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St. Francis Week
St. Francis Week

Oct. 1–5, 2025

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, Oct. 1

8–9 a.m. – Franciscan Lecture
San Damiano Chapel

Join us for a special lecture as part of VUSM 100, reflecting on the life and legacy of St. Francis. Hospitality will be offered before and after the event.

11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Franny Fest
Assisi Courtyard

Celebrate the spirit of St. Francis with food, fun, and fellowship!

  • Fun to include: Community Lunch (Free Lunch for all), VU Departments, Clubs and Orgs. Tabling, Petting Zoo, Hy-Vee Flu Shot Clinic 
  • 12:30 p.m. – Viterbo Concert Choir Performance 

*In case of cold or inclement weather, Franny Fest will move to the Mathy Center. An announcement will be made on the morning of Oct. 1. 

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Farmers Market
Assisi Courtyard 

Support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the festivities!

1 p.m. – Tree Planting Ceremony
Near the Dancing Francis

Join us as we plant a silver maple grown from a cutting of a tree in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. This tree was gifted by Sam and DeDe Harris to honor Darryle Clott for 20 years of Holocaust education at Viterbo University.

5 p.m.  – Hispanic Heritage Month Community Networking & Mariachi Celebration (HHM Event)
FSPA Lobby

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of vibrant music, meaningful connections, and cultural appreciation. Enjoy live mariachi music and community networking in the spirit of unity and joy.

Thursday, Oct. 2

9-11 a.m.  –  Morning MUG: A Special St. Francis Edition
Sr. Thea Bowman Center

Start your day with coffee, conversation, and community. This special edition of Morning MUG invites reflection on the values of St. Francis and how they shape our campus life.

4:30 p.m. – Blessing and Distribution of Bread to the Neighborhood
Place of Grace (919 Hood Street)

Join us for a short, meaningful ritual rooted in the Franciscan tradition as we offer a special blessing over loaves of bread—symbols of nourishment, hospitality, and community. Following the blessing, we will walk together to share the bread with our neighbors, extending a gesture of peace and goodwill in the spirit of St. Francis.

Immediately afterward, all are warmly invited to stay for a 5 p.m. community dinner at Place of Grace, generously provided by the Secular Franciscans of La Crosse (Tau Shalom) and Campus Ministry.

Friday, Oct. 3

5:15 p.m. – Evening Transitus Prayer Service
San Damiano Chapel

Join the Franciscan community tradition of reflecting on and honoring St. Francis’ sacred passage from earthly life into eternal light.

7 p.m. – Live Band Karaoke (Family Day Event)
Fine Arts Center Recital Hall

If you are in town early for Family Day, join us on Friday night for our first-ever Live Band karaoke competition! All Are Welcome!

Saturday, Oct. 4 – The Feast of St. Francis and Family Day

9 a.m. – Family Day Service Saturday (Family Day Event)
Various Locations in La Crosse

This is an annual tradition in which students and their families join other members of the Viterbo community to undertake community service projects.

  • Parents and students should coordinate their Service Saturday online registration.
  • Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 1. 
  • Projects fill quickly—register early to secure your preferred placement. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Service will be from 9:45- 11:45 a.m. and will return to campus around 12 p.m. for lunch. 

1:30 p.m. - Hidden Trails Corn Maze
West Salem, WI

Students will need to bring their Viterbo ID for free entry for themselves and their family. Arrive anytime between 1:30-3:30 p.m. No registration required.

2 p.m. – St. Francis Day Liturgy
San Damiano Chapel

Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with a special liturgy honoring his life, legacy, and enduring call to peace, simplicity, and care for creation. All are welcome to join in this sacred celebration.

A reception will follow immediately after the liturgy.

4 p.m. – St. Francis Day Pet Blessing
Dancing Francis – Assisi Courtyard

Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends to receive a special blessing in honor of St. Francis, patron saint of animals and ecology. This joyful tradition celebrates the bond between humans and all living creatures.

Pet Supply Drive – Sept. 2–Oct. 4

Donate new, unopened pet supplies for Coulee Region Humane Society 

  • Drop-off: Franciscan Spirituality Center & Viterbo campus locations 
  • Times: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. & during public events 
  • List of needed items: fspa.org/centenary 
  • Online donations: Text PET to 608-650-6464 

5:30 p.m. – Viterbo Mini Golf Invitational (Family Day Event)
Murphy Center Library

Join us in the Todd Wehr Memorial Library for a lively round of mini golf with fun, food, and prizes. Students can play solo, with family/guests, or start a new tradition with your roommates. Stop by the library between 5:30-8:30 p.m. to join in on the fun! No registration required.

Sunday, Oct. 5

11 a.m. and 6 p.m. – Sunday Mass
San Damiano Chapel

Gather with the Viterbo community for Sunday Mass as we conclude St. Francis Week in prayer, gratitude, and celebration of our Franciscan heritage. All are welcome.