Newsline  

Franciscan Pilgrims Preparing for Departure to Italy

Release Date:
May 9, 2012
Contact:
Matt Heidt,
716-926-8792
HAMBURG, N.Y. – Three Hilbert College faculty and staff will have an opportunity to develop a
stronger understanding and connection to the institution’s Franciscan foundation and heritage during a pilgrimage to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and Rome being held from May 21-31.
 
Hilbert’s 2012 Franciscan pilgrims are Erika Haygood Gault of Buffalo, assistant professor of liberal studies; Maia Kapuszcak of West Seneca, payroll/benefits coordinator; and Jean MacDonald of Tonawanda, director of student activities. In preparation for their journey, an on campus departure ceremony and blessing for the pilgrims was held on April 25.
 
During the 11-day pilgrimage, participants will visit the major sanctuaries associated with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. They will also participate in historical visits, Eucharistic celebrations, lectures, and other activities. 

Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 1,100 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs, one a master’s in criminal justice administration and the other a master’s in public administration, and new Accelerated Degree Programs geared to adult learners.