An Extraordinary Encounter: Peaceful Dialogue in the Midst of War with Kathleen Warren, OSF

This program is the second in a four-part series in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis. Join us in July and October to continue the series!

Programs

Wednesday, April 15, 6:00 – 8:00 pm CT
Virtual via Zoom  

Presented in collaboration with the Franciscan Federation.

In 2026, we commemorate the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis. In this second presentation of our four-part series, offered in collaboration with the Franciscan Federation, we consider if it is possible that an event from 800 years ago could offer insights for finding ways to bring peace in the midst of violent conflict today? This session will examine an encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and the leader of the Muslim forces during the Fifth Crusade, a period marked by intense conflict. A culture of walls divided the world of Francis and divides our world today, resulting in a “general feeling of frustration, isolation, and desperation,” as Pope Francis writes in Fratelli Tutti.

Come and explore how this extraordinary encounter – and its ramifications for our time – might help us in transforming the misunderstandings and hatred which are rampant today into building blocks for peaceful dialogue and right relationship, the true intentions of God for all people.

This program is the second in a four-part series in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis. Join us in July and October to continue the series!
**Click Here to learn more about and register for the July 15th program
**Click Here to learn more about and register for the October 7th program

Kathleen Warren, OSF, is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester, Minnesota. She holds an MA in Religious Education from Loyola University, Chicago; a Master’s in Franciscan Studies from the Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University; and a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation, South Bend, Indiana. Her doctoral coursework was completed at the Gregorian University in Rome at the Institute for the Study of Religions and Cultures. The title of her 2006 dissertation is Muslims, Christians, and Jews Encounter Francis of Assisi and Each Other: A Paradigm for Doing Peace and Rebuilding the World. She is the author of Daring to Cross the Threshold: Francis of Assisi Encounters Sultan Malek al-Kamil (Wipf and Stock). She is the co-producer, along with Ms. Jaysari Hart, of In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan (Franciscan Media) and was interviewed for the Muslim production of The Sultan and the Saint (Unity Productions Foundation).

$10 per person; please register online at shalomretreats.org or by calling 563.582.3592 by Monday, April 13.*

**Please note that this session will not be recorded per the facilitator’s wishes.**