

 

The simple but profound life and spirituality of Francis of Assisi which struck a chord in the hearts of the Sisters came about through his faith-filled meditation on the Gospels. There he found a treasure of the revelation of God in Jesus; a message and example of life characterized by unconditional mutual love, respect, and care for one another; and a deep reverence for a physical world, God’s gift to humanity. Opening his heart generously to the word of God, he assimilated and lived the Gospel message, becoming a herald of its message and a light to the world.

 

This Franciscan Gospel vision has been the goal of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and an unceasing challenge in their life and ministry for over 130 years. Christian values, the core of Franciscan life, are the foundation of Silver Lake College. They lie at the heart of the liberal arts experience offered to students, provide principles on which professional studies are based, and describe the environment which the members of the learning community—administration, faculty, staff, and students strive daily to attain.

Touched by the inspiration for the Gospel spirit and life of Francis of Assisi, the learning community of Silver Lake College is set forth with the challenge to carry on the history and tradition of the College, leading the way and making a difference in the places and areas of life in which they live and serve.

Silver Lake College building front