Last month, the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life at Catholic Theological Union celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special program and honors, including recognition of Fr. Mark Francis, CSV.
CTU honored Fr. Francis alongside two fellow religious. It was part of a conference day keynoted by his successor and fellow former CTU President, Sr. Barbara Reid, OP.
Fr. Francis was President of CTU from 2013 to 2020, during which he established this new center at CTU in 2015 during Pope Francis’ Year of Consecrated Life. The CSCL strives to support research and publications regarding contemporary issues in religious life today and sponsor programs that gather religious women and men for dialogue about modern religious life.
“CTU is a collaborative theological school sponsored by 23 different men’s religious communities with a history of women religious studying for ministry, too. So, providing a center to focus on the theological dimensions of religious life seemed a natural part of our broader mission to be of service to religious communities,” Fr. Francis said. “It was an important way to serve women religious as well as men religious who are not seeking ordained ministry.”
Sr. Chioma Ahanihu, SLW, is the Director of the CSCL, and invited Fr. Francis for this recognition with her deep gratitude. “This milestone is a time to look back with thanksgiving and forward with hope. We cannot imagine marking it without honoring you,” Sr. Chioma told Fr. Francis. “Your visionary leadership helped get the center started. Your dedication and presence have enriched the life of the Center.”
Fr. Francis (middle row, right) with the CTU faculty at graduation in 2016, shortly after the founding of the center.
The founding director was Sr. Maria Cimperman, RCSJ, who Fr. Francis selected following the research she was already doing on religious life. “After its inauguration, the first major topic treated by the center was on religious priesthood. Then, the center then went on to explore intercultural dynamics of religious life and then combatting racism as religious,” Fr. Francis said, describing the unfolding work of the CSCL. “It has been a productive 10 years!”
As the research, dialogue, and ministry continue, this anniversary is a chance to celebrate this first phase. “It is our joy and privilege to recognize you, Fr. Mark, surrounded by the friends, partners, and colleagues who have journeyed with us over these ten years,” Sr. Chioma said.