Campus Alive with Franciscan Fest

The Viterbo campus took a journey back in time, at least for one day, as the Franciscan Spirituality Center hosted Franciscan Fest, a medieval festival celebrating Franciscan heritage and life during the time of St. Francis and St. Clare, in Viterbo’s Assisi Courtyard in September.

Viterbo’s own Rick Artman and Pat ­Kerrigan were some of the “stars” of the event, both wearing traditional attire of the day. Artman played St. Anthony of Padua while Kerrigan was Brother Illuminato. Both were friends and companions of St. Francis.

The festival began in Maria Angelorum Chapel at St. Rose Convent with harp music by Malinda Gerke, FSPA, and Brother Ed Coughlin’s keynote address, “Exploring the Franciscan Way.”

At noon, the medieval village in Assisi Courtyard opened to trumpets and song. The village featured music, a town square with craft demonstrations, vendors, and villagers in costume.