Hilbert Franciscan Community
Our Franciscan community at Hilbert welcomes all, valuing a diverse and inclusive institution. We strive to support our campus community in and out of the classroom while challenging them to use their Franciscan education to serve and support others throughout their career.
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.
These core values are service, respect, compassion, peace, hope, joy, integrity, and vision.
An impressive wrought iron sculpture in honor of the life of St. Francis adorns the front of the Hilbert campus. Each of the sculpted panels, created by renowned local artists Mark Griffis and the late Larry Griffis, Jr., depicts a celebrated aspect of St. Francis’ life and his influence on Hilbert.
The Legacy of Franciscanism
The Journey of St. Francis
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 Colette’s strong faith, concern for others and respect for the unique value of each person, still reflect her guiding principle – “in all things charity.”
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
Frequently Asked Mission Questions
Hilbert was founded on the principles of the Catholic faith and the Franciscan philosophy of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. The FSSJs founded Immaculata College, which later became Hilbert College, through the vision and direction of Sister Edwina Bogel. Hilbert maintains the long-established relationship with the congregation, and it is intent on maintaining the Catholic Franciscan mission of the college as originally espoused by its founders. Hilbert’s trustees, administration, faculty, and staff are committed to adhering to and promoting the Franciscan values and traditions. There is also ongoing input from the sisters into the governance of the college, its plans, and future endeavors.
Mother Colette Hilbert, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, held a vision of service which encompassed the poor, the uneducated and those in need. The Franciscan mission of Colette Hilbert is continued at the college which bears her name, through service to as many students as possible who are able to benefit from the educational opportunities provided.
When the FSSJs founded the college, academic excellence and a commitment to the tradition of a rigorous liberal arts foundation was stressed. All efforts to create, sustain and enhance the academic atmosphere of the college and to support academic excellence in its students are still part of the Franciscan mission of the institution. In addition, Hilbert stays true to its Catholic Franciscan foundation by promoting core values of service, respect, compassion, peace, hope, joy, integrity, and vision.
The core values that provide a framework for the Hilbert community to accomplish the college mission are service, respect, compassion, peace, joy, hope, vision, and integrity. Defined in our Franciscan tradition, they are as follows:
- Service is selflessly working and advocating for the well-being of others, especially the poor, the under-educated, and those in need.
- Respect is recognition and reverence for God’s presence in all creation including ourselves, others, and the environment.
- Compassion is heartfelt concern for another person’s suffering or need, accompanied by action to help better the situation.
- Peace is God’s love radiating from the core of one’s being to others, resulting in non-violence, forgiveness, reconciliation, and harmony.
- Hope is the desire for a future good, joined with perseverance and trust that it can be attained with God’s help.
- Joy is a conviction – outwardly manifested in an exuberant demeanor – that throughout the good and despite the bad times in life, the Spirit of God is always within us.
- Integrity is firm adherence to doing what is right no matter what the circumstances may be.
- Vision is the ability to imagine what can be with God’s help.
In teaching our students, Hilbert seeks not only to educate the mind but the heart as well. The core Franciscan values help individuals to relate positively to one another, the environment, and God; to respect human life and life in all forms; to respect the uniqueness of individuals of all classes, cultures, races, and religions; to promote change through vision, hope, and peace; to be persons of integrity; and to be compassionate and of service to others. These values are vital as our students assume their responsibilities as global citizens.
While respecting academic freedom, the Catholic Franciscan values are reflected in our academic curriculum where and when appropriate. In addition, religious studies is one of the required General Education modules. Students must, therefore, take at least one religious studies course. Among those course offerings is a class in Franciscanism.
On the nonacademic side, there are numerous activities and events in keeping with our heritage. Students and parents are introduced at orientation to the story of Mother Colette Hilbert and St. Francis. This is expanded upon in the freshman Foundations Seminar classes. St. Francis Week activities include a Peace Walk, a Franciscan speaker, and blessing of the animals. A Live Nativity is an annual event in December. There is also much involvement in community service projects through Campus Ministry, the Hilbert Honors Program, and campus clubs. And service learning is a component in a variety of courses.
Moreover, there are visible symbols on campus that are reminders of our religious affiliation. Among these are banners imprinted with the Franciscan values that hang in the campus quad; the college’s St. Clare Chapel; Tau crosses in the classrooms; a large San Damiano crucifix that hangs in Franciscan Hall, the college’s administrative building; and a 50-foot long wrought iron outdoor sculpture depicting the life of St. Francis adorns the front of Franciscan Hall, to name just a few.
Absolutely. We’re proud of our Catholic Franciscan heritage, but we also pride ourselves in being ecumenical. Religion is not imposed on anyone at Hilbert, but our Franciscan values may be useful in establishing a good foundation for life.
Other Franciscan Resources
Contact Us
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Dr. Diedre DeBose
Vice President for Mission and Equity
