Saint Francis University Welcomes Franciscan Friars

by Erin McCloskey

Loretto, PA (05/18/2020) — The Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R. proudly announces the addition of several Franscican Friars to the Saint Francis University campus community. The addition of new Franciscans and the positioning of existing Friars into key leadership roles is an important step in the life of the university community.

Fulfilling Mission

Saint Francis University gratefully acknowledges the vision, sacrifice and charism of the Franciscan founders of the friars who have served the campus community loyally over the years. Beginning with the institutions' founding fathers in 1847, the Friars' purpose in coming to Loretto was to bring a Franciscan presence to the area, spread the Gospel, and establish a ministry of education. Fulfilling the vision forged over 170 years ago is as important today as it was upon the founding of the institution. "We have maintained a continuous presence at Saint Francis University in Loretto since 1847. I am happy to welcome additional friars to our university community. They will build on the hard work and ministry of generations of friars", says University President Father Malachi VanTassell, T.O.R., PhD.

Welcoming Friars in Leadership

The announcement by Father Malachi VanTassell, T.O.R., shares that Fr. James Puglis, T.O.R. and current Director of Campus Ministry will fulfill an exciting new role in leading the Alta Via program for Saint Francis University students. The recently launched Alta Via program provides Saint Francis University students an opportunity to join and pursue an initiative that supports an intentionally Catholic college experience. The program was created in an effort to draw new students to enroll at the institution in a carefully crafted initiative. Additionally, Fr. James will guide a new Faculty in Residence program at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School. Br. Matthew Simons, T.O.R., will fulfill the role of Director of Campus Ministry effective July 1. Br. Mattthew will be ordained to the priesthood on July 11 at the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the university campus. The campus community will also welcome Br. Stephen Mary Waruszewski, T.O.R. as a Campus Minister. Brother Stephen served previously as a campus minister during his apostolic year, in 2018-2019.

In welcoming new Franciscan Friars to campus, the institution will work to enhance the already integral role that Campus Ministry plays in the campus community. Saint Francis University currently has several Franciscan Friars presently serving in teaching and administrative roles across the institution. President VanTassell says, "A point of pride at the university is our diverse group of friars who minister to our campus. Our students enjoy interacting with friars of various ages and educational backgrounds, whether in campus ministry or the classroom, at co-curricular or athletics events. Our friars are here to joyfully serve the Saint Francis community."

Saint Francis University (www.francis.edu) in Loretto, PA is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. The guiding principles of the Franciscan Friars are values that are lived each and every day at Saint Francis University. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of generosity, respect, discovery and joy.

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