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The Journey of St. Francis
Your
association with Hilbert makes you a part of the Franciscan community.
Franciscanism dates back to the 12th century in the tiny
Italian village of Assisi from the work of one man: St. Francis of
Assisi. He was more than a saint - he was a prisoner and soldier who
possessed a magnanimity of spirit.
The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis’ prosperous, rebellious life
changed one day with a chance meeting of a leper. Rather than shun this
social outcast, as he and so many others had done in the past, Francis
embraced him. This gesture led Francis to a life of service to God.
Soon after his conversion, Francis was praying before the crucifix
at San Damiano when he heard Christ speak: "Francis, go and repair my
house."
A man of action, Francis began repairing chapels,
financing his work by selling family possessions. Disowned by his
father and jeered by the masses, Francis remained focused on his
mission. He soon realized that God was speaking not of physical
buildings, but of the spiritual Church and souls of people.
Francis’ belief in preaching by living the gospel message attracted
devoted followers whose lives were changed, eventually leading to the
founding of the Franciscan Order.
Although Francis lived only to the age of 44, his message of a life
of simplicity and the power of prayer has never faded. Today, St.
Francis is a symbol of spiritual love, guidance and hope. His ideals of
peace and healing live on at Hilbert.
Taking Franciscanism Into the World
Hilbert
provides an environment that promotes lifelong learning and discovery
in a truly global society. Hilbert students and the community
experience Franciscan values, particularly those of support, joy and
compassion, throughout the campus.
Students witness these values and are challenged to appreciate
issues and problems that go beyond their daily experiences. At Hilbert,
they form their value system in an environment that stresses the
importance of ethical behavior.
As responsible citizens, Hilbert graduates enter the next phase of
their lives with a model for building meaningful relationships
spiritually, personally and professionally. They take the lessons
learned at Hilbert into the world by reflecting Franciscan values in
their homes, neighborhoods and workplaces.
Peace and Joy
At Hilbert, when we think of St. Francis of Assisi, two words come to mind: relationship and love.
Prominent in St. Francis’ life was his relationship with God, whom
he saw as almighty, all powerful, all good, and the Church to which he
showed his loyalty. In other people, Francis saw the reflection of the
person of Christ. He expressed genuine respect for all human beings,
even the least. That love overflowed to all God’s creation, great and
small.
The relationship and love which Francis professed and lived
are the core of the spirit which permeates Hilbert and its people,
giving rise to respect among everyone at the college. It also abounds
in the caring attitude toward all in Hilbert and the surrounding
communities.
We acknowledge our obligation to be our best, utilizing well our
God-given talents. The Hilbert community influences students, alumni
and benefactors to do the same in their lives, in their families, in
their work, and in their communities. It is then that each will attain
the peace and joy of which Jesus and St. Francis speak.
The Light of Clare
Clare was born
into one of the richest noble families in Assisi. When Lady Ortulana
was pregnant with Clare, she received a prophecy that her unborn child
would be a great saint and bring light into a dark world.
Clare was known as a quiet, caring and optimistic young woman. As a
child she was devoted to prayer and yearned for a more spiritual life.
Drawn to Francis’ values, she succeeded in living his vision to the
fullest.
Clare’s fervor and devotion to Francis’ ideals led to the founding
of the Order of the Poor Clares (part of the Franciscan Order), and
later to ensuring the continuation of the Order of Friars Minor
following the death of Francis.
If you consider the analogy of music to words, Francis wrote the
melody and Clare put words to his music. Together they composed a piece
which is unforgettable and still listened to and sung today.
Hilbert’s Legacy
Trusting in God, Colette
Hilbert, a remarkable and saintly woman, left her homeland and family
at the age of 23 to respond to the needs of Polish immigrants in
America.
In 1897 she founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of
St. Joseph and extended her influence in the ministry of education in
elementary and secondary schools for generations.
It was in 1957 that the Franciscan Sisters founded Hilbert College
where Mother Collette’s strong faith, concern for others and respect
for the unique value of each person, still reflect her guiding
principle - "in all things love."
Canticle of the Sun
In his quote "Canticle of the Sun," St. Francis hailed the goodness of:
Brother Sun
Sister Moon and the Stars
Brothers Wind and Air
Brother Fire
Mother Earth
Sister Death
Franciscan Values
A Hilbert education in the Franciscan tradition is based on core values
that guide and provide a framework for the college community to foster
the Franciscan spirit of hope, understanding and peace. Based on these
values, the opportunities for intellectual, social, cultural and
spiritual growth encourage the Hilbert community to develop a
respectful attitude toward learning, a reverence toward persons and
things, and a desire to fashion their lives and communities for the
better.
Committed to its Franciscan tradition, blue and white banners
focusing on these core Franciscan values adorn the Hilbert campus quad.
These values are:
- Vision
- Hope
- Respect
- Integrity
- Service
- Compassion
- Peace
- Joy
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Our Franciscan Community